Common uses

Femara is used for primarily treating certain kinds of breast cancer in women past menopause. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Femara is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by reducing the total amount of estrogen produced primarily in the body. This helps to starve cancer cells by depriving them of estrogen.

Before using

Some medical conditions may interact with Femara. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
• if you have severe liver disease
• if you are still having menstrual periods or have not completely finished menopause
• if you are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Femara. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Tamoxifen because it may decrease Femara 's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Femara may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


Directions

Femara is a pill, taken by mouth. You should take Femara at about the same time each day. You may take Femara with or without food. If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose the next day. You should not stop taking Femara without discussing with your physician. The amount of Femara that you will receive depends on many factors, including your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and how long you will be taking Femara.

Cautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Limit alcohol intake as it may increase the side effects of this drug. Caution, performing tasks, requiring mental alertness (e.g., driving), since it is possible this drug may cause drowsiness. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible side effects

Nausea (feeling sick), and vomiting These effects are rare and usually mild. Feelings of sickness can often be relieved by taking your tablet with food or milk, or at night. Let your doctor know if any of these effects are troublesome, as medicines can usually be prescribed to control them.
Tiredness and headaches These are not common. It is important to get enough rest. Let your doctor know if you are getting headaches, as medicines can be prescribed to help.
Muscular aches and joint pain These are rare, but if they occur let your doctor know, as medication may be prescribed.
Hot flushes These are usually mild and may wear off after a period of time. Some people find that it is helpful to cut down on tea, coffee, nicotine and alcohol. Recent research suggests that progestogen or some types of antidepressants may be helpful in controlling this side effect. Your nurse or doctor can discuss this with you.
Some women have found complementary therapies helpful. Your GP may be able to give you details about obtaining these on the NHS.
Hair thinning Some women notice that their hair thins while taking Femara, although this is usually mild.
Vaginal dryness This may occur while using Femara. Gels that can help to overcome the dryness are available. The gels can be bought from any chemist or can be prescribed by your doctor.
Risk of osteoporosis Women who have osteoporosis (weakened bones) or are at risk of it, should have their bones assessed before and during treatment with Femara. In some situations it may be necessary to start treatment to help prevent osteoporosis.

Drug interactions

Femara may interact with other medicines. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.