✅ Letrozole 5 mg Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Fertility Benefits

What is Letrozol 5 mg?

Letrozole is a medication primarily used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors, which work by reducing the production of estrogen in the body. Estrogen can promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells. By lowering estrogen levels, letrozole helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells, ultimately improving outcomes in breast cancer treatment.

✅ Indications (Uses)

Letrozole 5 mg is primarily used for:

🔹 1. Breast Cancer (Hormone-Receptor-Positive):

• Postmenopausal women with early or advanced-stage breast cancer
• Often prescribed after surgery, radiation, or other cancer treatments
• Used in adjuvant (preventive) or extended adjuvant settings
• Effective in metastatic breast cancer (HR-positive)

🔹 2. Fertility Treatment (Off-Label Use):

• Stimulates ovulation in women with PCOS or anovulatory infertility
• Alternative to clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction

Always use under the guidance of an oncologist or reproductive specialist.

⚙️ Mechanism of Action

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor, which:

• Blocks the aromatase enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen
• Reduces circulating estrogen levels
• Slows or stops the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells
• In fertility, reduces estrogen feedback, stimulating FSH release and ovulation

🕒 Dosage & Administration

Breast Cancer (Adults/Postmenopausal Women):

• Standard Dose: 2.5 mg once daily
• Some oncologists may prescribe 5 mg for specific cases like resistant tumors or special protocols

Fertility/PCOS (Off-label):

• 5 mg once daily for 5 days, typically starting on Day 3 or Day 5 of the menstrual cycle

Important: Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Dosing and duration may vary depending on condition and treatment goals.

⚠️ Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Joint/muscle pain
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Increased sweating

Less Common/Serious Effects:

• Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Depression or mood changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Liver enzyme changes
• Risk of cardiovascular problems (rare, especially in those with existing risk factors)

🛑 Warnings & Precautions

• Contraindicated in pregnancy – may harm the fetus
• Not recommended for premenopausal women with intact ovarian function (unless used in fertility protocols)
• Use with caution in:
  • Patients with osteoporosis or low bone mineral density
  • Liver dysfunction
  • History of cardiovascular disease
• Monitor:
  • Bone health (DEXA scans for long-term use)
  • Lipid profile
  • Liver function tests if used long-term

🔄 Drug Interactions

• May interact with tamoxifen or other hormone therapies
• No major CYP450 interactions, but inform your doctor of all medications you’re taking
• Avoid combining with estrogen-containing drugs, as it reverses Letrozole’s effect

📦 Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F)
• Keep in original packaging away from light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children

👩‍⚕️ Special Considerations for Fertility Treatment

• Letrozole is preferred over clomiphene in women with PCOS due to:
  • Higher ovulation and live birth rates
  • Lower risk of multiple pregnancies
  • Thinner endometrium risk is lower than clomiphene
• Letrozole is often used as first-line therapy in ovulation induction cycles