What should you know about effects of letrozole?

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. It reduces the body’s production of oestrogen, which can help treat certain hormone-sensitive cancers. Lower oestrogen can also affect joints, muscles, bones, sleep, mood and sexual comfort. Some people have few symptoms, while others find stiffness or flushes interfere with daily activities.

Longer-term treatment may affect bone strength, so your clinician may review bone health and other risk factors. Joint pain can have several causes; describe where it occurs, when it is worst and whether movement improves it rather than assuming the medicine is the only explanation.

Take letrozole exactly as prescribed and do not stop it without discussing the change. Gentle movement, stretching, strength-building activity suited to your health and good sleep habits may help stiffness and energy. Ask about appropriate calcium or vitamin D intake, bone monitoring and non-hormonal options for vaginal or menopausal symptoms. Keep a note of symptoms and missed doses for your review.

Tell your clinician about persistent joint or bone pain, a fall, loss of height, new back pain, troublesome mood changes, or symptoms that make it hard to take the medicine. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, one-sided weakness, or painful swelling in a leg. These symptoms can have causes that need prompt assessment.

How long is letrozole planned for me? How will bone health be checked? Which pain or menopausal treatments are suitable? What should I do after a missed dose?