Letrozole 2.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes

Letroz contains letrozole 2.5 mg, an aromatase inhibitor that lowers oestrogen. It is a standard treatment for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer after menopause. Gynaecologists also prescribe short 5-day courses to trigger ovulation in women with PCOS who are trying to conceive.

Typically one or more 2.5 mg tablets daily for 5 days, starting on day 2 to day 5 of your period, as your fertility doctor prescribes. Ovulation usually follows 5 to 10 days after the last tablet, and the doctor may track it with ultrasound. Do not take it beyond the 5 days or in a cycle where you may already be pregnant.

Both induce ovulation. Letrozole is now often preferred in PCOS because studies show higher live-birth rates, less thinning of the uterine lining and a lower twin rate. Clomiphene is cheaper and has longer experience. Your fertility specialist chooses based on your case.

Letrozole is taken early in the cycle and is cleared from the body before ovulation and implantation, and large studies have not shown higher birth-defect rates with this use. It must never be taken once pregnant, so a pregnancy test is done before each course.

Usually 5 years, and sometimes extended to 10 years depending on the risk of recurrence. Take it every day at the same time and do not stop early – even when side effects are annoying, discuss them with your oncologist rather than stopping.

Joint and muscle aches are among the most common side effects. Regular exercise, staying active, warm baths and simple painkillers help; vitamin D levels should be checked. If pain is severe, your oncologist may try a short break or switch to another aromatase inhibitor.

Yes. By removing oestrogen it speeds up bone loss, raising the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Patients on long-term letrozole need a baseline DEXA scan, calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and sometimes bone-protecting medicines.

Both contain letrozole 2.5 mg; Fempro is Cipla's brand and Letroz is Sun Pharma's. They are interchangeable in effect. Letrozole is also listed at Jan Aushadhi stores at a lower price – carry your prescription.

There is no direct interaction, but alcohol can worsen hot flushes, mood and bone loss. Keep it occasional and small.

No. Letrozole is a Schedule H medicine used only under an oncologist or fertility specialist with proper monitoring – never self-medicate for fertility.