Fertolet Tablet

Reviews How to Use Benefits Uses Side Effects

Product Info

Prescription required	Yes
Marketer	Cipla Ltd
Active Ingredient	Letrozole (2.5mg)
Storage	Store below 30°C
Chemical Class	Diphenylmethane Derivative
Habit Forming	No
Therapeutic Class	ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class	Aromatase inhibitor
User Rating	5.0
User Reviews	352

FAQ

Does Fertolet affect vision?

Although it is very uncommon, Fertolet may cause a cataract. So, if you experience blurred vision or eye irritation, consult your doctor immediately.

How does Fertolet work?

Fertolet is also known as an anti-estrogen drug. It is called so because it acts by reducing the production of estrogen in your body by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the production of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates the production of certain types of breast cancer in your body. These cancers are called "estrogen-dependent cancers". Reducing the production of estrogen may prevent cancer from growing.

What are the serious side effects of Fertolet?

The serious side effects do not occur in everyone and very few people experience them. The serious side effects of Fertolet include stroke, angina, heart attack, blood clotting, cataract, osteoporosis, and severe skin reactions.

Does Fertolet cause bone loss?

Fertolet may cause thinning or wasting of your bones (osteoporosis), which is due to the decrease in estrogen levels in your body. Your doctor may decide to measure your bone density (a way of monitoring for osteoporosis) before, during and after treatment.

Why have I been prescribed Fertolet?

Fertolet is an aromatase inhibitor. It is generally prescribed to treat breast cancer in women who no longer have periods, either due to menopause or after surgery or chemotherapy.

For how long should I take Fertolet?

If the breast tumor is in the advanced stage or has spread to other parts of the body, it is recommended that you continue taking Fertolet till the tumor shows progression. In cases where Fertolet is given after tamoxifen (another anti-estrogen used for breast cancer) or surgery, it should be given for 5 years or until the tumor comes back, whichever is first. It can also be given as a sequential treatment; 2 years of Fertolet followed by 3 years of tamoxifen.

If I am taking irbesartan to control my blood pressure, can I take Fertolet?

Yes, you can take irbesartan and Fertolet together. However, be careful and keep a regular check on your blood pressure since Fertolet may increase your blood pressure. Consult your doctor in case you have problems controlling your blood pressure.

Can I take Fertolet for induction of ovulation in anovulatory infertility?

As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Fertolet is restricted for use in induction of ovulation in anovulatory infertility.

My friend who is taking Fertolet often sweats a lot. Is it because of Fertolet?

This could be a sign of hot flushes which is a very common side effect of Fertolet. It happens due to decreased estrogen levels. The frequency of hot flushes reduces once your body adjusts to Fertolet. However, in some people, the flushes and sweats may continue during the treatment and stop a few months after the treatment finishes. You can consult your doctor who will provide you a remedy if it is very bothersome.

What if you forget to take Fertolet?

If you miss a dose of Fertolet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.\n

Fertolet Tablet Reviews

Fertolet helps treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women. It may be used alone or with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation. It can also be used in patients with advanced breast cancer to stop the tumor from spreading to other parts of the body.

Fertolet can be taken with or without food. Take it in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor to get the most benefit. The dose and frequency depend on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed.

The most common side effects of this medicine include hot flashes, fatigue, increased sweating, and increased level of cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. Your doctor may suggest ways to prevent or reduce these.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, or have a history of osteoporosis (thinning or wasting of bones). Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor may perform some blood tests to check for vitamin D level or bone density before and during treatment.

How Fertolet Tablet Works

Fertolet is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen (natural female hormone) produced in the body. This decrease in estrogen can slow down or stop the growth of some breast cancers that need estrogen to grow.

How to Use Fertolet Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Fertolet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Benefits of Fertolet Tablet

In Treatment of Breast cancer: Fertolet relieves the symptoms of breast cancer such as breast lumps, bloody discharge from the nipple, or changes in the shape or texture of the breast. It works by altering the production of those hormones in the body that are essential for the growth and spread of breast cancer. It may also interact with other hormones or have a direct effect on cancer to stop its growth.

Uses of Fertolet Tablet

Treatment of Breast cancer

Fertolet Tablet Side Effects

Safety Tips

Alcohol ^SAFE

Consuming alcohol with Fertolet does not cause any harmful side effects.

Pregnancy ^UNSAFE

Fertolet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Breast feeding ^UNSAFE

Fertolet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

Kidney ^{SAFE IF PRESCRIBED}

Fertolet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Fertolet is recommended.However, there is limited information on the use of this medicine in patients with end stage kidney disease. Please consult with your doctor.

Liver ^CAUTION

Fertolet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Fertolet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Driving ^UNSAFE

Fertolet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Quick Tips

You have been prescribed Fertolet for the treatment of breast cancer.
Do not take Fertolet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Your doctor may monitor your cholesterol level and bone mineral density (BMD) regularly as Fertolet can alter their levels.
Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Fertolet affects you.
It may cause increased sweating and hot flushes. Try to keep cool by wearing light and airy clothes.
It can be taken with or without food.

References

Letrozole. East Hanover, New Jersey: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 1997 [revised Jan. 2014].
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
National Health Service. Letrozole. [Last Reviewed: 21 Jul 2020].
Moy B, Lee RJ, Smith M. Natural Products in Cancer Chemotherapy: Hormones and Related Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1762.
Masters SB. Hypothalmic & Pituitary Hormones. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 718.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 786-87.
Letrozole [Prescribing Information]. East Hanover, New Jersey: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2020.
Letrozole [Package Insert]. Mumbai, India: HOPE Lifecare.