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November 30, 2005

Fertility Drug Femara Linked to Birth Defects

The manufacturer of a breast cancer drug, letrozole, is warning fertility doctors that it has been associated with birth defects, a caution prompted by reports that the drug was being used to help a woman become pregnant.

Letrozole is approved for use only in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. But there is evidence some doctors have prescribed it as a fertility treatment because it suppresses estrogen and can promote ovulation. It is marketed under the name Femara. (Washington Post)