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Femara Complications

Femara (letrozole) is a chemotherapy drug prescribed for postmenopausal women who have hormone receptor--positive breast cancer. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme known as aromatase, which converts androgen hormones to estrogen. By blocking estrogen production, Femara deprives the tumor of the fuel it needs to grow. Like all drugs, Femara may have unintended negative effects.

  1. Decreased Bone Density

    • Femara may decrease the strength and density of your bones, raising your risk of osteoporosis or bone fracture. If you take Femara, your doctor may want to monitor your bone density to keep your risk of fracture and osteoporosis low.

    Increased Cholesterol Level

    • In a study done by Novartis, the company that markets Femara, the drug increased total cholesterol level in almost 10 percent of women who took it. Your doctor may want to monitor your cholesterol level while you take Femara. If it increases, you may need to take a lipid-lowering drug.

    Fetal Harm

    • Novartis warns that Femara may harm a developing fetus and should never be taken by a woman who is or could become pregnant. Femara is intended only for women who are past menopause. According to breastcancer.org, Femara and other aromatase inhibitors don't stop ovaries from making estrogen, which makes these drugs ineffective for premenopausal women.

    Other Effects

    • Femara also may cause hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, dizziness, sleepiness, joint or bone pain, weight loss, vaginal irritation, nausea, and limb pain. It also may cause a temporary decrease in white blood cells. If you have liver disease, tell your doctor before you take Femara because you may need a reduced dosage.

      Femara probably won't cause all or even most of these side effects in any one person, according to Chemocare.com. What's more, the side effects you do experience will most likely go away once you stop taking Femara.

      If you have bothersome side effects from Femara or any drug, contact your prescribing doctor. You can also report negative drug effects directly to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Medwatch program by visiting http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or calling 800-332-1088.

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