Femistra Tablet

Introduction

Femistra Tablet is a prescription medication used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It contains **Letrozole** as its active ingredient, which is an aromatase inhibitor. Letrozole works by lowering estrogen levels in the body, a hormone that can promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer. By inhibiting the production of estrogen, Femistra helps to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and manage advanced breast cancer. It is often used as part of a treatment plan following surgery or radiation therapy.

Uses of Femistra Tablet

• Treats hormone-sensitive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
• Used as an adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence after surgery or radiation therapy.
• Helps manage advanced breast cancer by reducing estrogen production.
• May be used as a first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

How Femistra Tablet works

Femistra Tablet contains **Letrozole**, which works by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase. Aromatase is responsible for converting androgens into estrogen in the body. By blocking this enzyme, Letrozole reduces estrogen levels, thus slowing down or stopping the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer cells that require estrogen to grow. This helps in preventing the recurrence of breast cancer and managing advanced stages of the disease.

Benefits of Femistra Tablet

• Reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women.
• Helps in the management of advanced breast cancer by lowering estrogen levels.
• Can be used as part of the treatment plan after surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
• Nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor with fewer side effects compared to older treatments.
• Improves long-term survival rates in patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer.

How to take Femistra Tablet

Take **Femistra Tablet** exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is one 2.5mg tablet daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Femistra is generally taken for a period of 5 years in the adjuvant setting, depending on your individual treatment plan. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Side effects of Femistra Tablet

• Common side effects include hot flashes, fatigue, and joint pain.
• Some patients may experience nausea, headaches, or loss of appetite.
• Bone thinning (osteoporosis) may occur with long-term use, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Less common but serious side effects include chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of an allergic reaction.
• If you experience severe side effects such as swelling, dizziness, or mood changes, contact your doctor immediately.

Safety advice

• Before using Femistra Tablet, inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, osteoporosis, or liver problems.
• Femistra is intended for use in postmenopausal women and should not be used by premenopausal women.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as this medication can harm the fetus or infant.
• Do not take Femistra Tablet with other medications that may interfere with its effectiveness unless directed by your doctor.
• Regular monitoring of bone density and other health parameters may be required during treatment to assess for any long-term effects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Femistra Tablet used for?

A: Femistra Tablet is used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It helps prevent the recurrence of breast cancer and manage advanced stages of the disease by lowering estrogen levels.

Q: How should I take Femistra Tablet?

A: Take one tablet daily, with or without food. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

Q: What are the common side effects of Femistra Tablet?

A: Common side effects include hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and headaches. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects that concern you.

Q: Can I take Femistra Tablet during pregnancy?

A: Femistra Tablet is not safe during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Q: How long should I take Femistra Tablet?

A: The duration of treatment with Femistra Tablet depends on your specific condition and treatment plan, but it is generally prescribed for up to 5 years after surgery or other treatments to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.