CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Enter section text here. 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 non-steroidal 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 suppress plasma concentrations of estradiol, estrone and estrone sulfate by 75% to 95% from baseline with maximal suppression achieved within to 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 0.1 mg to mg. The ACTH stimulation test performed after and 12 weeks of treatment with daily doses of 0.1 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, mg, 2.5 mg 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 mg, 0.5 mg and 2.5 mg single doses of letrozole 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 DistributionLetrozole 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 to 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 ExcretionMetabolism 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 RaceIn 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 ImpairmentIn study of volunteers with varying renal function (24-hour creatinine clearance: to 116 mL/min), no effect of renal function on the pharmacokinetics of single doses of 2.5 mg of letrozole was found. In addition, in study of 347 patients with advanced breast cancer, about half of whom received 2.5 mg letrozole and half 0.5 mg letrozole, renal impairment (calculated creatinine clearance: 20 to 50 mL/min) did not affect steady-state plasma letrozole concentrations. Hepatic ImpairmentIn 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 to 11 times ULN with minimal to severe ascites) had 2-fold 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 [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES. Enter section text here. image of figure 1. image of figure 2. image of figure 3. image of figure 4. image of figure 5. 14.1 Updated Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. In multicenter study enrolling over 8,000 postmenopausal women with resected, receptor-positive early breast cancer, one of the following treatments was randomized in double-blind manner: Option 1: A. Tamoxifen for years B. Letrozole for years C. Tamoxifen for years followed by letrozole for years D. Letrozole for years followed by tamoxifen for years Option 2: A. Tamoxifen for years B. Letrozole for years The study in the adjuvant setting, BIG 1-98 was designed to answer two primary questions: whether letrozole 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 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); = 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 (if they had received tamoxifen for at least years) or to start extended adjuvant treatment with letrozole (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 or another aromatase inhibitor. Approximately 70% (448) of these 632 patients crossed to letrozole 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 (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 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 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. 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 two-sided 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)CharacteristicLetrozoleN 4,003n (%)TamoxifenN 4,007n (%)LetrozoleN 2,463n (%)TamoxifenN 2,459n (%)Age (median, years)61616161Age range (years)38 to 8939 to 9038 to 8839 to 90Hormone receptor status (%) ER+ and/or PgR+99.799.799.799.7 Both unknown0.30.30.30.3Nodal status (%) Node negative52525052 Node positive41414341 Nodal status unknown7777Prior adjuvant chemotherapy (%)24242424Table 6: Updated Adjuvant Study Results Monotherapy Arms Analysis (Median Follow-up 73 Months) LetrozoleN 2,463TamoxifenN 2,459Hazard RatioEvents(%)5-year rateEvents(%)5-year rate(95%CI)PDisease-free survival ITT445 (18.1)87.4500 (20.3)84.70.87 (0.76, 0.99)0.03Censor44587.448384.20.84 (0.73, 0.95) positive nodesITT16592.218990.30.88 (0.72, 1.09) to positive nodesITT15185.6163830.85 (0.68, 1.06) = positive nodesITT12371.214262.60.81 (0.64, 1.03) Adjuvant chemotherapyITT11986.415080.60.77 (0.60, 0.98) No chemotherapyITT32687.835086.10.91 (0.78, 1.06)Systemic DFS+ ITT40188.544686.60.88 (0.77,1.01)Time to distant metastasis ITT25792.429890.10.85 (0.72, 1.00) Adjuvant chemotherapyITT84-109-0.75 (0.56-1.00) No chemotherapyITT173-189-0.90 (0.73,1.11)Distant DFS ITT3858943287.10.87 (0.76,1.00)Contralateral breast cancerITT3499.24498.60.76 (0.49, 1.19)Overall survivalITT30391.834390.90.87 (0.75, 1.02)Censor30391.833890.10.82 (0.70, 0.96) positive nodesITT10795.212194.80.90 (0.69.1.16) to positive nodesITT9990.811490.60.81(0.62,1.06) = positive nodesITT9280.210473.60.86 (0.65, 1.14) Adjuvant chemotherapyITT7691.59688.40.79 (0.58, 1.06) No chemotherapyITT22791.924791.80.91 (0.76, 1.08)ITT analysis ignores selective crossover in tamoxifen arms. Censored analysis censors follow-up at the date of selective crossover in 632 patients who crossed to letrozole or another aromatase inhibitor after the tamoxifen arms were unblinded in 2005.Disease-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 cause.Figure shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for Disease-Free Survival Monotherapy Analysis. Figure 1: Disease-Free Survival (Median follow-up 73 months, ITT Approach) 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 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 years vs. tamoxifen beyond years, DFS HR 0.89; 97.5% CI 0.68, 1.15 and [letrozole years followed by] tamoxifen years vs. letrozole 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 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 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 StatusLetrozoleN 2,582PlaceboN 2,586Hormone Receptor Status(%) ER+ and/or PgR+9898 Both Unknown22Nodal Status (%) Node Negative5050 Node Positive4646 Nodal Status Unknown44Chemotherapy4646 Table 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 = 2,582Placebo = 2,586Hazard Ratio (95% CI)P-ValueDisease Free Survival (DFS) Events122 (4.7%)193 (7.5%)0.62 (0.49, 0.78)+ 0.00003 Local Breast Recurrence922 Local Chest Wall Recurrence28 Regional Recurrence74 Distant Recurrence55920.61 (0.44 to 0.84)0.003 Contralateral Breast Cancer1929 Deaths Without Recurrence or Contralateral Breast Cancer3038CI confidence interval for hazard ratio. Hazard ratio of less than 1.0 indicates difference in favor of letrozole (lesser risk of recurrence); hazard ratio greater than 1.0 indicates difference in favor of placebo (higher risk of recurrence with letrozole). P-value based on stratified logrank test.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). 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 ResultsLetrozole = 2,582 (%)Placebo = 2,586 (%)Hazard Ratio (95% CI)P-Value+Disease Free Survival (DFS) events 344 (13.3)402 (15.5)0.89 (0.77, 1.03)0.12Breast cancer recurrence(Protocol definition of DFS events)2092860.75 (0.63, 0.89)0.001 Local Breast Recurrence1544 Local Chest Wall Recurrence614 Regional Recurrence108 Distant Recurrence140167 Distant recurrence (first or subsequent events)1421690.88 (0.70,1.10)0.246 Contralateral Breast Cancer3753 Deaths Without Recurrence or Contralateral Breast Cancer 135116Adjusted by receptor status, nodal status and prior chemotherapy.+Stratified logrank test, stratified by receptor status, nodal status and prior chemotherapy.DFS events defined as earliest of loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, contralateral breast cancer or death from any cause, and ignoring switches to letrozole in 60% of the placebo arm.Protocol definition does not include deaths from any cause.Updated analyses were conducted at median follow-up of 62 months. In the letrozole 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. In this updated analysis shown in Table 9, letrozole significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence or contralateral breast cancer compared with placebo (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.63, 0.89; = 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 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 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 Demographics Baseline StatusLetrozoleN 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 Antiestrogen Therapy Adjuvant19%18% None81%82%Dominant Site of Disease Soft Tissue25%25% Bone32%29% Viscera43%46% Letrozole 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 Letrozole2.5 mgN 453Tamoxifen20 mgN 454Hazard or OddsRatio (95% CI)P-Value (2-Sided)Median Time to Progression9.4 months6 months0.72 (0.62, 0.83) < 0.0001Objective Response Rate (CR PR)145 (32%)95 (21%)1.77 (1.31, 2.39)+ = 0.0002 (CR)42 (9%)15 (3%)2.99 (1.63, 5.47)+ = 0.0004Duration of Objective Response Median18 months16 months(N 145)(N 95)Overall Survival35 months32 months(N 458)(N 458)P 0.5136 Hazard ratio +Odds ratio Overall logrank test Figure shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for TTP.Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Tamoxifen Study) Table12 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 status. Table 12: Efficacy in Patients Who Received Prior Antiestrogen TherapyVariableLetrozoleTamoxifen2.5 mg20 mgN 84N 83Median Time to Progression (95% CI)8.9 months (6.2, 12.5)5.9 months (3.2, 6.2) Hazard Ratio for TTP (95% CI)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; hazard ratio greater than or odds ratio less than favors tamoxifen. Table 13: Efficacy by Disease SiteLetrozoleTamoxifen2.5 mg20 mgDominant Disease SiteSoft Tissue:N 113N 115 Median TTP12.1 months6.4 months Objective Response Rate50%34%Bone:N 145N 131 Median TTP9.5 months6.3 months Objective Response Rate23%15%Viscera:N 195N 208 Median TTP8.3 months4.6 months Objective Response Rate28%17%Table 14: Efficacy by Receptor StatusVariableLetrozoleTamoxifen2.5 mg20 mgReceptor PositiveN 294N 305 Median Time to Progression (95% CI)9.4 months (8.9, 11.8)6 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 149 Median Time to Progression (95% CI)9.2 months (6.1, 12.3)6 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;hazard ratio greater than or odds ratio less than favors tamoxifen.Figure shows the Kaplan-Meier curves for survival.Figure 3: Survival by Randomized Treatment ArmLegend: Randomized letrozole: = 458, events 57%, median overall survival 35 months (95% CI 32 to 38 months) Randomized tamoxifen: = 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 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 to tamoxifen) and 13 months (tamoxifen to letrozole). In patients who did not cross over to the opposite treatment arm, median survival was 35 months with letrozole (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 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 40 patients treated with letrozole 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 0.5 mg daily, letrozole 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 Demographics ParameterMegestrol AcetateStudyAminoglutethimideStudyNo. 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 to 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 0.5 mg, letrozole 2.5 mg, and megestrol acetate 160 mg daily. (All analyses are unadjusted.) Table 16: Megestrol Acetate Study Results Letrozole0.5 mgN 188Letrozole2.5 mgN 174MegestrolAcetateN 190Objective Response (CR PR)22 (11.7%)41 (23.6%)31 (16.3%)Median Duration of Response552 days(Not reached)561 daysMedian Time to Progression154 days170 days168 daysMedian Survival633 days730 days659 daysOdds Ratio for Responseletrozole 2.5: letrozole 0.5 2.33letrozole 2.5: megestrol 1.58(95% CI: 1.32, 4.17); = 0.004 (95% CI: 0.94, 2.66); = 0.08 Relative Risk of Progressionletrozole 2.5: letrozole 0.5 0.81letrozole 2.5: megestrol 0.77(95% CI: 0.63, 1.03); = 0.09 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.98), = 0.03 two-sided P-valueThe Kaplan-Meier curves for progression for the megestrol acetate study are shown in Figure 4. Figure 4: Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Megestrol Acetate Study)The results for the study comparing letrozole to aminoglutethimide, with minimum follow-up of months, are shown in Table 17. (Unadjusted analyses are used.) Table 17: Aminoglutethimide Study Results Letrozole0.5 mgN 193Letrozole2.5 mgN 185AminoglutethimideN 179Objective Response (CR PR)34 (17.6%)34 (18.4%)22 (12.3%)Median Duration of Response619 days706 days450 daysMedian Time to Progression103 days123 days112 daysMedian Survival636 days 792 days592 daysOdds Ratio for Responseletrozole 2.5:letrozole 2.5:letrozole 0.5 1.05aminoglutethimide 1.61(95% CI: 0.62, 1.79); = 0.85 (95% CI: 0.90, 2.87); = 0.11 Relative Risk of Progressionletrozole 2.5:letrozole 2.5:letrozole 0.5 0.86aminoglutethimide 0.74(95% CI: 0.68, 1.11); = 0.25 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.94), = 0.02 two-sided P-valueThe Kaplan-Meier curves for progression for the aminoglutethimide study is shown in Figure 5.Figure 5: Kaplan-Meier Estimates of Time to Progression (Aminoglutethimide Study).

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. The most serious adverse reactions from the use of letrozole are: Bone effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Increases in cholesterol [see Warnings and Precautions (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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Increases in cholesterol [see Warnings and Precautions (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 Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or 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 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 one 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 to 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 to 4, Irrespective of Relationship to Study Drug) in the Adjuvant Study Monotherapy Arms Analysis (Median Follow-up 73 Months; Median Treatment 60 Months) Grades to 4Grades to 4Adverse Reaction LetrozoleN 2,448n (%)TamoxifenN 2,447n (%)LetrozoleN 2,448n (%)TamoxifenN 2,447n (%)Pts with any adverse event 2,310 (94.4) 2,214 (90.5) 635 (25.9) 604 (24.7) Hypercholesterolemia 1,280 (52.3) 700 (28.6) 11 (0.4) (0.2) Hot Flashes/Flushes 821 (33.5) 929 (38) -0 -Arthralgia/Arthritis 618 (25.2) 501 (20.4) 85 (3.5) 50 (2) Night Sweats 357 (14.6) 426 (17.4) -0 -Bone Fractures 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) (0.2) (0.4) Bone Fractures+ 247 (10.1) 174 (7.1) -- -Fatigue (Lethargy, Malaise, Asthenia) 235 (9.6) 250 (10.2) (0.2) (0.3) Myalgia 217 (8.9) 212 (8.7) 18 (0.7) 14 (0.6) Edema 164 (6.7) 160 (6.5) (0.1) (< 0.1) Weight Decrease 140 (5.7) 129 (5.3) (0.3) (0.2) Vaginal Bleeding 128 (5.2) 320 (13.1) (< 0.1) (0.3) Back Pain 125 (5.1) 136 (5.6) (0.3) 11 (0.4) Osteoporosis NOS 124 (5.1) 66 (2.7) 10 (0.4) (0.2) Bone pain 123 (5) 109 (4.5) (0.2) (0.2) Depression 119 (4.9) 114 (4.7) 16 (0.7) 14 (0.6) Vaginal Irritation 111 (4.5) 77 (3.1) (< 0.1) (< 0.1) Headache 105 (4.3) 94 (3.8) (0.4) (0.2) Pain in extremity 103 (4.2) 79 (3.2) (0.2) (0.2) Osteopenia 87 (3.6) 74 (3) -2 (< 0.1) Dizziness/Light-Headedness 84 (3.4) 84 (3.4) (< 0.1) (0.2) Alopecia 83 (3.4) 84 (3.4) -0 -Vomiting 80 (3.3) 80 (3.3) (0.1) (0.2) Cataract 49 (2) 54 (2.2) 16 (0.7) 17 (0.7) Constipation 49 (2) 71 (2.9) (0.1) (< 0.1) Breast pain 37 (1.5) 43 (1.8) (< 0.1) -Anorexia 20 (0.8) 20 (0.8) (< 0.1) (< 0.1) Endometrial Hyperplasia/Cancer 11/1,909 (0.6) 70/1,943 (3.6) -- -Endometrial Proliferation Disorders 10 (0.3) 71 (1.8) -14 (0.6) Endometrial Hyperplasia/Cancer+ 6/1,909 (0.3) 57/1,943 (2.9) -- -Other Endometrial Disorders (< 0.1) (0.1) -0 -Myocardial Infarction+ 24 (1) 12 (0.5) -- -Myocardial Infarction 37 (1.5) 25 (1) -- -Myocardial Ischemia (0.2) ( 0.4) -- -Cerebrovascular Accident+ 52 (2.1) 46 (1.9) -- -Cerebrovascular Accident 70 (2.9) 63 (2.6) -- -Angina+ 26 (1.1) 24 (1) -- -Angina 32 (1.3) 31 (1.3) -- -Thromboembolic Event+ 51 (2.1) 89 (3.6) -- -Thromboembolic Event 71 (2.9) 111 (4.5) -- -Other Cardiovascular+ 260 (10.6) 256 (10.5) -- -Other Cardiovascular 312 (12.7) 337 (13.8) -- -Second Malignancies+ 53 (2.2) 78 (3.2) -- -Second Malignancies 102 (4.2) 119 (4.9) -- -Note: 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 to and were not individually graded.Any time after randomization, including post treatment follow-up +During study treatment, based on Safety Monotherapy populationExcluding women who had undergone hysterectomy before study enWhen considering all grades during study treatment, higher incidence of events was seen for letrozole regarding fractures (10.1% vs. 7.1%), myocardial infarctions (1% vs. 0.5%), and arthralgia (25.2% vs. 20.4%) (letrozole 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 vs. tamoxifen respectively). At median follow up of 73 months, higher incidence of events was seen for letrozole (13.8%) than for tamoxifen (10.5%) regarding fractures. higher incidence was seen for tamoxifen compared to letrozole regarding thromboembolic events (4.5% vs. 2.9%), and endometrial hyperplasia or cancer (2.9% vs. 0.4%) (tamoxifen vs. letrozole, respectively). Bone StudyResults of phase safety trial in 262 post menopausal women with resected receptor positive early breast cancer in the adjuvant setting comparing the effect on lumbar spine (L2 to 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 one patient with osteopenia at baseline (T score of -1.9) developed 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 2-year period, fractures were reported by of 103 patients (4%) in the letrozole arm and of 97 patients (6%) in the tamoxifen arm. Lipid StudyIn phase safety trial in 262 post menopausal 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 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 Reactions Number (%) of Patients with Grade to Adverse ReactionNumber (%) of Patients with Grade to Adverse Reaction Letrozole = 2,563Placebo = 2,573LetrozoleN 2,563Placebo = 2,573Any Adverse Reaction 2,232 (87.1)2,174 (84.5)419 (16.3)389 (15.1)Vascular Disorders 1,375 (53.6)1,230 (47.8)59 (2.3)74 (2.9) Flushing 1,273 (49.7)1,114 (43.3)3 (0.1)0 -General Disorders 1,154 (45)1,090 (42.4)30 (1.2)28 (1.1) Asthenia 862 (33.6)826 (32.1)16 (0.6)7 (0.3) Edema NOS 471 (18.4)416 (16.2)4 (0.2)3 (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)5 (0.2) Myalgia 171 (6.7)122 (4.7)8 (0.3)6 (0.2) Back Pain 129 (5)112 (4.4)8 (0.3)7 (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)9 (0.4)6 (0.2)Skin Disorders 830 (32.4)787 (30.6)17 (0.7)16 (0.6) Sweating Increased 619 (24.2)577 (22.4)1 (< 0.1)0 -Gastrointestinal Disorders 725 (28.3)731 (28.4)43 (1.7)42 (1.6) Constipation 290 (11.3)304 (11.8)6 (0.2)2 (< 0.1) Nausea 221 (8.6)212 (8.2)3 (0.1)10 (0.4) Diarrhea NOS 128 (5)143 (5.6)12 (0.5)8 (0.3)Metabolic Disorders 551 (21.5)537 (20.9)24 (0.9)32 (1.2) Hypercholesterolemia 401 (15.6)398 (15.5)2 (< 0.1)5 (0.2)Reproductive Disorders 303 (11.8)357 (13.9)9 (0.4)8 (0.3) Vaginal Hemorrhage 123 (4.8)171 (6.6)2 (< 0.1)5 (0.2) Vulvovaginal Dryness 137 (5.3)127 (4.9)0 -0 -Psychiatric Disorders 320 (12.5)276 (10.7)21 (0.8)16 (0.6) Insomnia 149 (5.8)120 (4.7)2 (< 0.1)2 (< 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)6 (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 was 5.9% (152) and placebo was 5.5% (142). The incidence of self-reported osteoporosis was higher in patients who received letrozole 6.9% (176) than in patients who received placebo 5.5% (141). Bisphosphonates were administered to 21.1% of the patients who received letrozole 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 6.8% (175) and placebo 6.5% (167). 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-StudyIn the extended adjuvant setting, based on median duration of follow-up of 62 months, there was no significant difference between letrozole 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (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 [see Adverse Reactions (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 (10.4%) compared to placebo (5.8%), as also higher rate of osteoporosis (letrozole 12.2% 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 and 7% 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-StudyIn the extended adjuvant setting, based on median duration of follow-up of 62 months, there was no significant difference between letrozole 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (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 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 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 2.5 mg or tamoxifen 20 mg in the first-line treatment study are shown in Table 3. Table 3: Percentage (%) of Patients with Adverse Reactions Adverse Reaction Letrozole2.5 mg(N 455)%Tamoxifen20 mg(N 455)%General Disorders Fatigue 1313 Chest Pain 89 Edema Peripheral 56 Pain NOS 57 Weakness64Investigations Weight Decreased75Vascular Disorders Hot Flushes 1916 Hypertension84Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 1717 Constipation 1011 Diarrhea 84 Vomiting 78Infections/Infestations Influenza 64 Urinary Tract Infection NOS 63Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema 77Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Anorexia 46Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Bone Pain 2221 Back Pain 1819 Arthralgia 1615 Pain in Limb 108Nervous System Disorders Headache NOS 87Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 74Reproductive System and Breast Disorders Breast Pain 77Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Dyspnea 1817 Cough 1313 Chest Wall Pain 66 Other 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 0.5 mg, in 4/174 (2.3%) on letrozole 2.5 mg, and in 15/190 (7.9%) on megestrol acetate. There were fewer thromboembolic events at both letrozole 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 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, 7/185 (3.8%) on 2.5 mg letrozole, 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 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 letrozole 0.5 mg, letrozole 2.5 mg, megestrol acetate, or aminoglutethimide in the two controlled trials are shown in Table 4. Table 4: Percentage (%) of Patients with Adverse Reactions AdverseReactionPooledLetrozole2.5 mg(N 359)%PooledLetrozole0.5 mg(N 380)%MegestrolAcetate160 mg(N 189)%Aminoglutethimide500 mg(N 178)%Body as Whole Fatigue86113 Chest Pain6373 Peripheral Edema 5583 Asthenia4545 Weight Increase2293Cardiovascular Hypertension5756Digestive System Nausea1315914 Vomiting7759 Constipation6797 Diarrhea6534 Pain-Abdominal6598 Anorexia5355 Dyspepsia3465Infections/Infestations Viral Infection6563Lab Abnormality Hypercholesterolemia3306Musculoskeletal System Musculoskeletal+ 21223014 Arthralgia8883Nervous System Headache91297 Somnolence3229 Dizziness3573Respiratory System Dyspnea79165 Coughing6575Skin and Appendages Hot Flushes6543 Rash 54312 Pruritus1253 Includes peripheral edema, leg edema, dependent edema, edema.+Includes musculoskeletal pain, skeletal pain, back pain, arm pain, leg pain.Includes rash, erythematous rash, maculopapular rash, psoriasiform rash, vesicular rash.Other less frequent (< 5%) adverse reactions considered consequential and reported in at least three patients treated with letrozole, 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 Post-Marketing Experience. Cases of blurred vision, increased hepatic enzymes, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme and hepatitis have been reported.

ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY & OR TOXICOLOGY SECTION.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology. Reproductive ToxicologyReproduction 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/m2 basis) 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 AUC0-12hr levels in mice at 60 mg/kg/day were 55 times higher than the AUC0-24hr 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 AUC0-24hr levels in rats were 80 times higher than the level in breast cancer patients at the recommended dose. Letrozole was not mutagenic in in vitro tests (Ames and E.coli bacterial tests) but was observed to be potential clastogen in in vitro assays (CHO K1 and CCL 61 Chinese hamster ovary cells). Letrozole was not clastogenic in vivo (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). 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.

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 are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If letrozole tablets are used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Women of premenopausal endocrine status, including pregnant women (4).

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

11 DESCRIPTION. Letrozole tablets for oral administration contains 2.5 mg of letrozole, non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (inhibitor of estrogen synthesis). It is chemically described as 4,4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethylene)dibenzonitrile, and its structural formula is: Letrozole, USP is white to off-white powder, freely soluble in dichloromethane, slightly soluble in ethanol and practically insoluble in water. It has molecular weight of 285.31, molecular formula C17H11N5, and melting range of 184C to 185C. Letrozole tablets, USP are available as 2.5 mg tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Red No. 27 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, hypromellose, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and triacetin.. image of chemical structure.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Enter section text here. 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 is 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 letrozole tablets 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 [see Clinical Studies (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 is 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 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].. 2.4 Use in First and Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. In patients with advanced disease, treatment with letrozole tablets should continue until tumor progression is evident [see Clinical Studies (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 blood concentrations were modestly increased in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment due to cirrhosis. The dose of letrozole in patients with cirrhosis and severe hepatic dysfunction should be reduced by 50% [see Warnings and Precautions (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 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS. 2.5 mg tablets: pink film-coated, round tablets debossed with on one side of the tablet and L71 on the other side.. 2.5 mg tablets (3).

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS. Tamoxifen: Coadministration of letrozole and tamoxifen 20 mg daily resulted in reduction of letrozole plasma levels of 38% on average. Clinical experience in the second-line breast cancer trials indicates that the therapeutic effect of letrozole therapy is not impaired if letrozole is administered immediately after tamoxifen. Cimetidine: pharmacokinetic interaction study with cimetidine showed no clinically significant effect on letrozole pharmacokinetics. Warfarin: An interaction study with warfarin showed no clinically significant effect of letrozole on warfarin pharmacokinetics. Other Anticancer Agents: There is no clinical experience to date on the use of letrozole in combination with other anticancer agents.

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 to 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. Letrozole Tablets, USP are available containing 2.5 mg of letrozole, USP.The 2.5 mg tablets are pink film-coated, round tablets debossed with on one side of the tablet and L71 on the other side. They are available as follows:Bottles of 30 NDC 54868-6252-0 Store at 20 to 25C (68 to 77F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]Dispense in tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using child-resistant closure.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Enter section text here. Letrozole is 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 are indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer.. 1.2 Extended Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. Letrozole tablets are indicated for the extended adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women, who have received years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. The effectiveness of letrozole 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 [see Clinical Studies (14.2, 14.3)]. 1.3 First and Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer. Letrozole tablets are indicated for first-line treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive or unknown, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Letrozole tablets are also indicated for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with disease progression following antiestrogen therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.4, 14.5)].

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Information for Patients PregnancyLetrozole tablets are 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 DizzinessSince fatigue and dizziness have been observed with the use of letrozole and somnolence was uncommonly reported, caution is advised when driving or using machinery. Bone EffectsConsideration should be given to monitoring bone mineral density. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.Morgantown, WV 26505 U.S.A.REVISED DECEMBER 2010LETR:R2Relabeling of Additional label by:Physicians Total Care, Inc.Tulsa, OK 74146.

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 non-steroidal 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. Enter section text here. 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 AUC0-12hr levels in mice at 60 mg/kg/day were 55 times higher than the AUC0-24hr 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 AUC0-24hr levels in rats were 80 times higher than the level in breast cancer patients at the recommended dose. Letrozole was not mutagenic in in vitro tests (Ames and E.coli bacterial tests) but was observed to be potential clastogen in in vitro assays (CHO K1 and CCL 61 Chinese hamster ovary cells). Letrozole was not clastogenic in vivo (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). 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 ToxicologyReproduction 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/m2 basis) 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 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 2000 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 PANEL. LetrozoleTablets, USP2.5 mgRx onlyEach film-coated tabletcontains:Letrozole, USP 2.5 mgDispense in tight, light-resistantcontainer as defined in the USPusing child-resistant closure.Keep container tightly closed.Keep this and all medicationout of the reach of children.Store at 20 to 25C (68 to 77F ).[See USP Controlled RoomTemperature.]Usual Dosage: See accompanyingprescribing information.. image of 2.5 mg package label.

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 suppress plasma concentrations of estradiol, estrone and estrone sulfate by 75% to 95% from baseline with maximal suppression achieved within to 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 0.1 mg to mg. The ACTH stimulation test performed after and 12 weeks of treatment with daily doses of 0.1 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, mg, 2.5 mg 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 mg, 0.5 mg and 2.5 mg single doses of letrozole 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 DistributionLetrozole 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 to 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 ExcretionMetabolism 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 RaceIn 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 ImpairmentIn study of volunteers with varying renal function (24-hour creatinine clearance: to 116 mL/min), no effect of renal function on the pharmacokinetics of single doses of 2.5 mg of letrozole was found. In addition, in study of 347 patients with advanced breast cancer, about half of whom received 2.5 mg letrozole and half 0.5 mg letrozole, renal impairment (calculated creatinine clearance: 20 to 50 mL/min) did not affect steady-state plasma letrozole concentrations. Hepatic ImpairmentIn 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 to 11 times ULN with minimal to severe ascites) had 2-fold 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 [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

PREGNANCY SECTION.

8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X[see Contraindications (4)]. Letrozole may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman and the clinical benefit to premenopausal women with breast cancer has not been demonstrated. Letrozole 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 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 [see Nonclinical Toxicology (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.

RECENT MAJOR CHANGES SECTION.

Enter section text here. Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer (1.1, 2.2) 04/2010.

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

1.1 Adjuvant Treatment of Early Breast Cancer. Letrozole tablets are indicated for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. Enter section text here. 8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X[see Contraindications (4)]. Letrozole may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant woman and the clinical benefit to premenopausal women with breast cancer has not been demonstrated. Letrozole 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 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 [see Nonclinical Toxicology (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 to 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. Enter section text here. 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 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 to 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) [see Adverse reactions (6.1)]. Updated results from the BMD sub-study in the extended adjuvant setting demonstrated that at years patients receiving letrozole had median decrease from baseline of 3.8% in hip BMD compared to median decrease of 2% in the placebo group. The changes from baseline in lumbar spine BMD in letrozole and placebo treated groups were not significantly different [see Adverse Reactions (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 [see Adverse Reactions (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 [see Adverse Reactions (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 to 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. 57/1,840 (3.2%). Lipid lowering medications were required for 25% of patients on letrozole and 16% on tamoxifen [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. 5.3 Hepatic Impairment. Subjects with cirrhosis and severe hepatic impairment who were dosed with 2.5 mg of letrozole experienced approximately twice the exposure to letrozole as healthy volunteers with normal liver function. Therefore, dose reduction is recommended for this patient population. The effect of hepatic impairment on letrozole exposure in cancer patients with elevated bilirubin levels has not been determined [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]. 5.4 Fatigue and Dizziness. Because fatigue, dizziness and somnolence have been reported with the use of letrozole, caution is advised when driving or using machinery until it is known how the patient reacts to letrozole use. 5.5 Laboratory Test Abnormalities. No dose related effect of letrozole 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 2.5 mg. This depression was transient in about half of those affected. Two patients on letrozole developed thrombocytopenia; relationship to the study drug was unclear. Patient withdrawal due to laboratory abnormalities, whether related to study treatment or not, was infrequent.