Letrozole Vs. Tamoxifen

Letrozole and tamoxifen are orally administered medications taken as treatment for certain types of breast cancer. Letrozole takes the form of yellow tablets while tamoxifen is widely used in liquid solution form. There are advantages and disadvantages with both of these medications. A doctor must be consulted before beginning any regimen that involves either of these medications.

Features

• Letrazole is the active ingredient in such medications as Femara, which contain 2.5 mg of letrozole in tablets. It is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. The National Cancer Institute defines a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor as, "a drug that decreases the production of sex hormones (estrogen or testosterone) and slows the growth of tumors that need sex hormones to grow."
  Tamoxifen is the active ingredient in medications, such as Soltamox--a solution that contains 15.2 mg of tamoxifen citrate per 5 mL and is the equivalent to 10 mg of tamoxifen.

Uses

• Letrazole is used to treat postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer. The recommended dose is one 2.5 mg tablet to be taken each day. A letrazole treatment plan can last anywhere from one to five years. Tamoxifen is used as a treatment for metastatic breast cancer, and can also be used as an alternative to ovarian irradiation. The recommended dose is between 20 and 30 mg or 10 mL, twice per day for one to five years.

Characteristics

• Each film-coated, 2.5 mg tablet of letrazole is round and dark yellow. Letrazole tablets are slightly biconvex with edges that are beveled. They are imprinted with the markings, "FV" on one side of the tablet and "CG" on the other side. Soltamox is offered in a clear, colorless sugar-free liquid that comes in 150 mL bottles.

Side Effects

• Letrazole has been a generally well received medication that has not resulted in many side effects. In rare cases, patients may experience adverse reactions such as hot flashes, night sweats, weight increase, nausea, headaches and fatigue. Side effects experienced while taking a tamoxifen solution are rarely severe enough to discontinue use. Bone and tumor pain may increase and throat irritation may occur.

Warnings

• Using letrazole while pregnant can cause harm to the fetus. Women should not use letrazole if they are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Dizziness and fatigue can be associated with letrazole use, caution should be taken while driving or operating machinery. Tamoxifen solution should not be refrigerated or frozen. Some people taking tamoxifen have experienced a decrease in platelet counts.