Ovazol
Form: Tablet
Strength: 2.5mg
Generic Name: Letrozole
Company: ACI Limited
MRP:৳ 40.0 (Box=5)
Per Piece: ৳ 8.00
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Ovazol is used to treat postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. Ovazol is also used after 5 years of tamoxifen therapy in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer (whether the estrogen or progesterone receptor status is positive or unknown). Ovazol is a first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with advanced hormone-dependent breast cancer. Ovazol is also used for treating advanced breast cancer in women with natural or artificially induced postmenopausal status who have already been treated with antiestrogens. Additionally, Ovazol is used before surgery for postmenopausal women with localized hormone receptor-positive breast cancer to make breast-conserving surgery possible.
Pharmacology
Ovazol is a strong and specific nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. Ovazol works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which reduces estrogen production in the body. This helps slow down or stop the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells. After menopause, estrogens mainly come from the aromatase enzyme, which converts other hormones (like testosterone and androstenedione) into estrogen. By blocking this enzyme, estrogen levels are lowered in both normal and cancerous tissues.
In healthy postmenopausal women, single doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5mg reduce estrogen levels by up to 78%. The effect is maximum after 48-78 hours. In women with advanced breast cancer, daily doses of 0.1 to 5mg reduce estrogen levels by 78-95%. Letrozole has no effect on androgen levels, and Ovazol does not cause the accumulation of androgenic precursors. Ovazol is also not known to impair adrenal steroid production.
Dosage & Administration
Adult and Elderly Patients: The recommended dose is 2.5 mg once daily. Treatment should continue for 5 years or until the tumor relapses. For metastatic disease, treatment continues until the tumor progresses. No dosage adjustment is needed for elderly patients.
Patients with Liver or Kidney Problems: No dosage change is needed for patients with mild liver or kidney issues. However, patients with severe liver problems should be monitored closely.
Children: Ovazol is not applicable for children.
Interaction
Studies with cimetidine and warfarin show no significant interactions with letrozole, even though cimetidine is known to affect the enzymes that metabolize letrozole.
Contraindications
Ovazol is not suitable for people who are allergic to letrozole, other aromatase inhibitors, or any of its ingredients. Ovazol should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in pre-menopausal women. Ovazol is also not recommended for patients with severe liver problems.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Hot flashes, increased cholesterol, fatigue, sweating, bone and joint pain, skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, feeling unwell, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, appetite changes, muscle pain, bone thinning (leading to fractures), swelling of limbs, depression, weight gain, hair loss, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, dry skin, vaginal bleeding, rapid heart rate, joint stiffness, chest pain.
Rare Side Effects: Anxiety, irritability, drowsiness, memory issues, sleep disturbances, carpal tunnel syndrome, blurred vision, eye irritation, itching, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, frequent urination, cough, yellowing of skin/eyes, high bilirubin levels.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Letrozole has been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies, so Ovazol should not be used during pregnancy. Ovazol is also not recommended for breastfeeding women as Ovazol may pass into breast milk.
Precautions & Warnings
Patients with moderate liver problems should be careful when using letrozole, although no dosage change is needed. Kidney impairment does not require dosage adjustments. Letrozole is weakly bound to plasma proteins, so Ovazol may be removed from the body through dialysis. Some patients may experience fatigue and dizziness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
Overdose Effects
There is no specific treatment for overdose. Since letrozole is not strongly protein-bound, dialysis may be helpful. If the patient is alert, vomiting may be induced. Supportive care and monitoring of vital signs are recommended.
Therapeutic Class
Ovazol is a hormonal chemotherapy drug.
Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
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