Stimu-Let 5mg Tablet (Letrozole 5mg)

INTRODUCTION

STIMULET 5MG contains letrozole which belongs to a group of medicines called aromatase inhibitors. It is a hormonal breast cancer treatment. Oestrogens, the female sex hormones stimulate the growth of breast cancer. This medicine works by blocking an enzyme aromatase which is responsible for the production of oestrogens and thus reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. This in turn blocks the growth of breast cancer that needs oestrogens to grow thus slowing or stopping growth and spreading of cancer cells to other parts of body. It is also used in preventing spreading of tumour to the other parts of body in patients with advanced breast cancer.

It can be used as first treatment in such cases where immediate breast cancer surgery is not suitable or as a follow up treatment after five years of treatment with tamoxifen. Children and adolescents should not use this medicine. STIMULET 5MG may cause osteoporosis (thinning your bones) due to the reduced amount of oestrogens in your body. Your bone density will be measured by your doctor before, during or after treatment.

Take this medicine according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medicine. If you feel dizzy, tired or drowsiness, do not drive or operate any tools or machines. The most common side effects are headache, increase in cholesterol levels, fatigue, hot flushes, increased sweating, joint pain, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, pain in muscles, depression, weight increase and hair loss.

USES OF STIMULET 5MG

Treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women

HOW STIMULET 5MG WORKS

STIMULET 5MG works by blocking an enzyme aromatase which is responsible for the production of oestrogens thus reducing the amount of oestrogen. This in turn blocks the growth of breast cancer and spreading of cancer cells to other parts of body.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take STIMULET 5MG according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medicine. The recommended dose is one tablet a day. It can be taken with or without food.

SIDE EFFECTS OF STIMULET 5MG

SERIOUS
Swelling of face and throat (signs of allergic reaction)
Hepatitis
COMMON
Headache
Increase in cholesterol levels
Fatigue
Hot flushes
Increased sweating, dizziness
Gastrointestinal disorders
Pain in muscles, joint abdominal
Depression
Weight increase, hair loss
Raised blood pressure (hypertension)
Dry skin
Vaginal bleeding
Palpitations, rapid heart rate
Joint stiffness (arthritis)
RARE
Rupture of tendon
Severe fever, chills or mouth ulcers due to infections (lack of white blood cells)
Sudden oppressive chest pain
Severe persistent blurred vision

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to your forehead. Rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Diarrhea:

Drink lot of fluid to avoid dehydration. Avoid taking any other medicines for diarrhea without consulting to your doctor.

Abdominal pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad or a covered hot water pack on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
STIMULET 5MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING
STIMULET 5MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
If you feel dizzy, tired or drowsiness, do not drive or operate any tools or machines.

ALCOHOL
Avoid drinking of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
This medicine should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
This medicine should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to this medicine or any other ingredients in this medicine.

HEART DISEASE
If you have any heart disease, consult your doctor for advice.

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are taking or recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.