Is letrozole a SERM?

Asked by: Kirk Howell

Are aromatase inhibitors SERMs?

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) work by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast tissue. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) work by blocking an enzyme (aromatase) that is responsible for producing estrogen within the body in postmenopausal women (or women after menopause).

What type of inhibitor is letrozole?

Letrozole is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen produced by the body. This can slow or stop the growth of some types of breast cancer cells that need estrogen to grow.

What are the SERM drugs?

Two of the most common SERMs are tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) and raloxifene (Evista). There are several others as well, including lasofoxifene, bazedoxifene, and clomiphene citrate. Keep reading to learn more about the types of SERMs and how they work to treat different conditions.

Is letrozole a tamoxifen?

The aromatase inhibitor letrozole is a more effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer and more effective in the neoadjuvant setting than tamoxifen. We compared letrozole with tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for steroid-hormone-receptor–positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

What is the difference between letrozole and tamoxifen?

Hormone therapy using letrozole may fight breast cancer by reducing the production of estrogen. Hormone therapy using tamoxifen may fight breast cancer by blocking the uptake of estrogen by the tumor cells. If is not yet known which treatment regimen is most effective for breast cancer.

What is the difference between anastrozole and letrozole?

Anastrozole works by blocking aromatase enzyme, which is involved in estrogen production in the body. This leads to decreased tumor size or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women. Letrozole is an oral, anti-estrogen drug that is used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

What are the 3 estrogen blockers?

There are three aromatase inhibitors: anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole.

What drugs should not be taken with letrozole?

Some products that may interact with this drug include: estrogens (such as ethinyl estradiol, conjugated estrogens), estrogen blockers (such as anastrozole, tamoxifen), tibolone.

Does letrozole suppress estrogen?

Letrozole use will result in a decrease in the levels of estrogen. This decrease in estrogen tells a part of the brain (called the pituitary gland) to make more of a hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).

What are the long term side effects of letrozole?

Side effects that are more likely to take a few months to develop and persist long term include:

• blood changes, such as decreases in white blood cell counts or platelets.
• edema (swelling that usually affects your hands, feet, legs, or arms)
• hair loss.
• high cholesterol.

Why do bodybuilders take letrozole?

Athletes who abuse anabolic steroids might use an aromatase inhibitor like letrozole to prevent the formation of estrogens, and therefore reduce or prevent the unwanted and feminizing effects of anabolic steroid use. These side effects include male breast development (gynecomastia), water retention, and belly fat.

What happens when you stop taking letrozole after 5 years?

Stopping letrozole
Some people worry about stopping their treatment, but there’s evidence that letrozole continues to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back for many years after you stop taking it. However, not taking the drug for the recommended time may increase the risk of your breast cancer coming back.

Can letrozole affect your teeth?

Does letrozole cause teeth-related side effects? Teeth-related side effects weren’t reported with letrozole use during studies. Letrozole can cause bone pain and joint pain. If these affect your jaw, it’s possible the pain could spread and feel like tooth pain.

How long can you stay on letrozole?

Most people are given letrozole for 5 years, but some will take it for up to 10 years. Common side effects can be like menopause symptoms and include hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, tiredness and low mood. Side effects usually improve after a few months as your body gets used to the medicine.

Does letrozole cause memory loss?

Letrozole also compromised the function of neurons in the hippocampus and impaired spatial memory.

What does letrozole do to the brain?

The new studies, carried out in both male and female marmosets, showed that letrozole therapy caused behavior changes consistent with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, and negatively impacted on the physiology of neurons in the brain’s hippocampus region.

Can letrozole cause sleep problems?

You may have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, vaginal irritation such as dryness and itching, and reduced libido (sex drive). Many people find that symptoms improve over time.

Is anxiety a side effect of letrozole?

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: bone fractures, mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety), swelling of arms/legs, blurred vision, persistent nausea/vomiting, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin..

Can I take vitamin D with letrozole?

No interactions were found between letrozole and Vitamin D3.

Does letrozole affect the eyes?

Cases of rare side effects such as papilloedema, macular oedema, and uveitis associated with anastrozole and letrozole have been reported. Studies demonstrating retinopathy, in the form of crystalline retinopathy, hemicentral retinal artery occlusion, and retinal haemorrhages, are also noted.

What vitamins can I take with letrozole?

Based on the results of the study, we recommend supplementation of 4000 IU/day vitamin D3 and 1000 mg/day calcium in postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with letrozole who have serum 25 (OH) vitamin D concentration of < 10 ng/mL for 6 weeks.

Does B12 interfere with letrozole?

Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between letrozole and Vitamin B12.

Does vitamin C interfere with letrozole?

Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between letrozole and Vitamin C.

Can I take CoQ10 with letrozole?

Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between CoQ10 and letrozole.

Can you take probiotics with letrozole?

Ribociclib may increase the blood levels and effects of letrozole. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.

Can you take fish oil with letrozole?

Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Fish Oil and letrozole.