Femara tablets are a medication belonging to the aromatase inhibitor class and are used as an effective hormone therapy for postmenopausal women with certain types of breast cancer that depend on estrogen for growth. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is the most common type, in which cancer cells have receptors for estrogen and progesterone, stimulating their growth. Femara works by interfering with this vital hormonal process.
Active ingredients in Femara tablets
Each Femara tablet contains:
Letrozole: 2.5 mg. Letrozole is a nonsteroidal, competitive aromatase inhibitor, the main enzyme responsible for converting androgens (male hormones) to estrogen in postmenopausal women. By inhibiting this enzyme, Femara significantly reduces estrogen levels in the body.
Available strengths
Femara tablets are available in a fixed strength: 2.5 mg per tablet. This strength is the standard dosage used in most cases. Indications for use of Femara tablets
Primary adjuvant therapy: Femara is used after surgery (and in some cases after chemotherapy) to reduce the risk of recurrence of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Extended adjuvant therapy: After completing 5 years of primary adjuvant therapy with tamoxifen (another antiestrogen medication), Femara may be prescribed for an additional 5 years to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
First-line treatment for advanced breast cancer: In cases of metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have not received prior hormone therapy, Femara is an effective first-line treatment option.
Second-line treatment for advanced breast cancer: When other antiestrogens (such as tamoxifen) fail to control advanced breast cancer, Femara may be used as an alternative treatment.