Femara: Who Makes It? Manufacturer & History

Femara is a prescription tablet for use in post-surgical, post-menopausal breast cancer patients.

Manufacturer

• Novartis Pharmaceuticals manufactures Femara tablets.

History

• According to Femara.com, the drug was approved in 1997 for use by post-menopausal women whose breast cancer progressed after antiestrogen therapy. Four years later, the drug was approved for use by post-menopausal women with metastatic cancer. In 2004, the drug was approved for extended adjuvant treatment of those who are within three months of completing a five-year Tamoxifen treatment.

Side Effects

• Some side effects of Femara use include hot flashes, fatigue, joint pain, headache, increased sweating, swelling because of fluid retention, raised cholesterol levels, dizziness, constipation, nausea, heart-related problems, muscle pain, osteoporosis, arthritis and bone fractures.

Contraindications

• Women who are premenopausal should not take Femara. Women who are pregnant should not handle Femara as the drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs.

News

• In July 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved labeling changes regarding adverse reactions to the drug.