DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS. 2.5 mg tablets: yellow, round film-coated tablets embossed with WW at one side and 74 on the other side of 6mm diameter.. 2.5 milligram film -coated tablets (3).

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS. TamoxifenCoadministration of Letrozole Tablets and tamoxifen 20 mg daily resulted in reduction of letrazole plasma levels of 38% on average. Clinical experience in the second-line breast cancer trials indicates that the therapeutic effect of Letrozole Tablets therapy is not impaired if Letrozole Tablets is administered immediately after tamoxifen.CimetidineA pharmacokinetic interaction study with cimetidine showed no clinically significant effect on letrazole pharmacokinetics.WarfarinAn interaction study with warfarin showed no clinically significant effect of letrozole on warfarin pharmacokinetics.Other anticancer agentsThere is no clinical experience to date on the use of Letrozole Tablets in combination with other anticancer agents.

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. The most serious adverse reactions from the use of Letrozole Tablets are:Bone effects [s e arnings and Pr ec autions 5.1 ] Increases in cholesterol [s e arnings and Pr ec utions 5.2 ] Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.. Bone effects [s e arnings and Pr ec autions 5.1 ] Increases in cholesterol [s e arnings and Pr ec utions 5.2 ] The most common adverse reactions (>20%) were hot flashes, arthralgia (6.1); flushing, asthenia, edema, arthralgia, headache, dizziness, hypercholesterolemia, sweating increased, bone pain (6.2, 6.3); and musculoskeletal (6.4).To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-877-233-2001 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. The median treatment duration of adjuvant treatment was 60 months and the median duration of follow-up for safety was 73 months for patients receiving Letrozole Tablets and tamoxifen.Certain adverse reactions were prospectively specified for analysis, based on the known pharmacologic properties and side effect profiles of the two drugs.Adverse reactions were analyzed irrespective of whether symptom was present or absent at baseline. Most adverse reactions reported (approximately 75% of patients reporting or more AE) were Grade or Grade applying the Common Toxicity Criteria Version 2.0/ Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. Table describes adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) irrespective of relationship to study treatment in the adjuvant trial for the monotherapy arms analysis (safety population).Table 1: Patients with Adverse Reactions (CTC Grades 1-4, Irrespective of Relationship to Study Drug) in the Adjuvant Study Monotherapy Arms Analysis (Median Follow-up 73 Months; Median Treatment 60 Months)Grades 1-4 Grades 3-4 Adverse Reaction LetrozoleTablets USPN=2448 (%) tamoxifen N=2447 (%) LetrozoleTablets USP N=2448 (%) tamoxifen N=2447 (%) Pts with any adverse event 2310 (94.4)2214 (90.5)635 (25.9)604 (24.7)Hypercholesterolemia 1280 (52.3)700 (28.6)11 0.4)6 0.2)Hot Flashes/Flushes 821 (33.5)929 (38.0)0 -0 -Arthralgia/Arthritis 618 (25.2)501 (20.4)85 3.5)50 2.0)Night Sweats 357 (14.6)426 (17.4)0 -0 -Bone Fractures2 338 (13.8)257 (10.5)- -- -Weight Increase 317 (12.9)378 (15.4)27 1.1)39 1.6)Nausea 283 (11.6)277 (11.3)6 0.2)9 0.4)Bone Fractures1 247 (10.1)174 7.1)- -- -Fatigue (Lethargy, Malaise, Asthenia)235 9.6)250 (10.2)6 0.2)7 0.3)Myalgia 217 8.9)212 8.7)18 0.7)14 0.6)Edema 164 6.7)160 6.5)3 0.1)1 (<0.1)Weight Decrease 140 5.7)129 5.3)8 0.3)5 0.2)Vaginal Bleeding 128 5.2)320 (13.1)1 (<0.1)8 0.3)Back Pain 125 5.1)136 5.6)7 0.3)11 0.4)Osteoporosis NOS 124 5.1)66 2.7)10 0.4)5 0.2)Bone pain 123 5.0)109 4.5)6 0.2)4 0.2)Depression 119 4.9)114 4.7)16 0.7)14 0.6)Vaginal Irritation 111 4.5)77 3.1)2 (<0.1)2 (<0.1)Headache 105 4.3)94 3.8)9 0.4)5 0.2)Pain in extremity 103 4.2)79 3.2)6 0.2)4 0.2)Osteopenia 87 3.6)74 3.0)0 -2 (<0.1)Dizziness/Light-Headedness 84 3.4)84 3.4)1 (<0.1)6 (0.2)Alopecia 83 3.4)84 3.4)0 -0 -Vomiting 80 3.3)80 3.3)3 0.1)5 (0.2)Cataract 49 2.0)54 2.2)16 0.7)17 0.7)Constipation 49 2.0)71 2.9)3 0.1)1 (<0.1)Breast pain 37 1.5)43 1.8)1 (<0.1)0 -Anorexia 20 0.8)20 0.8)1 (<0.1)1 (<0.1)Endometrial Hyperplasia/ Cancer2, 11/1909 0.6)70/1943 3.6)- -- -Endometrial Proliferation 10 (0.3)71 (1.8)0 -14 (0.6)Disorders Endometrial Hyperplasia/ 6/1909 0.3)57/1943 (2.9)- -- -Cancer 1, Other Endometrial Disorders (<0.1)3 0.1)0 -0 -Myocardial Infarction1 24 1.0)12 0.5)- -- -Endometrial Proliferation 10 (0.3)71 (1.8)0 -14 (0.6)Disorders Myocardial Infarction2 37 1.5)25 (1.0)- -- -Myocardial Ischemia ( 0.2)9 0.4)- -- -Cerebrovascular Accident1 52 2.1)46 1.9)- -- -Cerebrovascular Accident2 70 2.9)63 2.6)- -- -Angina1 26 1.1)24 1.0)- -- -Angina2 32 1.3)31 1.3)- -- -Thromboembolic Event1 51 2.1)89 3.6)- -- -Thromboembolic Event2 71 2.9)111 4.5)- -- -Other Cardiovascular1 260 (10.6)256 (10.5)- -- -Other Cardiovascular2 312 (12.7)337 (13.8)- -- -Second Malignancies1 53 2.2)78 3.2)- -- -Second Malignancies2 102 4.2)119 4.9)- -- -1During study treatment, based on Safety Monotherapy population2Any time after randomization, including post treatment follow-up3Excluding women who had undergone hysterectomy before study entryNote: Cardiovascular (including cerebrovascular and thromboembolic), skeletal and urogenital/endometrial events and second malignancies were collected life-long. All of these events were assumed to be of CTC grade 3-5 and were not individually gradedWhen considering all grades during study treatment, higher incidence of events was seen for Letrozole Tablets regarding fractures (10.1% vs 7.1%), myocardial infarctions (1.0% vs 0.5%), and arthralgia (25.2% vs 20.4%) (Letrozole Tablets vs tamoxifen respectively). higher incidence was seen for tamoxifen regarding thromboembolic events (2.1% vs 3.6%), endometrial hyperplasia/cancer (0.3% vs 2.9%), and endometrial proliferation disorders (0.3% vs 1.8%) (Letrozole Tablets vs tamoxifen respectively).At median follow up of 73 months, higher incidence of events was seen for Letrozole Tablets (13.8%) than for tamoxifen (10.5%) regarding fractures. higher incidence was seen for tamoxifen compared to Letrozole Tablets regarding thromboembolic events (4.5% vs 2.9%), and endometrial hyperplasia or cancer (2.9% vs 0.4%) (tamoxifen vs Letrozole Tablets respectively).Bone Study: Results of phase safety trial in 262 postmenopausal women with resected receptor positive early breast cancer in the adjuvant setting comparing the effect on lumbar spine (L2-L4) bone mineral density (BMD) of adjuvant treatment with letrozole to that with tamoxifen showed at 24 months median decrease in lumbar spine BMD of 4.1% in the letrozole arm compared to median increase of 0.3% in the tamoxifen arm (difference 4.4%) (P<0.0001). No patients with normal BMD at baseline became osteoporotic over the years and only patient with osteopenia at baseline (T score of -1.9) develop osteoporosis during the treatment period (assessment by central review). The results for total hip BMD were similar, although the differences between the two treatments were less pronounced. During the year period, fractures were reported by of 103 patients (4%) in the letrozole arm, and of 97 patients (6%) in the tamoxifen arm.Lipid Study: In phase safety trial in 262 postmenopausal women with resected receptor positive early breast cancer at 24 months comparing the effects on lipid profiles of adjuvant letrozole to tamoxifen, 12% of patients on letrozole had at least one total cholesterol value of higher CTCAE grade than at baseline compared with 4% of patients on tamoxifen.. 6.2 Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration of 24 Months The median duration of extended adjuvant treatment was 24 months and the median duration of follow-up for safety was 28 months for patients receiving Letrozole Tablets and placebo.Table describes the adverse reactions occurring at frequency of at least 5% in any treatment group during treatment. Most adverse reactions reported were Grade and Grade based on the Common Toxicity Criteria Version 2.0. In the extended adjuvant setting, the reported drug-related adverse reactions that were significantly different from placebo were hot flashes, arthralgia/arthritis, and myalgia.Table 2: Percentage of Patients with Adverse ReactionsNumber (%) of Patients withGrade 1-4 Adverse Reaction Number (%) of Patients with Grade3-4 Adverse Reaction LetrozoleTablets USPN=2563PlaceboN=2573LetrozoleTablets USPN=2563PlaceboN=2573Any Adverse Reaction 2232 (87.1) 2174 (84.5) 419 (16.3) 389 (15.1) Vascular Disorders 1375 (53.6) 1230 (47.8) 59 (2.3) 74 (2.9) Flushing 1273 (49.7) 1114 (43.3) (0.1) 0General Disorders 1154 (45) 1090 (42.4) 30 (1.2) 28 (1.1) Asthenia 862 (33.6) 826 (32.1) 16 (0.6) (0.3) Edema NOS 471 (18.4) 416 (16.2) (0.2) (0.1) Musculoskeletal Disorders 978 (38.2) 836 (32.5) 71 (2.8) 50 (1.9) Arthralgia 565 (22) 465 (18.1) 25 (1) 20 (0.8) Arthritis NOS 173 (6.7) 124 (4.8) 10 (0.4) (0.2) Myalgia 171 (6.7) 122 (4.7) (0.3) (0.2) Back Pain 129 (5) 112 (4.4) (0.3) (0.3) Nervous System Disorders 863 (33.7) 819 (31.8) 65 (2.5) 58 (2.3) Headache 516 (20.1) 508 (19.7) 18 (0.7) 17 (0.7) Dizziness 363 (14.2) 342 (13.3) (0.4) (0.2) Skin Disorders 830 (32.4) 787 (30.6) 17 (0.7) 16 (0.6) Sweating Increased 619 (24.2) 577 (22.4) (<0.1) 0Gastrointestinal Disorders 725 (28.3) 731 (28.4) 43 (1.7) 42 (1.6) Constipation 290 (11.3) 304 (11.8) (0.2) (<0.1) Nausea 221 (8.6) 212 (8.2) (0.1) 10 (0.4) Diarrhea NOS 128 (5) 143 (5.6) 12 (0.5) (0.3) Metabolic Disorders 551 (21.5) 537 (20.9) 24 (0.9) 32 (1.2) Hypercholesterolemia 401 (15.6) 398 (15.5) (<0.1) (0.2) Reproductive Disorders 303 (11.8) 357 (13.9) (0.4) (0.3) Vaginal Hemorrhage 123 (4.8) 171 (6.6) (<0.1) (0.2) Vulvovaginal Dryness 137 (5.3) 127 (4.9) 00Psychiatric Disorders 320 (12.5) 276 (10.7) 21 (0.8) 16 (0.6) Insomnia 149 (5.8) 120 (4.7) (<0.1) (<0.1) Respiratory Disorders 279 (10.9) 260 (10.1) 30 (1.2) 28 (1.1) Dyspnea 140 (5.5) 137 (5.3) 21 (0.8) 18 (0.7) Investigations 184 (7.2) 147 (5.7) 13 (0.5) 13 (0.5) Infections and Infestations 166 (6.5) 163 (6.3) 40 (1.6) 33 (1.3) Renal Disorders 130 (5.1) 100 (3.9) 12 (0.5) (0.2) Based on median follow-up of patients for 28 months, the incidence of clinical fractures from the core randomized study in patients who received Letrozole Tablets was 5.9% (152) and placebo was 5.5% (142). The incidence of self-reported osteoporosis was higher in patients who received Letrozole Tablets 6.9% (176) than in patients who received placebo 5.5% (141). Bisphosphonates were administered to 21.1% of the patients who received Letrozole Tablets and 18.7% of the patients who received placebo.The incidence of cardiovascular ischemic events from the core randomized study was comparable between patients who received Letrozole Tablets 6.8% (175) and placebo 6.5% (167).A patient-reported measure that captures treatment impact on important symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency demonstrated difference in favor of placebo for vasomotor and sexual symptom domains.Bone Sub-study: [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].Lipid Sub-study: In the extended adjuvant setting, based on median duration of follow-up of 62 months, there was no significant difference between Letrozole Tablets and placebo in total cholesterol or in any lipid fraction at any time over years. Use of lipid lowering drugs or dietary management of elevated lipids was allowed. [s e arnings and Pr c autions 5.2 ] . 6.3 Updated Analysis, Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration of 60 Months. The extended adjuvant treatment trial was unblinded early [s e d ve rse e c tions (6.2)]. At the updated (final analysis), overall the side effects seen were consistent to those seen at median treatment duration of 24 months.During treatment or within 30 days of stopping treatment (median duration of treatment 60 months) higher rate of fractures was observed for Letrozole Tablets (10.4%) compared to placebo (5.8%), as also higher rate of osteoporosis (Letrozole Tablets 0.2% vs placebo 6.4%).Based on 62 months median duration of follow-up in the randomized letrozole arm in the Safety population the incidence of new fractures at any time after randomization was 13.3% for letrozole and 7.8% for placebo. The incidence of new osteoporosis was 14.5% for letrozole and 7.8% for placebo.During treatment or within 30 days of stopping treatment (median duration of treatment 60 months) the incidence of cardiovascular events was 9.8% for Letrozole Tablets and 7.0% for placebo.Based on 62 months median duration of follow-up in the randomized letrozole arm in the Safety population the incidence of cardiovascular disease at any time after randomization was 14.4% for letrozole and 9.8% for placebo.Lipid sub-study: In the extended adjuvant setting, based on median duration of follow-up of 62 months, there was no significant difference between Letrozole Tablets and placebo in total cholesterol or in any lipid fraction over years. Use of lipid lowering drugs or dietary management of elevated lipids was allowed. [s e arnings and Pr ec aution ( 5.2 ] 6.4 First-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. total of 455 patients were treated for median time of exposure of 11 months. The incidence of adverse reactions was similar for Letrozole Tablets and tamoxifen. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were bone pain, hot flushes, back pain, nausea, arthralgia and dyspnea. Discontinuations for adverse reactions other than progression of tumor occurred in 10/455 (2%) of patients on Letrozole Tablets and in 15/455 (3%) of patients on tamoxifen.Adverse reactions, regardless of relationship to study drug, that were reported in at least 5% of the patients treated with Letrozole Tablets 2.5 mg or tamoxifen 20 mg in the first-line treatment study are shown in Table 3Table 3: Percentage (%) of Patients with Adverse ReactionsAdverse Reaction Letrozole Tablets 2.5 mg (N=455) T amoxifen 20 mg (N=455) General Disorders Fatigue 13 13 Chest Pain 9 Edema 6 Peripheral Pain 7 NOS Weakness 4 Investigations Weight Decreased 5 Vascular Disorders Hot Flushes 19 16 Hypertension 4 Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 17 17 Constipation 10 11 Diarrhea 4 Vomiting 8 Infections/Infestations Influenza 4 Urinary Tract Infection NOS 3 Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema 7 Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Anorexia 6 Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Bone Pain 22 21 Back Pain 18 19 Arthralgia 16 15 Pain in Limb 10 Nervous System Disorders Headache NOS 7 Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 4 Reproductive System and Breast Disorders Breast Pain 7 Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Dyspnea 18 17 Cough 13 13 Chest Wall Pain 6Other less frequent (<=2%) adverse reactions considered consequential for both treatment groups, included peripheral thromboembolic events, cardiovascular events, and cerebrovascular events. Peripheral thromboembolic events included venous thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, portal vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Cardiovascular events included angina, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, and coronary heart disease. Cerebrovascular events included transient ischemic attacks, thrombotic or hemorrhagic strokes and development of hemiparesis.. 6.5 Second- Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. Study discontinuations in the megestrol acetate comparison study for adverse reactions other than progression of tumor were 5/188 (2.7%) on Letrozole Tablets 0.5 mg, in 4/174 (2.3%) on Letrozole Tablets 2.5 mg, and in 15/190 (7.9%) on megestrol acetate. There were fewer thromboembolic events at both Letrozole Tablets doses than on the megestrol acetate arm (0.6% vs 4.7%). There was also less vaginal bleeding (0.3% vs 3.2%) on Letrozole Tablets than on megestrol acetate. In the aminoglutethimide comparison study, discontinuations for reasons other than progression occurred in 6/193 (3.1%) on 0.5 mg Letrozole Tablets 7/185 (3.8%) on 2.5 mg Letrozole Tablets and 7/178 (3.9%) of patients on aminoglutethimide.Comparisons of the incidence of adverse reactions revealed no significant differences between the high and low dose Letrozole Tablets groups in either study. Most of the adverse reactions observed in all treatment groups were mild to moderate in severity and it was generally not possible to distinguish adverse reactions due to treatment from the consequences of the patients metastatic breast cancer, the effects of estrogen deprivation, or intercurrent illness.Adverse reactions, regardless of relationship to study drug, that were reported in at least 5% of the patients treated with Femara 0.5 mg, Femara 2.5 mg, megestrol acetate, or aminoglutethimide in the two controlled trials are shown in Table 4.Table 4: Percentage (%) of Patients with Adverse ReactionsAdverseReactionPooledLetrozole tablets USP2.5 mg(N=359)%PooledLetrozole tablets0.5 mg(N=380)%megestrolacetate160 mg(N=189)% aminoglutethimide 500 mg(N=178)%Body as Whole Fatigue 86113 Chest Pain 6373 Peripheral Edema1 5583 Asthenia 4545 Weight Increase Cardiovascular 2293 Hypertension Digestive System 5756 Nausea 1315914 Vomiting 7759 Constipation 6797 Diarrhea 6534 Pain-Abdominal 6598 Anorexia 5355 Dyspepsia Infections/Infestations 3465 Viral Infection Lab Abnormality 6563 Hypercholesterolemia Musculoskeletal System 3306 Musculoskeletal2 21223014 Arthralgia Nervous System 8883 Headache 91297 Somnolence 3229 Dizziness Respiratory System 3573 Dyspnea 79165 Coughing Skin and Appendages Hot Flushes Rash3 Prurities665155427435531231Includes peripheral edema, leg edema, dependent edema, edema2Includes musculoskeletal pain, skeletal pain, back pain, arm pain, leg pain3Includes rash, erythematous rash, maculopapular rash, psoriasiform rash,vesicular rashOther less frequent (<5%) adverse reactions considered consequential and reported in at least patients treated with Letrozole Tablets USP, included hypercalcemia, fracture, depression, anxiety, pleural effusion, alopecia, increased sweating and vertigo.. 6.6 First and Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. In the combined analysis of the first- and second-line metastatic trials and post-marketing experiences other adverse reactions that were reported were cataract, eye irritation, palpitations, cardiac failure, tachycardia, dysesthesia (including hypesthesia/paresthesia), arterial thrombosis, memory impairment, irritability, nervousness, urticaria, increased urinary frequency, leukopenia, stomatitis cancer pain, pyrexia, vaginal discharge, appetite increase, dryness of skin and mucosa (including dry mouth), and disturbances of taste and thirst.. 6.7 Postmarketing Experience. Cases of blurred vision, increased hepatic enzymes, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, and hepatitis have been reported. Cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger .nger have been identied during post approval use of Letrozole tablets.

ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY & OR TOXICOLOGY SECTION.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology. Reproductive Toxicology: Reproduction studies in rats at letrozole doses equal to or greater than 0.003 mg/kg (about 1/100 the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2basis) administered during the period of organogenesis, have shown that letrozole is embryotoxic and fetotoxic, as indicated by intrauterine mortality, increased resorption, increased postimplantation loss, decreased numbers of live fetuses and fetal anomalies including absence and shortening of renal papilla, dilation of ureter, edema and incomplete ossification of frontal skull and metatarsals. Letrozole was teratogenic in rats. 0.03 mg/kg dose (about 1/10 the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis) caused fetal domed head and cervical/centrum vertebral fusion.Letrozole is embryotoxic at doses equal to or greater than 0.002 mg/kg and fetotoxic when administered to rabbits at 0.02 mg/kg (about 1/100,000 and 1/10,000 the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis, respectively). Fetal anomalies included incomplete ossification of the skull, sternebrae, and fore- and hind legs.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. conventional carcinogenesis study in mice at doses of 0.6 to 60 mg/kg/day (about to 100 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis) administered by oral gavage for up to years revealed dose-related increase in the incidence of benign ovarian stromal tumors. The incidence of combined hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma showed significant trend in females when the high dose group was excluded due to low survival. In separate study, plasma AUC0 12h levels in mice at 60 mg/kg/day were 55 times higher than the AUC0 24 r level in breast cancer patients at the recommended dose. The carcinogenicity study in rats at oral doses of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day (about 0.4 to 40 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis) for up to years also produced an increase in the incidence of benign ovarian stromal tumors at 10 mg/kg/day. Ovarian hyperplasia was observed in females at doses equal to or greater than 0.1 mg/kg/day. At 10 mg/kg/day, plasma AUC0 -2 4h levels in rats were 80 times higher than the level in breast cancer patients at the recommended dose. The benign ovarian stromal tumors observed in mice and rats were considered to be related to the pharmacological inhibition of estrogen synthesis and may be due to increased luteinizing hormone resulting from the decrease in circulating estrogen.Letrozole Tablets was not mutagenic in in itro tests (Ames and E.coli bacterial tests) but was observed to be potential clastogen in in itro assays (CHO K1 and CCL 61 Chinese hamster ovary cells). Letrozole was not clastogenic in i o (micronucleus test in rats).Studies to investigate the effect of letrozole on fertility have not been conducted; however, repeated dosing caused sexual inactivity in females and atrophy of the reproductive tract in males and females at doses of 0.6, 0.1 and 0.03 mg/kg in mice, rats and dogs, respectively (about one, 0.4 and 0.4 the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis, respectively). Oral administration of Letrozole Tablet to female rats starting weeks before mating until pregnancy day resulted in decreases in the incidence of successful mating and pregnancy at equal to or greater than 0.03 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1 times the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis). An increase in pre-implantation loss was observed at doses equal to or greater than 0.003 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.01 times the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis).Letrozole administered to young (postnatal day 7) rats for 12 weeks duration at 0.003, 0.03, 0.3 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, resulted in adverse skeletal/growth effects (bone maturation, bone mineral density) and neuroendocrine and reproductive developmental perturbations of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis at exposures less than exposure anticipated at the clinical dose of 2.5 mg/day. Decreased fertility was accompanied by hypertrophy of the hypophysis and testicular changes that included degeneration of the seminiferous tubular epithelium and atrophy of the female reproductive tract. Young rats in this study were allowed to recover following discontinuation of letrozole treatment for 42 days. Histopathological changes were not reversible at clinically relevant exposures.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. The growth of some cancers of the breast is stimulated or maintained by estrogens. Treatment of breast cancer thought to be hormonally responsive (i.e., estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive or receptor unknown) has included variety of efforts to decrease estrogen levels (ovariectomy, adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy) or inhibit estrogen effects (antiestrogens and progestational agents). These interventions lead to decreased tumor mass or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women.In postmenopausal women, estrogens are mainly derived from the action of the aromatase enzyme, which converts adrenal androgens (primarily androstenedione and testosterone) to estrone and estradiol. The suppression of estrogen biosynthesis in peripheral tissues and in the cancer tissue itself can therefore be achieved by specifically inhibiting the aromatase enzyme.Letrozole is nonsteroidal competitive inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme system; it inhibits the conversion of androgens to estrogens. In adult nontumor- and tumor-bearing female animals, letrozole is as effective as ovariectomy in reducing uterine weight, elevating serum LH, and causing the regression of estrogen- dependent tumors. In contrast to ovariectomy, treatment with letrozole does not lead to an increase in serum FSH. Letrozole selectively inhibits gonadal steroidogenesis but has no significant effect on adrenal mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid synthesis.Letrozole inhibits the aromatase enzyme by competitively binding to the heme of the cytochrome P450 subunit of the enzyme, resulting in reduction of estrogen biosynthesis in all tissues. Treatment of women with letrozole significantly lowers serum estrone, estradiol and estrone sulfate and has not been shown to significantly affect adrenal corticosteroid synthesis, aldosterone synthesis, or synthesis of thyroid hormones.. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. In postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer, daily doses of 0.1 mg to mg Letrozole Tablets, USP suppress plasma concentrations of estradiol, estrone, and estrone sulfate by 75%-95% from baseline with maximal suppression achieved within two-three days. Suppression is dose-related, with doses of 0.5 mg and higher giving many values of estrone and estrone sulfate that were below the limit of detection in the assays. Estrogen suppression was maintained throughout treatment in all patients treated at 0.5 mg or higher.Letrozole is highly specific in inhibiting aromatase activity. There is no impairment of adrenal steroidogenesis. No clinically-relevant changes were found in the plasma concentrations of cortisol, aldosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 17-hydroxy-progesterone, ACTH or in plasma renin activity among postmenopausal patients treated with daily dose of Letrozole Tablets 0.1 mg to mg. The ACTH stimulation test performed after and 12 weeks of treatment with daily doses of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and mg did not indicate any attenuation of aldosterone or cortisol production. Glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid supplementation is, therefore, not necessary.No changes were noted in plasma concentrations of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) among healthy postmenopausal women after 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg single doses of Letrozole Tablets USP, or in plasma concentrations of androstenedione among postmenopausal patients treated with daily doses of 0.1 mg to mg. This indicates that the blockade of estrogen biosynthesis does not lead to accumulation of androgenic precursors. Plasma levels of LH and FSH were not affected by letrozole in patients, nor was thyroid function as evaluated by TSH levels, T3 uptake, and T4 levels.. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Absorption and Distribution: Letrozole is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and absorption is not affected by food. It is metabolized slowly to an inactive metabolite whose glucuronide conjugate is excreted renally, representing the major clearance pathway. About 90% of radiolabeled letrozole is recovered in urine. Letrozoles terminal elimination half-life is about days and steady-state plasma concentration after daily 2.5 mg dosing is reached in 2-6 weeks. Plasma concentrations at steady state are 1.5 to times higher than predicted from the concentrations measured after single dose indicating slight non-linearity in the pharmacokinetics of letrozole upon daily administration of 2.5 mg. These steady-state levels are maintained over extended periods, however, and continuous accumulation of letrozole does not occur. Letrozole is weakly protein bound and has large volume of distribution (approximately 1.9 L/kg).Metabolism and Excretion: Metabolism to pharmacologically-inactive carbinol metabolite (4,4methanol- bisbenzonitrile) and renal excretion of the glucuronide conjugate of this metabolite is the major pathway of letrozole clearance. Of the radiolabel recovered in urine, at least 75% was the glucuronide of the carbinol metabolite, about 9% was two unidentified metabolites, and 6% was unchanged letrozole. In human microsomes with specific CYP isozyme activity, CYP3A4 metabolized letrozole to the carbinol metabolite while CYP2A6 formed both this metabolite and its ketone analog. In human liver microsomes, letrozole strongly inhibited CYP2A6 and moderately inhibited CYP2C19.Pediatric, Geriatric and Race: In the study populations (adults ranging in age from 35 to >80 years), no change in pharmacokinetic parameters was observed with increasing age. Differences in letrozole pharmacokinetics between adult and pediatric populations have not been studied.Differences in letrozole pharmacokinetics due to race have not been studied.Renal Impairment: In study of volunteers with varying renal function (24-hour creatinine clearance: 9-116 mL/min), no effect of renal function on the pharmacokinetics of single doses of 2.5 mg of Letrozole Tablets USP, was found. In addition, in study of 347 patients with advanced breast cancer, about half of whom received 2.5 mg Letrozole Tablets USP, and half 0.5 mg Letrozole Tablets USP, renal impairment (calculated creatinine clearance: 20-50 mL/min) did not affect steady-state plasma letrozole concentrations.Hepatic Impairment: In study of subjects with mild to moderate non-metastatic hepatic dysfunction (e.g., cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classification and B), the mean AUC values of the volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment were 37% higher than in normal subjects, but still within the range seen in subjects without impaired function.In pharmacokinetic study, subjects with liver cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classification C, which included bilirubins about 2-11 times ULN with minimal to severe ascites) had twofold increase in exposure (AUC) and 47% reduction in systemic clearance. Breast cancer patients with severe hepatic impairment are thus expected to be exposed to higher levels of letrozole than patients with normal liver function receiving similar doses of this drug. [s e Dosage and Administration 2.5 ].

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES. Figure Disease-Free Survival (Median follow-up 73 months, ITT Approach). Figure Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Tamoxifen Study). Figure Survival by Randomized Treatment Arm. Figure Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Megestrol Acetate Study). Figure Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Aminoglutethimide Study). 14.1 Updated Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. In multicenter study enrolling over 8,000 postmenopausal women with resected, receptor-positive earlybreast cancer, one of the following treatments was randomized in double-blind manner:Option 1:A. tamoxifen for yearsB. Letrozole Tablets, USP for yearsC. tamoxifen for years followed by Letrozole Tablets ,USP for years D. Letrozole Tablets, USP for years followed by tamoxifen for years Option 2:A. tamoxifen for yearsB. Letrozole Tablets USP, for yearsThe study in the adjuvant setting, BIG 1-98 was designed to answer two primary questions: whether Letrozole Tablets for years was superior to tamoxifen for years (Primary Core Analysis) and whether switching endocrine treatments at years was superior to continuing the same agent for total of years (Sequential Treatments Analysis). Selected baseline characteristics for the study population are shown in Table 5. The primary endpoint of this trial was disease-free survival (DFS) (i.e., interval between randomization and earliest occurrence of local, regional, or distant recurrence, or invasive contralateral breast cancer, or death from any cause). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), systemic disease-free survival (SDFS), invasive contralateral breast cancer, time to breast cancer recurrence (TBR) and time to distant metastasis (TDM).The Primary Core Analysis (PCA) included all patients and all follow-up in the monotherapy arms in both randomization options, but follow-up in the two sequential treatments arms was truncated 30 days after switching treatments. The PCA was conducted at median treatment duration of 24 months and median follow-up of 26 months. Letrozole Tablets was superior to tamoxifen in all endpoints except overall survival and contralateral breast cancer [e.g., DFS: hazard ratio, HR 0.79; 95% CI (0.68, 0.92); P=0.002; SDFS: HR 0.83; 95% CI (0.70, 0.97); TDM: HR 0.73; 95% CI (0.60, 0.88); OS: HR 0.86; 95% CI (0.70, 1.06).In 2005, based on recommendations by the independent Data Monitoring Committee, the tamoxifen arms were unblinded and patients were allowed to complete initial adjuvant therapy with Letrozole Tablets (if they had received tamoxifen for at least years) or to start extended adjuvant treatment with Letrozole Tablets (if they had received tamoxifen for at least 4.5 years) if they remained alive and disease-free. In total, 632 patients crossed to Letrozole Tablets or another aromatase inhibitor. Approximately 70% (448) of these 632 patients crossed to Letrozole Tablets to complete initial adjuvant therapy and most of these crossed in years to 4. All of these patients were in Option 1. total of 184 patients started extended adjuvant therapy with Letrozole Tablets (172 patients) or with another aromatase inhibitor (12 patients). To explore the impact of this selective crossover, results from analyses censoring follow-up at the date of the selective crossover (in the tamoxifen arm) are presented for the Monotherapy Arms Analysis (MAA).The PCA allowed the results of Letrozole Tablets for years compared with tamoxifen for years to be reported in 2005 after median follow-up of only 26 months. The design of the PCA is not optimal to evaluate the effect of Letrozole Tablets after longer time (because follow-up was truncated in two arms at around 25 months). The Monotherapy Arms Analysis (ignoring the two sequential treatment arms) provided follow-up equally as long in each treatment and did not over-emphasize early recurrences as the PCA did. The MAA thus provides the clinically appropriate updated efficacy results in answer to the first primary question, despite the confounding of the tamoxifen reference arm by the selective crossover to Letrozole Tablets. The updated results for the MAA are summarized in Table 6. Median follow-up for this analysis is 73 months.The Sequential Treatments Analysis (STA) addresses the second primary question of the study. The primary analysis for the Sequential Treatments Analysis (STA) was from switch (or equivalent time-point in monotherapy arms) 30 days (STA-S) with twsided test applied to each pair-wise comparison at the 2.5% level. Additional analyses were conducted from randomization (STA-R) but these comparisons (added in light of changing medical practice) were under-powered for efficacy.Table 5: Adjuvant Study Patient and Disease Characteristics (ITT Population) Primary Core Analysis (PCA) Monotherapy Arms Analysis (MAA) Characteristic Letrozole tablets N=4003 (%) tamoxifen N=4007 (%) letrozole tablets USP N=2463 (%) tamoxifen N=2459 (%) Age (median, years) 61 61 61 61 Age range (years) 38-89 39-90 38-88 39-90 Hormone receptor status (%) ER+ and/or PgR+ 99.7 99.7 99.7 99.7 Both unknown 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Nodal status (%) Node negative 52 52 50 52 Node positive 41 41 43 41 Nodal status unknown 7 7 Prior adjuvant chemotherapy (%) 24 24 24 24Table 6: Updated Adjuvant Study -Monoherapy Arms Analysis (Median Follow-up 73 Months) Letrozole Tablets USP N=2463 amoxifen N=2459 Hazard ratio Events (%) 5-year rate Events (%) 5-year ate (95% CI) Disease-freesurvival1 ITT 445 (18.1) 87.4 500 (20.3) 84.7 0.87 (0.76, 0.99) 0.033 Censor 445 87.4 483 84.2 0.84 (0.73, 0.95) positive nodes ITT 165 92.2 189 90.3 0.88 (0.72, 1.09) 1-3 positive nodes ITT 151 85.6 163 83.0 0.85 (0.68, 1.06) >=4 positive nodes ITT 123 71.2 142 62.6 0.81 (0.64, 1.03) Adjuvant chemotherapy ITT 119 86.4 150 80.6 0.77 (0.60, 0.98) No chemotherapy ITT 326 87.8 350 86.1 0.91 (0.78, 1.06) Systemic DFS2 ITT 401 88.5 446 86.6 0.88 (0.77, 1.01) Time to distant metastasis3 ITT 257 92.4 298 90.1 0.85 (0.72, 1.00) Adjuvantchemotherapy ITT 84 109 0.75 (0.56, 1.00) No chemotherapy ITT 173 189 0.90 (0.73, 1.11) Distant DFS4 ITT 385 89.0 432 87.1 0.87 (0.76, 1.00) Contralateral breast cancer ITT 34 99.2 44 98.6 0.76 (0.49, 1.19) Overall survival ITT 303 91.8 343 90.9 0.87 (0.75, 1.02) Censor 303 91.8 338 90.1 0.82 (0.70, 0.96) positive nodes ITT 107 95.2 121 94.8 0.90 (0.69, 1.16) 1-3 positive nodes ITT 99 90.8 114 90.6 0.81 (0.62, 1.06) >=4 positive nodes ITT 92 80.2 104 73.6 0.86 (0.65, 1.14) Adjuvant chemotherapy ITT 76 91.5 96 88.4 0.79 (0.58, 1.06) No chemotherapy ITT 227 91.9 247 91.8 0.91 (0.76, 1.08)Definition of: 1Disease-free survival: Interval from randomization to earliest event of invasive loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, invasive contralateral breast cancer, or death without prior event Systemic disease-free survival: Interval from randomization to invasive regional recurrence, distant metastasis, or death without prior cancer event Time to distant metastasis: Interval from randomization to distant metastasis Distant disease-free survival: Interval from randomization to earlier event of relapse in distant site or death from any causeITT analysis ignores selective crossover in tamoxifen armsCensored analysis censors follow-up at the date of selective crossover in 632 patients who crossed toLetrozole Tablets or another aromatase inhibitor after the tamoxifen arms were unblinded in 2005Figure shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for Disease-Free Survival Monotherapy AnalysisFigure Disease-Free Survival (Median follow-up 73 months, ITT Approach)DFS events defined as loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, invasive contralateral breast cancer, or death from any cause (i.e., definition excludes second non-breast primary cancers).The medians of overall survival for both arms were not reached for the Monotherapy Arms Analysis (MAA). There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival. The hazard ratio for survival in the Letrozole Tablets arm compared to the tamoxifen arm was 0.87, with 95% CI (0.75, 1.02) (see Table 6).There were no significant differences in DFS, OS, SDFS, and Distant DFS from switch in the Sequential Treatments Analysis with respect to either monotherapy (e.g., [Tamoxifen years followed by] Letrozole Tablets years versus tamoxifen beyond years, DFS HR 0.89; 97.5% CI 0.68, 1.15 and [Letrozole Tablets years followed by] tamoxifen years versus Letrozole Tablets beyond years, DFS HR 0.93; 97.5% CI 0.71, 1.22).There were no significant differences in DFS, OS, SDFS, and Distant DFS from randomization in the Sequential Treatments Analyses.. 14.2 Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration of 24 Months. double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Letrozole Tablets was performed in over 5,100 postmenopausal women with receptor-positive or unknown primary breast cancer who were disease free after years of adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen.The planned duration of treatment for patients in the study was years, but the trial was terminated early because of an interim analysis showing favorable Letrozole Tablets effect on time without recurrence or contralateral breast cancer. At the time of unblinding, women had been followed for median of 28 months, 30% of patients had completed or more years of follow-up and less than 1% of patients had completed years of follow-up.Selected baseline characteristics for the study population are shown in Table 7.Table 7: Selected Study Population Demographics (Modified ITT Population)Baseline StatusLetrozole Tablets USPPlaceboN=2582N=2586Hormone Receptor Status (%) ER+ and/or PgR+9898 Both Unknown22Nodal Status (%) Node Negative5050 Node Positive4646 Nodal Status Unknown44 Chemotherapy4646Table shows the study results. Disease-free survival was measured as the time from randomization to the earliest event of loco-regional or distant recurrence of the primary disease or development of contralateral breast cancer or death. DFS by hormone receptor status, nodal status and adjuvant chemotherapy were similar to the overall results. Data were premature for an analysis of survival.Table 8: Extended Adjuvant Study Results Letrozole Tablets = 2582 Placebo = 2586 Hazard Ratio (95% CI) -Value Disease Free Survival (DFS) Events 122 (4.7%) 193 (7.5%) 0.62 (0.49, 0.78)2 0.00003 Local Breast Recurrence 22 Local Chest Wall Recurrence 8 Regional Recurrence 4 Distant Recurrence 55 92 0.61 (0.44 .084) 0.003 Contralateral Breast Cancer 19 29 Deaths Without Recurrence or Contralateral Breast Cancer 30 38CI confidence interval for hazard ratio. Hazard ratio of less than 1.0 indicates difference in favor of Letrozole Tablets (lesser risk of recurrence); hazard ratio greater than 1.0 indicates difference in favor of placebo (higher risk of recurrence with Letrozole Tablets ). First event of loco-regional recurrence, distant relapse, contralateral breast cancer or death from any cause Analysis stratified by receptor status, nodal status and prior adjuvant chemotherapy (stratification factors as at randomization). P-value based on stratified logrank test.. 14.3 Updated Analyses of Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer, Median Treatment Duration of 60 Months. Table 9: Update of Extended Adjuvant Study ResultsLetrozoleTabletsN 2582(%)Placebo = 2586(%)Hazard Ratio (95% CI) -Value Disease Free Survival (DFS) events 344 (13.3) 402 (15.5) 0.89 (0.77, 1.03) 0.12 Breast cancer recurrence (Protocol definition of DFS events4) 209 286 0.75 (0.63, 0.89) 0.001 Local Breast Recurrence 15 44 Local Chest Wall Recurrence 14 Regional Recurrence 10 Distant Recurrence 140 167 Distant Recurrence (first or subsequent events) Contralateral Breast Cancer 142 37 169 53 88 (0.70, 1.10) 0.246 Deaths Without Recurrence or ContralateralBreast Cancer 135 1161Adjusted by receptor status, nodal status and prior chemotherapy2Stratified logrank test, stratified by receptor status, nodal status and prior chemotherapy3DFS events defined as earliest of loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, contralateral breast cancer or death from any cause, and ignoring switches to Letrozole Tablets in 60% of the placebo arm.4Protocol definition does not include deaths from any causeUpdated analyses were conducted at median follow-up of 62 months. In the Letrozole Tablets arm, 71% of the patients were treated for least years and 58% of patients completed at least 4.5 years of extended adjuvant treatment. After the unblinding of the study at median follow-up of 28 months, approximately 60% of the selected patients in the placebo arm opted to switch to Letrozole Tablets.In this updated analysis shown in Table 9, Letrozole Tablets significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence or contralateral breast cancer compared with placebo (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.63, 0.89; P=0.001). However, in the updated DFS analysis (interval between randomization and earliest event of loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, contralateral breast cancer, or death from any cause) the treatment difference was heavily diluted by 60% of the patients in the placebo arm switching to Letrozole Tablets and accounting for 64% of the total placebo patient- years of follow-up. Ignoring these switches, the risk of DFS event was reduced by non-significant 11% (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.77, 1.03). There was no significant difference in distant disease-free survival or overall survival.. 14.4 First-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. randomized, double-blind, multinational trial compared Letrozole Tablets 2.5 mg with tamoxifen 20 mg in 916 postmenopausal patients with locally advanced (Stage IIIB or loco-regional recurrence not amenable to treatment with surgery or radiation) or metastatic breast cancer. Time to progression (TTP) was the primary endpoint of the trial. Selected baseline characteristics for this study are shown in Table 10.Table 10: Selected Study Population DemographicsBaseline StatusLetrozole Tablets USP N=458TamoxifenN=458Stage of Disease IIIB6%7% IV93%92%Receptor Status ER and PgR Positive38%41% ER or PgR Positive26%26% Both Unknown34%33% ER- or PgR-/Other Unknown<1%0Previous AntiestrogenTherapy Adjuvant19%18% None81%82%Dominant Site of Disease Soft Tissue25%25% Bone32%29% Viscera43%46%Letrozole Tablets was superior to tamoxifen in TTP and rate of objective tumor response (see Table 11).Table 11 summarizes the results of the trial, with total median follow-up of approximately 32 months. (All analyses are unadjusted and use 2-sided P-values.)Table 11: Results of First-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer Letrozole tablets USP2.5 mgN=453Tamoxifen20 mgN=454Hazard or odds atio (95% CI) -Value (2-Sided) Median time to rogression 9.4 months 6.0 months 0.72 (0.62, 0.83)1 P<0.0001 Objective response ate (CR PR) 145 (32%) 95 (21%) 1.77 (1.31, 2.39)2 P=0.002 (CR) 42 (9%) 15 (3%) 2.99 (1.63, 547)2 P=0.0004 Duration of objective esponse Median 18 months 16 months (N=145) (N=95) Overall urvival 35 months 32 months P=0.51363 (N=458) (N=458) Hazard ratio Odds ratio Overall logrank testFigure shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for TTP.Figure Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Tamoxifen Study)Table 12 shows results in the subgroup of women, who had received prior antiestrogen adjuvant therapy,Table 13, results by disease site and Table 14, the results by receptor statusTable 12: Efficacy in Patients Who Received Prior Antiestrogen TherapyVariableLetrozole tablets USP2.5 mg tamoxifen20 mgN=84N=83Median Time to Progression (95% CI)Hazard Ratio for TTP (95% CI) (6.2, 12.5)5.9 months (3.2, 6.2) 0.60 (0.43,0.84)Objective Response Rate (CR PR)22 (26%)7 (8%)Odds Ratio for Response(95% CI)3.85 (1.50, 9.60)Hazard ratio less than or odds ratio greater than favors Letrozole Tablets; hazard ratio greater than or odds ratio less than favors tamoxifen.Letrozole tablets2.5 mgtamoxifen20mgDominant Disease Site Soft Tissue:N=113N=115 Median TTP 12.1 months6.4 monthsObjective Response Rate50%34%Bone:N=145N=131Median TTP9.5 months6.3 monthsObjective Response Rate23%15%Viscera:N=195N=208Median TTP8.3 months4.6 monthsObjective Response Rate28%17%Table 14: Efficacy by Receptor StatusVariableLetrozole Tablets2.5 mgTamoxifen 20 mgReceptor PositiveN=294N=305 Median Time to Progression (95% CI)9.4 months (8.9, 11.8)6.0 months (5.1, 8.5) Hazard Ratio for TTP (95% CI)0.69 (0.58, 0.83) Objective Response Rate (CR+PR)97 (33%)66 (22%) Odds Ratio for Response 95% CI)1.78 (1.20, 2.60)Receptor UnknownN=159N=149Median Time to Progression (95% CI)9.2 months (6.1, 12.3)6.0 months (4.1, 6.4)Hazard Ratio for TTP (95% CI)0.77 (0.60, 0.99)Objective Response Rate (CR+PR)48 (30%)29 (20%)Odds Ratio for Response (95% CI) 1.79 (1.10, 3.00) Hazard ratio less than or odds ratio greater than favors Letrozole Tablets; hazard ratio greater than or odds ratio less than favors tamoxifen.Figure shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for survival.Figure Survival by Randomized Treatment ArmLegend: Randomized Letrozole Tablets: n=458, events 57%, median overall survival 35 months (95% CI 32 to 38 months)Randomized tamoxifen: n=458, events 57%, median overall survival 32 months (95% CI 28 to 37 months) Overall logrank P=0.5136 (i.e., there was no significant difference between treatment arms in overall survival).The median overall survival was 35 months for the Letrozole Tablets group and 32 months for the tamoxifen group, with P-value 0.5136. Study design allowed patients to cross over upon progression to the other therapy. Approximately 50% of patients crossed over to the opposite treatment arm and almost all patients who crossed over had done so by 36 months. The median time to crossover was 17 months (Letrozole Tablets to tamoxifen) and 13 months (tamoxifen to Letrozole Tablets). In patients who did not cross over to the opposite treatment arm, median survival was 35 months with Letrozole Tablets (n=219, 95% Cl 29 to 43 months) vs 20 months with tamoxifen (n=229, 95% Cl 16 to 26 months) 14.5 Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. Letrozole Tablets was initially studied at doses of 0.1 mg to 5.0 mg daily in six non-comparative Phase I/II trials in 181 postmenopausal estrogen/progesterone receptor positive or unknown advanced breast cancer patients previously treated with at least antiestrogen therapy. Patients had received other hormonal therapies and also may have received cytotoxic therapy. Eight (20%) of forty patients treated with Letrozole Tablets 2.5 mg daily in Phase I/II trials achieved an objective tumor response (complete or partial response).Two large randomized, controlled, multinational (predominantly European) trials were conducted in patients with advanced breast cancer who had progressed despite antiestrogen therapy. Patients were randomized to Letrozole Tablets 0.5 mg daily, Letrozole Tablets USP, 2.5 mg daily, or comparator (megestrol acetate 160 mg daily in one study; and aminoglutethimide 250 mg b.i.d. with corticosteroid supplementation in the other study). In each study over 60% of the patients had received therapeutic antiestrogens, and about one-fifth of these patients had had an objective response. The megestrol acetate controlled study was double-blind; the other study was open label. Selected baseline characteristics for each study are shown in Table 15.Table 15: Selected Study Population DemographicsParametermegestrol acetate studyaminoglutethimide studyNo. of Participants552557Receptor Status ER/PR Positive57%56% ER/PR Unknown43%44%Previous Therapy Adjuvant Only33%38% Therapeutic +/- Adj.66%62%Sites of Disease Soft Tissue56%50% Bone50%55% Viscera40%44%Confirmed objective tumor response (complete response plus partial response) was the primary endpoint of the trials. Responses were measured according to the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) criteria and verified by independent, blinded review. All responses were confirmed by second evaluation 4-12 weeks after the documentation of the initial response.Table 16 shows the results for the first trial, with minimum follow-up of 15 months, that compared Letrozole Tablets 0.5 mg, Letrozole Tablets USP, 2.5 mg, and megestrol acetate 160 mg daily. (All analyses are unadjustTable 16: Megestrol Acetate Study ResultsLetrozole tablets0.5 mgN=188Letrozole tablets2.5 mgN= 174MegestrolAcetateN=190Objective Response (CR PR)22 (11.7%)41 (23.6%)31 (16.3%) Median Duration of Response552 days(Not reached)561 days Median Time to Progression154 days170 days168 days Median Survival633 days730 days659 daysOdds Ratio for ResponseLetrozole tablets 2.5: Letrozole 0.5=2.33 (95% CI: 1.32, 4.17); P=0.004Letrozole tablets 2.5: megestrol=1.58 (95% CI: 0.94, 2.66); P=0.08 Relative Risk of ProgressionLetrozole 2.5: Letrozole 0.5=0.81 (95% CI: 0.63, 1.03); P=0.09Letrozole tablets USP, 2.5:megestrol=0.77 (95% CI: 0.60,0.98); P=0.03 Two-sided P-valueThe Kaplan-Meier curves for progression for the megestrol acetate study are shown in Figure 4.Figure Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Megestrol Acetate Study)The results for the study comparing Letrozole Tablets to aminoglutethimide, with minimum follow- up of months, are shown in Table 17. (Unadjusted analyses are used.)Table 17: Aminoglutethimide Study ResultsLetrozole Tablets, 0.5 mgN=193Letrozole Tablets2.5 mgN=185aminoglutethimideN=179 Objective Response (CR PR) 34 (17.6%) 34 (18.4%) 22 (12.3%) Median Duration of Response 619 days 706 days 450 days Median Time to Progression 103 days 123 days 112 days Median Survival 636 days 792 days 592 days Odds Ratio for ResponseLetrozole Tablets, USP2.5:Letrozole Tablets,USP 0.5=1.05(95% CI: 0.62, 1.79); P=0.85Letrozole Tablets, USP 2.5:aminoglutethimide=1.61 (95% CI: 0.90, 2.87); P=0.11 Relative Risk of ProgressionLetrozole Tablets2.5:Letrozole Tablets0.5=0.86(95% CI: 0.68, 1.11); P=0.25Letrozole Tablets 2.5: aminoglutethimide=0.74(95% CI: 0.57, 0.94); P=0.022-sided P-valueThe Kaplan-Meier curves for progression for the aminoglutethimide study are shown in Figure 5.Figure Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Aminoglutethimide Study).

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS. Letrozole Tablets may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman and the clinical benefit to premenopausal women with breast cancer has not been demonstrated. Letrozole Tablets is contraindicated in women while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to fetus. [s e s in Sp ec ific Populations 8.1 ] Women of premenopausal endocrine status, including pregnant women (4).

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

11 DESCRIPTION. Letrozole Tablets for oral administration contain 2.5 mg of letrozole, nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (inhibitor of estrogen synthesis). It is chemically described as 4,4-(1H-1,2,4-Triazol-- ylmethylene)bisbenzonitrile, and its structural formula isLetrozole is white to yellowish crystalline powder, practically odorless, freely soluble in dichloromethane, slightly soluble in ethanol, and practically insoluble in water. It has molecular weight of 285.31, empirical formula C17H1 1N5, and melting range of 184C-185C. Letrozole Tablets are available as 2.5 mg tablets for oral administration.Inactive Ingredients: Lactose Monohydrate, Corn Starch 826, Sodium Starch Glycolate (Primojel), Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose (Prosolv HD 90), magnesium stearate, Polyvinyl Alcohol-Part Hydrolyzed, Macrogol, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Iron Oxide Yellow, FD&C Yellow 6/Sunset Yellow FCF Aluminum Lake.. structural formula.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Letrozole Tablets are taken orally without regard to meals (2):Recommended dose: 2.5 mg once daily (2.1) Patients with cirrhosis or severe hepatic impairment: 2.5 mg every other day (2.5, 5.3). Recommended dose: 2.5 mg once daily (2.1) Patients with cirrhosis or severe hepatic impairment: 2.5 mg every other day (2.5, 5.3). 2.1 Recommended Dose. The recommended dose of Letrozole Tablets are one 2.5 mg tablet administered once day, without regard to meals.. 2.2 Use in Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. In the adjuvant setting, the optimal duration of treatment with letrazole, is unknown. The planned duration of treatment in the study was years with 73% of the patients having completed adjuvant therapy. Treatment should be discontinued at relapse s e lini al Studi s 14.1 ] 2.3 Use in Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. In the extended adjuvant setting, the optimal treatment duration with Letrozole Tablets are not known.The planned duration of treatment in the study was years. In the final updated analysis, conducted at median follow-up of 62 months, the median treatment duration was 60 months. Seventy-one percent of patients were treated for at least years and 58% of patients completed least 4.5 years of extended adjuvant treatment. The treatment should be discontinued at tumor relapse [s e lini al Studi s 14.2 ] . 2.4 Use in First and Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. In patients with advanced disease, treatment with Letrozole Tablets. USP should continue until tumor progression is evident. s e lini al Studi s 14.4 14.5 ] 2.5 Use in Hepatic Impairment. No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, although Letrozole Tablets blood concentrations were modestly increased in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment due to cirrhosis. The dose of Letrozole Tablet in patients with cirrhosis and severe hepatic dysfunction should be reduced by 50% [s e ar ings and Pr ec autions 5.3 ] The recommended dose of Letrozole Tablets for such patients is 2.5 mg administered every other day. The effect of hepatic impairment on Letrozole Tablets exposure in noncirrhotic cancer patients with elevated bilirubin levels has not been determined.. 2.6 Use in Renal Impairment. No dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment if creatinine clearance is >=10 mL/min. [s e lini al Pharma ology 12.3 ].

GERIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.5 Geriatric Use. The median age of patients in all studies of first-line and second-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer was 64-65 years. About 1/3 of the patients were >=70 years old. In the first-line study, patients >=70 years of age experienced longer time to tumor progression and higher response rates than patients <70. For the extended adjuvant setting, more than 5,100 postmenopausal women were enrolled in the clinical study. In total, 41% of patients were aged 65 years or older at enrollment, while 12% were 75 or older. In the extended adjuvant setting, no overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these older patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.In the adjuvant setting, more than 8,000 postmenopausal women were enrolled in the clinical study. In total, 36 of patients were aged 65 years or older at enrollment, while 12% were 75 or older. More adverse reactions were generally reported in elderly patients irrespective of study treatment allocation. However, in comparison to tamoxifen, no overall differences with regards to the safety and efficacy profiles were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING. Packaged in HDPE bottles with safety screw cap.2.5 milligram tablets bottles of 30 tabletsBottles of 30 tablets ..............................................NDC 24535-0801-1Store at 20 to25C (68 to 77F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].Dispense in tight light resistant containers defined in the USP using child-resistant closure.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Letrazole Tablets, USP are an aromatase inhibitor indicated for:Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer (1.1) Extended adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early breast cancer who have received prior standard adjuvant tamoxifen therapy (1.2) First and second-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown advanced breast cancer (1.3). Adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer (1.1) Extended adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early breast cancer who have received prior standard adjuvant tamoxifen therapy (1.2) First and second-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown advanced breast cancer (1.3). 1.1 Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. Letrozole Tablets, USP are indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormonereceptor positive early breast cancer.. 1.2 Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. Letrozole Tablets, USP are indicated for the extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer inpostmenopausal women, who have received years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. The effectiveness of Letrozole Tablets in extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer is based on an analysis of disease-free survival in patients treated with Letrozole Tablets for median of 60 months [s e lini al Studi s 14.2 14.3 ].. 1.3 First and Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. Letrozole Tablets, USP are indicated for first-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormonereceptor positive or unknown, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Letrozole Tablets USP, are also indicated for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy [s e lini al Studi s 14.4 14.5 ].

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Information for PatientsPregnancy: Letrozole Tablets is contraindicated in women of premenopausal endocrine status. The physician needs to discuss the necessity of adequate contraception with women who have the potential to become pregnant including women who are perimenopausal or who recently became postmenopausal, until their postmenopausal status is fully established.Fatigue and Dizziness: Since fatigue and dizziness have been observed with the use of Letrozole Tablets and somnolence was uncommonly reported, caution is advised when driving or using machinery. Bone Effects: Consideration should be given to monitoring bone mineral density.Distributed by: e t- Wa d h r a ce t c als Co p Eatontown, NJ 07724-USAManufactured by: Th A ab h r a ce t c als a nu a ct r n c m a y t P.O.Box 41. Sahab11512 JordanRevised April 2016.

MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION.

12.1 Mechanism of Action. The growth of some cancers of the breast is stimulated or maintained by estrogens. Treatment of breast cancer thought to be hormonally responsive (i.e., estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive or receptor unknown) has included variety of efforts to decrease estrogen levels (ovariectomy, adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy) or inhibit estrogen effects (antiestrogens and progestational agents). These interventions lead to decreased tumor mass or delayed progression of tumor growth in some women.In postmenopausal women, estrogens are mainly derived from the action of the aromatase enzyme, which converts adrenal androgens (primarily androstenedione and testosterone) to estrone and estradiol. The suppression of estrogen biosynthesis in peripheral tissues and in the cancer tissue itself can therefore be achieved by specifically inhibiting the aromatase enzyme.Letrozole is nonsteroidal competitive inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme system; it inhibits the conversion of androgens to estrogens. In adult nontumor- and tumor-bearing female animals, letrozole is as effective as ovariectomy in reducing uterine weight, elevating serum LH, and causing the regression of estrogen- dependent tumors. In contrast to ovariectomy, treatment with letrozole does not lead to an increase in serum FSH. Letrozole selectively inhibits gonadal steroidogenesis but has no significant effect on adrenal mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid synthesis.Letrozole inhibits the aromatase enzyme by competitively binding to the heme of the cytochrome P450 subunit of the enzyme, resulting in reduction of estrogen biosynthesis in all tissues. Treatment of women with letrozole significantly lowers serum estrone, estradiol and estrone sulfate and has not been shown to significantly affect adrenal corticosteroid synthesis, aldosterone synthesis, or synthesis of thyroid hormones.

NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY. 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. conventional carcinogenesis study in mice at doses of 0.6 to 60 mg/kg/day (about to 100 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis) administered by oral gavage for up to years revealed dose-related increase in the incidence of benign ovarian stromal tumors. The incidence of combined hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma showed significant trend in females when the high dose group was excluded due to low survival. In separate study, plasma AUC0 12h levels in mice at 60 mg/kg/day were 55 times higher than the AUC0 24 r level in breast cancer patients at the recommended dose. The carcinogenicity study in rats at oral doses of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day (about 0.4 to 40 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis) for up to years also produced an increase in the incidence of benign ovarian stromal tumors at 10 mg/kg/day. Ovarian hyperplasia was observed in females at doses equal to or greater than 0.1 mg/kg/day. At 10 mg/kg/day, plasma AUC0 -2 4h levels in rats were 80 times higher than the level in breast cancer patients at the recommended dose. The benign ovarian stromal tumors observed in mice and rats were considered to be related to the pharmacological inhibition of estrogen synthesis and may be due to increased luteinizing hormone resulting from the decrease in circulating estrogen.Letrozole Tablets was not mutagenic in in itro tests (Ames and E.coli bacterial tests) but was observed to be potential clastogen in in itro assays (CHO K1 and CCL 61 Chinese hamster ovary cells). Letrozole was not clastogenic in i o (micronucleus test in rats).Studies to investigate the effect of letrozole on fertility have not been conducted; however, repeated dosing caused sexual inactivity in females and atrophy of the reproductive tract in males and females at doses of 0.6, 0.1 and 0.03 mg/kg in mice, rats and dogs, respectively (about one, 0.4 and 0.4 the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis, respectively). Oral administration of Letrozole Tablet to female rats starting weeks before mating until pregnancy day resulted in decreases in the incidence of successful mating and pregnancy at equal to or greater than 0.03 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1 times the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis). An increase in pre-implantation loss was observed at doses equal to or greater than 0.003 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.01 times the recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis).Letrozole administered to young (postnatal day 7) rats for 12 weeks duration at 0.003, 0.03, 0.3 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, resulted in adverse skeletal/growth effects (bone maturation, bone mineral density) and neuroendocrine and reproductive developmental perturbations of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis at exposures less than exposure anticipated at the clinical dose of 2.5 mg/day. Decreased fertility was accompanied by hypertrophy of the hypophysis and testicular changes that included degeneration of the seminiferous tubular epithelium and atrophy of the female reproductive tract. Young rats in this study were allowed to recover following discontinuation of letrozole treatment for 42 days. Histopathological changes were not reversible at clinically relevant exposures.. 13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology. Reproductive Toxicology: Reproduction studies in rats at letrozole doses equal to or greater than 0.003 mg/kg (about 1/100 the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2basis) administered during the period of organogenesis, have shown that letrozole is embryotoxic and fetotoxic, as indicated by intrauterine mortality, increased resorption, increased postimplantation loss, decreased numbers of live fetuses and fetal anomalies including absence and shortening of renal papilla, dilation of ureter, edema and incomplete ossification of frontal skull and metatarsals. Letrozole was teratogenic in rats. 0.03 mg/kg dose (about 1/10 the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis) caused fetal domed head and cervical/centrum vertebral fusion.Letrozole is embryotoxic at doses equal to or greater than 0.002 mg/kg and fetotoxic when administered to rabbits at 0.02 mg/kg (about 1/100,000 and 1/10,000 the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis, respectively). Fetal anomalies included incomplete ossification of the skull, sternebrae, and fore- and hind legs.

NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.

8.3 Nursing Mothers. It is not known if letrozole is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from letrozole, decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

10 OVERDOSAGE. Isolated cases of Letrozole Tablets overdose have been reported. In these instances, the highest single dose ingested was 62.5 mg or 25 Tablets. While no serious adverse reactions were reported in these cases, because of the limited data available, no firm recommendations for treatment can be made. However, emesis could be induced if the patient is alert. In general, supportive care and frequent monitoring of vital signs are also appropriate. In single-dose studies, the highest dose used was 30 mg, which was well tolerated; in multiple-dose trials, the largest dose of 10 mg was well tolerated.Lethality was observed in mice and rats following single oral doses that were equal to or greater than 2,000 mg/kg (about 4,000 to 8,000 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis); death was associated with reduced motor activity, ataxia and dyspnea. Lethality was observed in cats following single IV doses that were equal to or greater than 10 mg/kg (about 50 times the daily maximum recommended human dose on mg/m2 basis); death was preceded by depressed blood pressure and arrhythmias.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

Principal Display PanelNDC 24535-0801-1Letrozole Tablets, USP2.5 mgRx Only30 Tablets. NDC 24535-0801-1Letrozole Tablets, USP2.5 mgRx Only30 Tablets.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

PHARMACODYNAMICS SECTION.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics. In postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer, daily doses of 0.1 mg to mg Letrozole Tablets, USP suppress plasma concentrations of estradiol, estrone, and estrone sulfate by 75%-95% from baseline with maximal suppression achieved within two-three days. Suppression is dose-related, with doses of 0.5 mg and higher giving many values of estrone and estrone sulfate that were below the limit of detection in the assays. Estrogen suppression was maintained throughout treatment in all patients treated at 0.5 mg or higher.Letrozole is highly specific in inhibiting aromatase activity. There is no impairment of adrenal steroidogenesis. No clinically-relevant changes were found in the plasma concentrations of cortisol, aldosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 17-hydroxy-progesterone, ACTH or in plasma renin activity among postmenopausal patients treated with daily dose of Letrozole Tablets 0.1 mg to mg. The ACTH stimulation test performed after and 12 weeks of treatment with daily doses of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and mg did not indicate any attenuation of aldosterone or cortisol production. Glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid supplementation is, therefore, not necessary.No changes were noted in plasma concentrations of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) among healthy postmenopausal women after 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg single doses of Letrozole Tablets USP, or in plasma concentrations of androstenedione among postmenopausal patients treated with daily doses of 0.1 mg to mg. This indicates that the blockade of estrogen biosynthesis does not lead to accumulation of androgenic precursors. Plasma levels of LH and FSH were not affected by letrozole in patients, nor was thyroid function as evaluated by TSH levels, T3 uptake, and T4 levels.

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Absorption and Distribution: Letrozole is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and absorption is not affected by food. It is metabolized slowly to an inactive metabolite whose glucuronide conjugate is excreted renally, representing the major clearance pathway. About 90% of radiolabeled letrozole is recovered in urine. Letrozoles terminal elimination half-life is about days and steady-state plasma concentration after daily 2.5 mg dosing is reached in 2-6 weeks. Plasma concentrations at steady state are 1.5 to times higher than predicted from the concentrations measured after single dose indicating slight non-linearity in the pharmacokinetics of letrozole upon daily administration of 2.5 mg. These steady-state levels are maintained over extended periods, however, and continuous accumulation of letrozole does not occur. Letrozole is weakly protein bound and has large volume of distribution (approximately 1.9 L/kg).Metabolism and Excretion: Metabolism to pharmacologically-inactive carbinol metabolite (4,4methanol- bisbenzonitrile) and renal excretion of the glucuronide conjugate of this metabolite is the major pathway of letrozole clearance. Of the radiolabel recovered in urine, at least 75% was the glucuronide of the carbinol metabolite, about 9% was two unidentified metabolites, and 6% was unchanged letrozole. In human microsomes with specific CYP isozyme activity, CYP3A4 metabolized letrozole to the carbinol metabolite while CYP2A6 formed both this metabolite and its ketone analog. In human liver microsomes, letrozole strongly inhibited CYP2A6 and moderately inhibited CYP2C19.Pediatric, Geriatric and Race: In the study populations (adults ranging in age from 35 to >80 years), no change in pharmacokinetic parameters was observed with increasing age. Differences in letrozole pharmacokinetics between adult and pediatric populations have not been studied.Differences in letrozole pharmacokinetics due to race have not been studied.Renal Impairment: In study of volunteers with varying renal function (24-hour creatinine clearance: 9-116 mL/min), no effect of renal function on the pharmacokinetics of single doses of 2.5 mg of Letrozole Tablets USP, was found. In addition, in study of 347 patients with advanced breast cancer, about half of whom received 2.5 mg Letrozole Tablets USP, and half 0.5 mg Letrozole Tablets USP, renal impairment (calculated creatinine clearance: 20-50 mL/min) did not affect steady-state plasma letrozole concentrations.Hepatic Impairment: In study of subjects with mild to moderate non-metastatic hepatic dysfunction (e.g., cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classification and B), the mean AUC values of the volunteers with moderate hepatic impairment were 37% higher than in normal subjects, but still within the range seen in subjects without impaired function.In pharmacokinetic study, subjects with liver cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classification C, which included bilirubins about 2-11 times ULN with minimal to severe ascites) had twofold increase in exposure (AUC) and 47% reduction in systemic clearance. Breast cancer patients with severe hepatic impairment are thus expected to be exposed to higher levels of letrozole than patients with normal liver function receiving similar doses of this drug. [s e Dosage and Administration 2.5 ].

PREGNANCY SECTION.

8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category [see Contraindications (4)]. Letrozole Tablets may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman and the clinical benefit to premenopausal women with breast cancer has not been demonstrated. Letrozole Tablets is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to fetus.Letrozole Tablets caused adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital malformations, in rats and rabbits at doses much smaller than the daily maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on mg/m2 basis. Effects included increased post-implantation pregnancy loss and resorptions, fewer live fetuses, and fetal malformations affecting the renal and skeletal systems. Animal data and letrozoles mechanism of action raise concerns that letrozole could be human teratogen as well.Reproduction studies in rats showed embryo and fetal toxicity at letrozole doses during organogenesis equal to or greater than 1/100 the daily maximum recommended human dose (MHRD) (mg/m2 basis). Adverse effects included: intrauterine mortality; increased resorptions and postimplantation loss; decreased numbers of live fetuses; and fetal anomalies including absence and shortening of renal papilla, dilation of ureter, edema and incomplete ossification of frontal skull and metatarsals. Letrozole doses 1/10 the daily MHRD (mg/m2 basis) caused fetal domed head and cervical/centrum vertebral fusion. In rabbits, letrozole caused embryo and fetal toxicity at doses about 1/100,000 and 1/10,000 the daily MHRD respectively (mg/m2 basis). Fetal anomalies included incomplete ossification of the skull, sternebrae, and fore- and hind legs. [s e on lini al o i ology 13.2 ] Physicians should discuss the need for adequate contraception with women who are recently menopausal. Contraception should be used until postmenopausal status is clinically well established.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

1.1 Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. Letrozole Tablets, USP are indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormonereceptor positive early breast cancer.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. 8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category [see Contraindications (4)]. Letrozole Tablets may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman and the clinical benefit to premenopausal women with breast cancer has not been demonstrated. Letrozole Tablets is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to fetus.Letrozole Tablets caused adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital malformations, in rats and rabbits at doses much smaller than the daily maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) on mg/m2 basis. Effects included increased post-implantation pregnancy loss and resorptions, fewer live fetuses, and fetal malformations affecting the renal and skeletal systems. Animal data and letrozoles mechanism of action raise concerns that letrozole could be human teratogen as well.Reproduction studies in rats showed embryo and fetal toxicity at letrozole doses during organogenesis equal to or greater than 1/100 the daily maximum recommended human dose (MHRD) (mg/m2 basis). Adverse effects included: intrauterine mortality; increased resorptions and postimplantation loss; decreased numbers of live fetuses; and fetal anomalies including absence and shortening of renal papilla, dilation of ureter, edema and incomplete ossification of frontal skull and metatarsals. Letrozole doses 1/10 the daily MHRD (mg/m2 basis) caused fetal domed head and cervical/centrum vertebral fusion. In rabbits, letrozole caused embryo and fetal toxicity at doses about 1/100,000 and 1/10,000 the daily MHRD respectively (mg/m2 basis). Fetal anomalies included incomplete ossification of the skull, sternebrae, and fore- and hind legs. [s e on lini al o i ology 13.2 ] Physicians should discuss the need for adequate contraception with women who are recently menopausal. Contraception should be used until postmenopausal status is clinically well established.. 8.3 Nursing Mothers. It is not known if letrozole is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from letrozole, decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.. 8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.. 8.5 Geriatric Use. The median age of patients in all studies of first-line and second-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer was 64-65 years. About 1/3 of the patients were >=70 years old. In the first-line study, patients >=70 years of age experienced longer time to tumor progression and higher response rates than patients <70. For the extended adjuvant setting, more than 5,100 postmenopausal women were enrolled in the clinical study. In total, 41% of patients were aged 65 years or older at enrollment, while 12% were 75 or older. In the extended adjuvant setting, no overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these older patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.In the adjuvant setting, more than 8,000 postmenopausal women were enrolled in the clinical study. In total, 36 of patients were aged 65 years or older at enrollment, while 12% were 75 or older. More adverse reactions were generally reported in elderly patients irrespective of study treatment allocation. However, in comparison to tamoxifen, no overall differences with regards to the safety and efficacy profiles were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Decreases in bone mineral density may occur. Consider bone mineral density monitoring (5.1) Increases in total cholesterol may occur. Consider cholesterol monitoring. (5.2) Fatigue, dizziness and somnolence may occur. Exercise caution when operating machinery (5.4). Decreases in bone mineral density may occur. Consider bone mineral density monitoring (5.1) Increases in total cholesterol may occur. Consider cholesterol monitoring. (5.2) Fatigue, dizziness and somnolence may occur. Exercise caution when operating machinery (5.4). 5.1 Bone Effects. Use of Letrozole Tablets may cause decreases in bone mineral density (BMD). Consideration should be given to monitoring BMD. Results of substudy to evaluate safety in the adjuvant setting comparing the effect on lumbar spine (L2-L4) bone mineral density (BMD) of adjuvant treatment with letrozole to that with tamoxifen showed at 24 months median decrease in lumbar spine BMD of 4.1% in the letrozole arm compared to median increase of 0.3% in the tamoxifen arm (difference 4.4%) (P<0.0001) [S e d ve rse e c tions 6.1 )]. Updated results from the BMD sub-study in the extended adjuvant setting demonstrate that at years patients receiving letrozole had median decrease from baseline of 3.8% in hip BMD compared to median decrease of 2.0% in the placebo group. The changes from baseline in lumbar spine BMD in letrozole and placebo treated groups were not significantly different [s e Ad ve rse e c tions 6.2 ] In the adjuvant trial the incidence of bone fractures at any time after randomization was 13.8% for letrozole and 10.5% for tamoxifen. The incidence of osteoporosis was 5.1% for letrozole and 2.7% for tamoxifen [S e d ve rse e c tions 6.1 )]. In the extended adjuvant trial the incidence of bone fractures at any time after randomization was 13.3% for letrozole and 7.8% for placebo. The incidence of new osteoporosis was 14.5% for letrozole and 7.8% for placebo [s e Ad e rse e c tions 6.3 ] . 5.2 Cholesterol. Consideration should be given to monitoring serum cholesterol. In the adjuvant trial hypercholesterolemia was reported in 52.3% of letrozole patients and 28.6% of tamoxifen patients. CTC grade 3-4 hypercholesterolemia was reported in 0.4% of letrozole patients and 0.1% of tamoxifen patients. Also in the adjuvant setting, an increase of >=1.5 ULN in total cholesterol (generally non-fasting) was observed in patients on monotherapy who had baseline total serum cholesterol within the normal range (i.e., <=1.5 ULN) in 151/1843 (8.2%) on letrozole vs 57/1840 (3.2%). Lipid lowering medications were required for 25% of patients on letrozole and 16% on tamoxifen [s e Ad ve s R a tions 6.1 ] . 5.3 Hepatic Impairment. Subjects with cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment who were dosed with 2.5 mg of Letrozole Tablets, USP experienced approximately twice the exposure to Letrozole Tablets as healthy volunteers with normal liver function. Therefore, dose reduction is recommended for this patient population. The effect of hepatic impairment on Letrozole Tablets exposure in cancer patients with elevated bilirubin levels has not been determined. s e Dosage and Administration 2.5 ] 5.4 Fatigue and Dizziness. Because fatigue, dizziness, and somnolence have been reported with the use of Letrozole Tablets caution is advised when driving or using machinery until it is known how the patient reacts to Letrozole Tablets use.. 5.5 Laboratory Test Abnormalities. No dose-related effect of Letrozole Tablets on any hematologic or clinical chemistry parameter was evident. Moderate decreases in lymphocyte counts, of uncertain clinical significance, were observed in some patients receiving Letrozole Tablets 2.5 mg. This depression was transient in about half of those affected. Two patients on Letrozole Tablets developed thrombocytopenia; relationship to the study drug was unclear. Patient withdrawal due to laboratory abnormalities, whether related to study treatment or not, was infrequent.