Letrozole: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Letrozole is a medication often used in the treatment of breast cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors, which work by blocking the enzyme aromatase. This enzyme is responsible for converting androgens into estrogen, a hormone that can fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer.
How Does Letrozole Work?
Letrozole works by inhibiting aromatase, thus reducing the production of estrogen in the body. By lowering Letrozol Heumann 2,5 mg estrogen levels, it helps to slow down or stop the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells.
What Is Letrozole Used For?
Letrozole is commonly prescribed to postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It may be used as an adjuvant treatment after surgery or other treatments, or as a first-line therapy for advanced breast cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Letrozole:
- How should I take letrozole?
- What are the potential side effects of letrozole?
- Can letrozole be used in premenopausal women?
It is usually taken orally once a day with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Common side effects may include hot flashes, fatigue, joint pain, and nausea. Serious side effects like osteoporosis or high cholesterol may occur in some patients.
Letrozole is typically not recommended for use in premenopausal women, as it may interfere with normal hormonal balance.
In conclusion, letrozole is an important medication used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. By blocking the production of estrogen, it helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells and improve outcomes for patients. If you have been prescribed letrozole, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and discuss any concerns or side effects with them.