Femastin
Generic Name
Letrozole
Manufacturer
PharmaCorp Inc. (Example)
Country
Global (Manufactured in various countries)
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| femastin 1 mg tablet | ৳ 8.03 | ৳ 80.30 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Femastin 1 mg Tablet contains Letrozole, a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
The recommended dose is 1 mg once daily. Continue treatment until tumor progression or for a maximum of 5 years for adjuvant/extended adjuvant therapy, or as prescribed by physician.
Elderly
No dose adjustment required for elderly patients.
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min).
How to Take
Femastin 1 mg Tablet should be taken orally, once daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Mechanism of Action
Letrozole selectively inhibits the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for converting androgens into estrogens. By reducing estrogen levels, it slows down the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Plasma estrogen suppression observed within 24-48 hours of single dose.
Excretion
Mainly via urine (75%), with about 90% of the dose excreted within 2 weeks.
Half life
Approximately 2 days (48 hours).
Absorption
Rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, via CYP3A4 and CYP2A6, to an inactive carbinol metabolite.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Letrozole or any excipients of the tablet.
- Premenopausal women.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Severe hepatic impairment.
Drug Interactions
Estrogen-containing medications
Avoid co-administration as they counteract the pharmacological action of Letrozole.
Tamoxifen or other anti-estrogens
Concurrent use may reduce the efficacy of Letrozole.
Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4/2A6 (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin)
May alter Letrozole metabolism, potentially reducing its plasma concentration.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Limited experience with overdose. Symptoms may include an exaggeration of side effects. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; there is no specific antidote. Induce emesis or perform gastric lavage if recent ingestion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to potential harm to the fetus and infant. Effective contraception should be used by premenopausal women during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Letrozole or any excipients of the tablet.
- Premenopausal women.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Severe hepatic impairment.
Drug Interactions
Estrogen-containing medications
Avoid co-administration as they counteract the pharmacological action of Letrozole.
Tamoxifen or other anti-estrogens
Concurrent use may reduce the efficacy of Letrozole.
Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4/2A6 (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin)
May alter Letrozole metabolism, potentially reducing its plasma concentration.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Limited experience with overdose. Symptoms may include an exaggeration of side effects. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; there is no specific antidote. Induce emesis or perform gastric lavage if recent ingestion.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to potential harm to the fetus and infant. Effective contraception should be used by premenopausal women during treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24-36 months from the date of manufacture, specific to manufacturer.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved (Specific country's regulatory body, e.g., FDA/DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic versions available)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Letrozole has been extensively studied in various clinical trials, including the BIG 1-98 trial (adjuvant breast cancer) and numerous other studies demonstrating its efficacy and safety in different settings of breast cancer treatment.
Lab Monitoring
- Bone mineral density (BMD) before and during treatment due to risk of osteoporosis.
- Cholesterol levels regularly, especially if hyperlipidemia is present.
- Liver function tests periodically.
- Vitamin D levels (consider supplementation).
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients on potential bone density loss and importance of calcium/Vitamin D supplementation.
- Monitor lipid profile and cardiovascular risk factors.
- Educate patients on symptoms requiring immediate medical attention (e.g., signs of blood clots, severe allergic reactions).
Patient Guidelines
- Take the tablet at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- Report any unusual symptoms or severe side effects to your doctor immediately.
- Regular bone density scans and cholesterol checks are important.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Femastin 1 mg Tablet may cause dizziness, fatigue, or drowsiness. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how this medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D.
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise to support bone health.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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