Letrozole Tablets (Femara) are a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor, indicated for the adjuvant treatment of early-stage or advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Proper administration and monitoring are key to ensuring efficacy and safety.

Precautions for Administration of Letrozole Tablets (Femara)

Contraindications

Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant (letrozole can cause fetal harm).

Patients with hypersensitivity to letrozole or any of its excipients.

Dosage Adjustments for Special Populations

No dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.

Patients with severe hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis) should have their dosage reduced to 2.5 mg once every two days.

No dosage adjustment is needed for patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≥ 10 mL/min).

Women of Childbearing Age

A pregnancy test must be performed before starting medication to confirm non-pregnancy.

Effective contraceptive measures should be used during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after discontinuing the medication.

Adverse Reactions and Management

Common adverse reactions (incidence > 20%) include hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, edema, headache, hypercholesterolemia, increased sweating, and bone pain. Most are mild to moderate and can be relieved by symptomatic treatment.

If severe or persistent discomfort occurs, medical attention should be sought promptly, and the treatment plan should be adjusted if necessary.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use with tamoxifen may reduce the plasma concentration of letrozole; co-administration is not recommended.

No significant interactions have been observed with drugs such as cimetidine and warfarin, but caution is still advised when using them together.

Medication Monitoring for Letrozole Tablets (Femara)

Bone Health Monitoring

Letrozole may cause a decrease in bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Regular monitoring of bone mineral density is recommended during medication use.

If there is a risk of osteoporosis, bisphosphonate drugs may be considered for prevention or treatment.

Lipid Monitoring

Some patients may experience elevated cholesterol levels after taking the medication.

Regular monitoring of lipid levels is recommended.

If hypercholesterolemia occurs, dietary control or drug treatment should be implemented.

Fatigue and Dizziness

Letrozole may cause fatigue, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Caution should be exercised when driving or operating machinery.

If the above symptoms occur, activities requiring high concentration should be avoided.

Liver Function Monitoring

Patients with severe hepatic impairment need dosage adjustment.

Regular liver function tests should be conducted during medication use, especially for patients with pre-existing liver disease.