WHAT IS Femara/Letrozole?

Femara/LETROZOLE blocks the production of estrogen. Certain types of breast cancer grow under the influence of estrogen. Femara/Letrozole helps block tumor growth. This medicine is used to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Femara/Letrozole?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• urinary tract infection
• severe pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
• vision or speech changes
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, or hives
• swelling of the ankles or feet
• unusually weak or tired
• bone fracture
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• chest pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• weight gain or loss
• headache
• stomach pain
• tiredness or weakness
• hot flashes, night sweats
• bone, back, joint, or muscle pain
• nausea
• sleeplessness
• loss of appetite
• dizziness
• flushing
• increased sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Femara/Letrozole?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to Femara/letrozole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• liver disease
• not finished menopause
• osteoporosis (weak bones)

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Femara/Letrozole?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups to monitor your condition.

Do not use this drug if you are pregnant. Serious side effects to an unborn child are possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Femara/Letrozole?

Store at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Femara/Letrozole?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• estrogens, like hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• dietary supplements such as androstenedione or DHEA
• Nolvadex/tamoxifen
• prasterone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

HOW SHOULD I USE Femara/Letrozole?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You may take it with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.