Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. It is generally prescribed to treat breast cancer in women who no longer have periods, either due to menopause or after surgery or chemotherapy.

Letrozole is also known as an anti-estrogen drug. It is called so because it acts by reducing the production of estrogen in your body by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for production of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates the production of certain types of breast cancer in your body. These cancers are called "estrogen-dependent cancers". Reducing the production of estrogen may prevent the cancer from growing.

If the breast tumor is in advanced stage or has spread to other parts of the body, it is recommended that you continue taking Letrozole till the tumor shows progression. In cases where Letrozole is given after tamoxifen (another anti-estrogen used for breast cancer) or surgery, it should be given for 5 years or until tumor comes back, whichever is first. It can also be given as a sequential treatment; 2 years of Letrozole followed by 3 years of tamoxifen.

Yes, you can take irbesartan and Letrozole together. However, be careful and keep a regular check on your blood pressure since Letrozole may increase your blood pressure. Consult your doctor in case you have problems controlling your blood pressure.

Although it is very uncommon but Letrozole may cause cataract. So, if you experience blurred vision or eye irritation, consult your doctor immediately.

This could be a sign of hot flushes which is a very common side effect of Letrozole. It happens due to decreased estrogen levels. The frequency of hot flushes reduces once your body adjusts to Letrozole. However, in some people the flushes and sweats may continue during the treatment and stop a few months after the treatment finishes. You can consult your doctor who will provide you a remedy if it is very bothersome.

The serious side effects do not occur in everyone and very few people experience them. The serious side effects of Letrozole include stroke, angina, heart attack, blood clotting, cataract, osteoporosis and severe skin reactions.

Letrozole may cause thinning or wasting of your bones (osteoporosis), which is due to the decrease in estrogen levels in your body. Your doctor may decide to measure your bone density (a way of monitoring for osteoporosis) before, during and after treatment.

As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Letrozole is restricted for use in induction of ovulation in anovulatory infertility.