Letrozole and ribociclib: what should you know?

Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor taken by mouth. Ribociclib is a targeted medicine that blocks proteins involved in cell-cycle progression. The combination can require a planned schedule, including treatment days and rest days for ribociclib. Your prescribed calendar matters, so use a written record or reminder.

Letrozole may cause hot flushes, joint aches, vaginal dryness, tiredness, and effects on bone strength. Ribociclib can cause tiredness, nausea, diarrhoea, changes in blood counts, liver irritation, or changes in the heart’s electrical rhythm. Not everyone experiences these effects.

Take both medicines only as directed and do not double a missed dose unless your team tells you to. Provide a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter products, supplements, and foods that may interact with treatment. Avoid starting a new medicine without checking.

Attend scheduled blood tests and heart checks if requested. Tell the team about liver disease, heart-rhythm problems, fainting, fever, or previous low blood counts. Keep a thermometer available and note fever, mouth changes, bowel symptoms, and unusual tiredness.

Contact your oncology team urgently for a fever, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe diarrhoea, or a racing or irregular heartbeat. Seek emergency help for chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, confusion, or sudden weakness.

Ask for a clear ribociclib calendar, the tests needed before and during treatment, which medicines or foods may interact, what to do after vomiting or a missed dose, and which symptoms require immediate advice.