The fertility drug Femara is also known as Letrozole. Originally used in the treatment of breast cancer, the drug was found to be effective for infertility. Initial studies show Femara is more effective than the very popular Clomid.
Femara and Clomid have similar results, but work differently. Clomid works by blocking estrogen receptors. Femara works as a aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme which results in the production of estrogen. By blocking this enzyme, estrogen levels are decreased.
Both drugs have similar side effects, resulting from the lower estrogen levels when taking either drug. The most common side effects on Femara include breast tenderness, hot flashes and headaches.
Your instructions for use will depend on whether you are having any other infertility treatments. If not, you will be instructed to begin taking the medication after an office visit for blood work and an ultrasound. You will take the medication and use a home ovulation predictor kit to detect ovulation.
If you are having IUI with the medication, you will either use home predictor kits or come into the office for ultrasounds to monitor your ovaries. The IUI will be scheduled according to the results of the ultrasound and when the eggs are ready.
There has been a study questioning the safety of Femara during pregnancy. The study was done on rats and mice and showed a slightly increased risk of birth defects. No studies have been done on humans and there is no data to demonstrate a risk to humans.
Since it is unlikey that you would actually take the medicine and already be pregnant, the risk is said to be minimal. Doctors are generally sure you aren’t pregnant since you will have your period, blood tests and ultrasound prior to beginning the medicaiton at the start of each cycle. However, stranger things have been known to happen. If there is the slightest chance you could be pregnant, do not take this medicine.
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