What It Is:
Letrozole is a drug that is commonly used to treat estrogen-dependent tumors, particularly breast cancer in older, post-menopausal women. While not approved by the FDA for this use, it has been shown to induce ovulation in women who do not ovulate. For this reason, some infertility specialists are using the drug in women who cannot tolerate or who do not respond well to Clomid.
Dosing:
Letrozole comes in 2.5mg tablets and is taken once a day for 5 days, usually beginning on day three or day five of your menstrual cycle. You may need monitoring through blood tests and/or ultrasounds to determine when you are approaching ovulation.
Side Effects:
Side effects include:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- headache
- bone or muscle pain
- hot flashes
Risks of Birth Defects:
It is important to note that this medication is incompatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, please understand that you are taking this drug before you become pregnant, so it does not increase your risk for having a child with birth defects. You should not take this drug while already pregnant, so make sure to mention a suspected pregnancy to your doctor beforehand.
