Letrozole is a medicine used for treating breast cancer. It can also help prevent breast cancer coming back.
It is mainly prescribed for women who have been through the menopause and have a type of cancer called “hormone-dependent” breast cancer.
Most people who take letrozole will have had surgery, radiotherapy or sometimes chemotherapy to treat their breast cancer first.
Letrozole comes as tablets. It is available on prescription only.
Letrozole can sometimes also be used:
- to prevent breast cancer if you are high risk and have been through the menopause
- to treat breast cancer in men and younger women
- as a fertility treatment if you have polycystic ovary syndrome
Letrozole can be taken by adults only (aged 18 years and over).
Letrozole is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting on this medicine if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to letrozole or any other medicines in the past
- still have periods
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- have serious kidney or liver disease
- have been told you have fragile or brittle bones (osteoporosis)