Stopping letrozole after 2 years

Letrozole lowers oestrogen production and may be prescribed to reduce the chance of hormone-sensitive breast cancer returning, or for another specific treatment goal. The planned duration is based on the original diagnosis, menopausal status, previous treatments, recurrence risk, bone health, and how well you tolerate the medicine. Stopping early may change the intended benefit, while continuing despite troublesome effects may also need adjustment. Your clinician may discuss restarting, switching treatment, checking side effects, or stopping for a reason that has been agreed together.

Contact the prescribing team and explain why you are considering stopping. Do not double a dose after a missed tablet unless your clinician tells you to. Keep a list of joint or muscle symptoms, hot flushes, mood changes, vaginal symptoms, and any medicines or supplements. Ask whether you need a bone-health review or a different aromatase inhibitor. Information about the medicine is available under Aromatase Inhibitor Drugs, and the treatment overview explains how Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy is used.

Seek prompt medical advice for a new severe headache, chest pain, breathlessness, one-sided weakness, sudden leg swelling, or a serious allergic reaction. Contact your oncology team soon if side effects are affecting walking, sleep, mood, or daily function; a supervised change can be safer than stopping alone.

Ask what benefit was intended from the planned course, what could change if treatment stops now, and whether another endocrine option fits your situation. Ask how to manage bone, joint, or menopausal effects, which symptoms need urgent review, and how follow-up will be arranged.