Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is letrozole. You may hear it called by the brand name 'Femara'. It helps treat certain types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Letrozole reduces the amount of estrogen in the body. It may have other uses, too.

Letrozole is often taken once daily, at the same time each day. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. You can take it with or without food.

Common side effects include hot flashes, flushing, headache, sweating, and swelling in the ankles. Other effects include feeling achy in the muscles, joints or bone. Some people feel tired, weak or a little dizzy. You should wait until you know how it affects you before doing things that require you to be alert, like driving. These effects are normal if they are mild. If these or other effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, more serious side effects could occur. With letrozole, these include high cholesterol, weak bones, bone fracture and osteoporosis. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will order tests to watch for these effects. 

Letrozole can cause harm to unborn babies if given to a pregnant woman. If you are able to become pregnant, please talk to your doctor about birth control options. Also, talk to your doctor about possible effects this medicine can have on fertility. You should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.

For best results with letrozole, be sure to plan ahead for refills.