Femara

What is the most important information I should know about Femara?
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Before taking Femara, tell your doctor if you have liver disease.You may not be able to use Femara or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
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Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
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Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
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There may be other drugs that can affect Femara. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
What is Femara?
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Femara blocks the use of estrogen by certain types of breast cancer that require estrogen to grow.
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Femara is used with other medicines to treat breast cancer in women who have reached menopause.
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Femara may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Femara?
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Before taking Femara, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to use Femara or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
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FDA pregnancy category D: This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use Femara if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
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It is not known whether Femara passes into breast milk. Do not take Femara if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Femara?
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Take Femara exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
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Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
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Femara is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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Femara can be taken with or without food.
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To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your bone mineral density may also need to be checked. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
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Store Femara at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
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An overdose of Femara is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking Femara?
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Femara can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What are the possible side effects of Femara?
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Stop using Femara and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
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hot flashes, warmth or redness in your face or chest;
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headache, muscle or joint pain;
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night sweats;
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weight gain;
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fatigue, feeling weak;
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nausea; or
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swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Femara?
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There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Femara. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about Femara written for health professionals that you may read.