Does Tamoxifen Interact with Letrozole?
Tamoxifen and Letrozole have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Coadministration reduces letrozole plasma levels by 38% on average, but clinical experience indicates therapeutic effect is not impaired when letrozole is administered immediately after tamoxifen. The mechanism involves reduction of letrozole plasma levels. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Letrozole Class
- Aromatase Inhibitor
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Tamoxifen and Letrozole occurs because reduction of letrozole plasma levels. Clinically, this means coadministration reduces letrozole plasma levels by 38% on average, but clinical experience indicates therapeutic effect is not impaired when letrozole is administered immediately after tamoxifen. This is classified as a moderate interaction. While it may not require stopping either medication, your healthcare provider should be aware you are taking both so they can monitor for potential effects and adjust treatment if necessary.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Tamoxifen and your doctor is considering prescribing Letrozole (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider