Letrozole Tablet (Letrozole) ke quick uses, dose guide, side effects, warnings, aur buying price range.
Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated:
Form
TABLET
Strength
2.5mg
Manufacturer
Novartis / local manufacturers
Estimated price
Price not listed
Adult dose: As prescribed by oncologist or gynaecologist
Child dose: Not indicated in children
Read full Dosage guide →| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Femara (Novartis) / local brands |
| Generic Name | Letrozole |
| Drug Class | Aromatase Inhibitor |
| Form | Tablet |
| Strength | 2.5mg |
| Prescription | Rx |
| Price | Confirm at the pharmacy |
| Packaging | 28–30 tablets per box (standard monthly pack) |
| Primary Indications | (1) HR+ Breast Cancer (postmenopausal) — oncologist; (2) PCOS / Ovulation Induction — gynaecologist |
| Storage | Below 30°C |
> Important: Letrozole is taken only on specialist prescription. This medication is used for two completely different conditions — breast cancer and PCOS — each requiring a different doctor and different supervision.
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Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor medication. It stops or reduces estrogen production in the body by blocking the aromatase enzyme (CYP19A1), which converts androgens into estrogen.
Doctors in Pakistan prescribe Letrozole for two main conditions:
1. HR+ Breast Cancer (postmenopausal women): Estrogen fuels hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Letrozole reduces estrogen levels to stop the growth of cancer cells. Oncologists prescribe it for postmenopausal women in adjuvant, extended adjuvant, or metastatic settings.
2. PCOS / Ovulation Induction (off-label — gynaecologist supervised): Gynaecologists in Pakistan widely use Letrozole for PCOS or anovulatory infertility. It is technically off-label but is an established part of gynaecological practice internationally and in Pakistan. It should only be taken under gynaecologist supervision.
Never take Letrozole without doctor supervision — this medication falls in the YMYL (your money or your life) category and incorrect use can cause serious harm, especially in pregnancy.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HR+ Breast Cancer | Postmenopausal women, under oncologist supervision |
| PCOS / Infertility | Premenopausal women, under strict gynaecologist supervision |
| Self-Medication | Never — this medication is dangerous without a specialist prescription |
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> CRITICAL SAFETY — PREGNANCY: > Letrozole is ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy. This medication is highly teratogenic — it can cause serious harm to the fetus and may cause birth defects. If you are pregnant or pregnancy is suspected, see a doctor immediately and stop the medication.
Letrozole should not be taken by:
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> Important disclaimer: Dose is determined only by a specialist. Do not self-prescribe any dose.
Educational context (from BNF):
Confirm with your doctor: Each patient's dose may differ based on their condition, medical history, and other medications.
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Letrozole can be taken with or without food. If stomach discomfort occurs, taking it with food is better.
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> FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT WARNING: > ABSOLUTELY NOT in pregnancy. Letrozole is teratogenic — it causes serious harm to the fetus. Even during fertility treatment, the doctor and patient together maintain close monitoring. If pregnancy is suspected, see a doctor immediately.
All warnings:
1. ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION: Pregnancy — Letrozole must never be taken in pregnancy. It is highly teratogenic to the fetus. 2. Premenopausal women: If not taking it for breast cancer, and not under gynaecologist supervision for fertility treatment, use effective contraception for the duration of treatment. 3. Bone density monitoring: With long-term use, bone density should be monitored via DEXA scan — there is a risk of osteoporosis. 4. Allergy: Do not take if allergic to Letrozole or any of its ingredients. 5. Breast cancer indication: For breast cancer, this is only for postmenopausal women — premenopausal breast cancer is treated with tamoxifen or other medications.
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| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Hot flushes | Sudden feeling of heat/warmth |
| Joint pain (arthralgia) | Pain in joints |
| Fatigue | Tiredness |
| Headache | Head pain |
| Nausea | Feeling of sickness |
| Bone loss (long-term) | Decreased bone density |
These effects are generally manageable. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome.
| Serious Effect | When to Contact Doctor |
|---|---|
| Osteoporosis / fracture risk | Immediately on bone pain or new fracture |
| DVT (deep vein thrombosis) | Leg swelling, pain, or redness |
| Pulmonary embolism | Chest pain, difficulty breathing |
| Cardiovascular events | Chest pain, irregular heartbeat |
> If any of these signs appear, contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.
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| Medication | Effect |
|---|---|
| Tamoxifen | Can reduce Letrozole plasma levels — generally not given together |
| Estrogen products (HRT, combined oral contraceptives) | Counteract Letrozole's mechanism — may reduce efficacy |
Important: Before starting any new medication, always inform your doctor about Letrozole use. This applies equally to herbal medicines, supplements, and OTC medicines.
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Contact your doctor or emergency immediately if:
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| Alternative | Brand/Local | Generic Name | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anastrozole | Arimidex / local brands | Anastrozole | HR+ breast cancer (postmenopausal) |
| Exemestane | Aromasin / local brands | Exemestane | HR+ breast cancer (postmenopausal) |
| Tamoxifen | Nolvadex / local brands | Tamoxifen | Premenopausal breast cancer / HR+ |
| Clomiphene citrate | Clomid / local brands | Clomiphene citrate | PCOS ovulation induction (traditional) |
> Your doctor decides which medication is right for you — do not switch to alternatives on your own.
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Letrozole price in Pakistan varies by pharmacy, brand (Novartis Femara vs local generics), and city. No confirmed price range is currently available — confirm the up-to-date price at your local pharmacy.
This is a prescription-only medication — purchase from a licensed pharmacy with a doctor's prescription.
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Q: What is Letrozole used for?
A: Letrozole (Femara) is used on doctor's prescription for two different conditions: (1) HR+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women — prescribed by an oncologist; (2) ovulation induction in PCOS or infertility — prescribed by a gynaecologist. Do not take without a doctor.
Q: What are the side effects of Letrozole?
A: Common side effects include hot flushes, joint pain (arthralgia), fatigue, and decreased bone density. Serious effects can include osteoporosis, cardiovascular events, and VTE. Regular follow-up with your doctor is essential.
Q: How is Letrozole used in PCOS?
A: For ovulation induction in PCOS, Letrozole is taken only under gynaecologist supervision. Typically from the second or third day of the cycle for 5 days — but the exact dose and timing are decided by the doctor. Do not start on your own.
Q: What is the price of Letrozole in Pakistan?
A: The price varies by pharmacy and brand. For updated pricing, confirm at your local pharmacy or a licensed online platform.
Q: Is Letrozole safe in pregnancy?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. Letrozole is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy — it is highly teratogenic (harmful) to the fetus. Even during fertility treatment, the doctor maintains close monitoring. If pregnancy is suspected, see a doctor immediately and stop the medication.
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Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17
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The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.
Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Letrozole Tablet.
Other medicines commonly used for pcos (polycystic ovary syndrome) and overlapping conditions.
Myo-Inositol Sachet
Myo-Inositol
Acarbose Tablet
Acarbose
Aldactone Tablet
Spironolactone
Clomid Tablet
Clomiphene Citrate
Diane-35 Tablet
Cyproterone Acetate + Ethinyl Estradiol
ECP Tablet
Levonorgestrel
Letrozole (Femara) is used on doctor's prescription for two different conditions: (1) HR+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women — prescribed by an oncologist; (2) ovulation induction in PCOS or infertility — prescribed by a gynaecologist. Do not take without a doctor.
Common side effects include hot flushes, joint pain (arthralgia), fatigue, and decreased bone density. Serious effects can include osteoporosis, cardiovascular events, and VTE. Regular follow-up with your doctor is essential.
For ovulation induction in PCOS, Letrozole is taken only under gynaecologist supervision. Typically from the second or third day of the cycle for 5 days — but the exact dose and timing are decided by the doctor. Do not start on your own.
The price varies by pharmacy and brand. For updated pricing, confirm at your local pharmacy or a licensed online platform.
ABSOLUTELY NOT. Letrozole is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy — it is highly teratogenic (harmful) to the fetus. Even during fertility treatment, the doctor maintains close monitoring. If pregnancy is suspected, see a doctor immediately and stop the medication.
This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.