Femara and Hypertension

hi,

im 56yo, mastectomy, using Femara (letrozole) for three months, but recently i feel hypertension, my blood pressure has increased to 16-17 / 10-11 and my heart beat is ususally around 100-110.
my cardiologist has prescribed Atenolol, but i doubt if this may interfere or decrease the efficacy of hormone drug.

can somebody please help me?

thanx

[PaulMD]

Hi.

The Atenolol and similar anti-hypertensive drugs should not interfere with the efficacy of the hormonal drug femara.  There are a few instances of hypertension recorded occurring during clinical trials for femara, but there is no causative relation established.  This hypertension of yours may indeed be just coincidental (meaning, you would develop this whether you are taking femara or not).

I would suggest that you continue with your hormonal treatment, but at the same time continue taking your medications for the hypertension as both can be of benefit.

Regards and God bless.