Breast Cancer Treatment: Why Some Older Patients May Not Need Radiation, TV Host Samantha Harris Says her Breast Cancer Was Misdiagnosed for Months. Breast cancers that are stimulated by hormones, such as estrogen, are called hormone receptor-positive (HR+). Bone fracture; breast pain; chest pain Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Its possible that you may continue to have side effects from Femara even after you stop taking it. Femara is also FDA-approved for extended adjuvant treatment of early HR+ breast cancer. Femara contains the active drug letrozole and is available as a generic drug called letrozole. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking letrozole: Less common. And you should continue to avoid breastfeeding for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of the drug. Talk with your doctor if youre pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed. Another 2019 review of studies found Femara and clomiphene to be similarly effective in treating unexplained infertility. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. Cancer cells multiply quickly, but some healthy cells in your body also multiply quickly. If your doctor confirms that you had a serious allergic reaction to Femara, they may have you switch to a different treatment. If you dont understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you. To help make sure that you dont miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. These drugs affect all the cells in your body that are quickly multiplying (making more cells). Femara may cause hair loss in some people. Also, keep in mind that Femara isnt approved to treat breast cancer in females who havent gone through menopause yet. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. The drugs work by lowering estrogen levels in your body, which helps stop breast cancer from growing. No, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasnt approved Femara for use in bodybuilding. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Below are lists of medications that can interact with Femara. Side effects usually improve after a few months as your body gets used to the medicine. Before taking Femara, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. But the drug could be harmful to a child who consumes it in breast milk. PCOS is a condition that causes hormone problems, irregular or skipped periods, and cysts on your ovaries. This helps slow the growth and spread of cancer thats encouraged to grow by estrogen. Whether Femara or clomiphene is more effective for you may depend on the cause of your infertility. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Serious side effects are possible from taking Femara. Lumpectomy and mastectomy are different types of cancer surgery that remove cancer cells from the breast. People being treated for primary breast cancer will usually take letrozole for five to ten years. The aromatase enzyme helps make estrogen from other hormones called androgens. Its also worth noting that alcohol is known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Femara and clomiphene are both used to induce (cause) ovulation in females* who are having trouble becoming pregnant. Taking a Break From Letrozole Therapy After Breast Cancer. Like most drugs, Femara can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They can help determine if you should keep taking Femara or switch to a different treatment. If you have questions or concerns about this potential side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Femara can stay in your system after you stop taking the drug. (Letrozole is the active drug in Femara.) Femara is classified as an aromatase inhibitor. If youre at a moderate weight, you may have fewer and less serious hot flashes. About 90% of radiolabeled letrozole is recovered in urine. I had no radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Mild side effects of many . ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor. But more research is needed to know whether higher doses of Femara are more effective than lower doses. But this side effect wasnt reported in studies. Your doctor will explain how you should take Femara, such as how much to take and how often. Serious side effects of Femara that have been reported include: Learn more about some of the side effects Femara may cause. A hot shower or bath may also provide some headache relief. So researchers wanted to know if taking an aromatase inhibitor for 10 years would offer more benefits than taking one for 5 years. Both Femara and Arimidex belong to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. They may want to prescribe medication to help protect your bones during your Femara treatment. If you have questions about whether its safe for you to drive or operate machinery during your treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. In all of these cases, Femara is used to treat infertility by inducing (causing) ovulation. Femara can cause mild or serious side effects. Visit Medicine Assistance Tool to find programs that may help lower your cost of Femara. Some people whove taken Femara have also benefited from complementary treatments, such as acupuncture and massage. Both cancer and cancer treatments can often cause changes in appetite and body weight. If you have questions or concerns about these potential side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Femara. Studies conducted by maxillofacial surgeons have shown that most of the free-flowing chemical in the bloodstream is eliminated in approximately three to four months. Swelling, another common side effect of Femara, can cause you to gain weight as your body holds on to water. If you no longer need to take Femara and have leftover medication, its important to dispose of it safely. Allergic reaction. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Early-stage, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer that has been treated. When Femara is used off-label to treat infertility, the drug doesnt increase the risk of birth defects or miscarriage. These lists dont include all possible side effects. why should I stop; would I benefit from stopping; would I benefit from continuing, who would monitor me, etc. To find out how often this side effect occurred in clinical studies, see the drugs prescribing information. Femara is a brand-name prescription drug thats approved to treat breast cancer in females* whove gone through menopause. In certain situations, if Femara has stopped working for you, your doctor might ask you to stop taking the drug in order to cause a withdrawal response. This response is a hormonal shift thats caused by stopping Femara. Available for Android and iOS devices. But with advanced breast cancer, the cancer has spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes (called locally advanced breast cancer), or it has spread to other parts of the body (called metastatic breast cancer). You can do this for about 10 minutes a few times each day. Femara is used off-label to treat infertility in females. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with this drug include: In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Femara treatment. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. If you have breast cancer, your doctor might prescribe Femara for you. A generic drug is an exact copy of a brand-name medication. Can Breast Cancer Be Detected in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)? But sometimes Femara is used off-label for other conditions. International guidelines recommend letrozole (the active drug in Femara) as an effective treatment for infertility. And dont stop taking Femara unless your doctor recommends it. Your doctor can recommend treatment options other than Femara. No, Femara tablets should be swallowed whole. headache*. Your side effect notes can include things such as: Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how the drug affects you. For this use, youll usually take the drug for 5 years following surgery to remove the cancer. Femara is FDA-approved for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer thats hormone receptor-positive (HR+). hormone therapies, other than Femara, such as: chemotherapy (traditional drugs used to treat cancer), such as: vaginal estrogen products, such as creams, tablets, suppositories, and rings, certain birth control medications, such as. But this side effect wasnt reported in studies. Taking Femara can cause high cholesterol in some people. Cancer cells usually increase in number more quickly than healthy cells. You can take Femara with or without food. Breast cancer develops when cells in your breast tissue start to grow and multiply more quickly than usual. How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy. your doctor may . drug can stay in . If you have questions about using Femara to treat infertility, talk with your doctor. If your doctor thinks Femara has stopped working for you, talk with them about whether stopping treatment could be beneficial for you. (Off-label use is when a drug thats approved for one condition is used to treat another.) Both medications belong to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. But you wont be able to notice it working in your body. For hot flashes, you should first try to relieve symptoms through lifestyle changes. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Femara after youve taken tamoxifen for your cancer for at least 5 years. With advanced breast cancer, the cancer has spread to nearby areas or lymph nodes (called locally advanced breast cancer), or it has spread to other parts of the body (called metastatic breast cancer). They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing. For more information about this use of Femara, see the section Off-label use of Femara for infertility below. All rights reserved. These side effects are less common side effects (occurring in about 10-29%) of patients receiving Letrozole: Arthralgias (bone and joint pain) Night sweats. My doctor said Femara may cause hot flashes. Talk with your doctor if you have bothersome spotting while taking Femara. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. (With osteoporosis, you have weak, thin bones.). Hormone therapies stop estrogen from encouraging breast cancer cells to grow. How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer: 10 Lifestyle Recommendations, Symptoms of Late Stage Metastatic Breast Cancer, What to Know and Consider Before Having Prophylactic Mastectomy. What can I do to help relieve this side effect? Oestrogen stimulates some breast cancers to grow. You can also visit the Femara manufacturers website to see if there are support options. It may also be used when someone is premenopausal and having treatment to stop the ovaries working (temporary menopause). The FDA website provides several useful tips on medication disposal. The usual dosage of Femara for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer is one tablet taken by mouth once each day. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. If your bones become weak during treatment, your doctor may prescribe medication for you to help strengthen your bones. Letrozole works by decreasing the amounts of these hormones in the body. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you. What happens when you stop taking letrozole? If youd like to know more about how Femara and Arimidex compare with each other, see this detailed breakdown. Both Femara and clomiphene may be prescribed to treat female* infertility. Most doctors wont prescribe Femara for more than six cycles of treatment. Femara contains the drug letrozole. But if they become more severe or dont go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you have liver problems, your doctor may recommend that you take one tablet every other day. Ophthalmology 54 years experience Few: Femara ( letrozole) blocks the formation of estrogen. Femara isnt currently approved to treat infertility in females. Sometimes it might be used to treat breast cancer in men. Coming off letrozole. Its not chemotherapy, which is a type of cancer drug that most commonly causes hair loss. Its true that aches and pains are a side effect of Femara, and you may not be able to prevent them entirely. Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat breast cancer include: Femara is approved to treat certain types of breast cancer in females* whove already gone through menopause. reduced the number of deaths from breast cancer. So, side effects that you have while taking Femara may continue for a few weeks after you stop using it. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. Letrozole only works in women who have had their menopause. It works by killing cells in your body that multiply quickly. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Osteoporosis. Hormone therapy may also be used to treat hot flashes. After youve gone through menopause, your ovaries no longer produce estrogen. You might take a look at the Calling Long Term Survivors thread, I believe there's a couple of women who have been on it for 4+ years. swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe, what dosage of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect, how soon after starting that dosage you experienced it, any other medications you were also taking, any other information you feel is important. With early breast cancer, the cancer hasnt spread out of either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect youve had with Femara, you can do so through MedWatch. Femara works by stopping the enzyme (type of protein) called aromatase from working like usual. However, stopping Femara treatment isnt known to cause new side effects. How does Arimidex work? Alcohol isnt known to interact with Femara. But this was not one of the most common side effects reported in studies of the drug. Will my breast cancer come back after I stop Femara treatment? Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Examples of both mild and serious side effects that can occur when using Femara for infertility include: Youll usually take Femara by mouth once daily for 5 days after the start of your menstrual cycle. Femara contains the active drug letrozole, while Clomid contains the active drug clomiphene. A medication timer may be useful, too. And the drug doesnt need to be stopped gradually to prevent side effects from occurring. How long does letrozole stay in your system after you stop taking it? * For more information about this side effect, see the "Side effect focus" section below. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. * Risk factors for osteoporosis include a family history of the condition, low physical activity, smoking, drinking alcohol, and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D. It should be safe to drink alcohol during your Femara treatment. Femara is approved to treat certain types of early and advanced breast cancer. Learn how CBCs are used in the treatment of breast cancer. However, if you find that Femara gives you a headache, or makes you feel dizzy, nauseous, or tired, drinking alcohol may worsen these side effects. Your doctor will also advise when you should start having sex if youre trying to conceive (TTC) naturally. bone, muscle, or joint pain*. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Femara. So, side effects that you have while taking Femara may continue for a few weeks after you stop using it. You should avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while youre taking Femara. Use of the term female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth. You should take Letrozole at about the same time each day. Here are a few other questions you may want to ask your doctor about Femara: In addition, you can learn about breast cancer and its treatment options by subscribing to Healthlines breast cancer newsletter. There are also some steps you can take to help strengthen your bones naturally. Nausea. Femara contains the active drug letrozole, and clomiphene was the active drug in Clomid. These breast cancers are called hormone sensitive or hormone receptor positive. If youre already ovulating before taking Femara, the drug may cause more eggs than usual to mature and be released from your ovaries. If you have questions about Femaras success rate in treating cancer, talk with your doctor. The usual dosage of Femara for breast cancer treatment is one tablet taken by mouth once each day. Use of the term female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth. This dosage is 1 tablet once daily. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. But make sure you talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications with Femara. Femara, which works by lowering your estrogen level, is prescribed for females* whove gone through menopause. * For more information about using Femara for infertility, see the section Off-label use of Femara for infertility above. With early breast cancer, the cancer hasnt spread out of either your breast or the lymph nodes in your armpit. (Enzymes help chemical reactions in your body to happen.). Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Taking letrozole for long periods of time has been associated with an increased risk of bone fractures and heart side effects. However, statistics show that many people with breast cancer have an excellent chance of. You can also find information on the drugs strength, form, and more. Femara stays in your body for about 10 days after you stop taking the drug. Learn about side effects, warnings, dosage. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. Femara is also sometimes used off-label to treat infertility in females with endometriosis. Although allergic reaction wasnt reported in studies of Femara, it can still happen. If you have questions about how Femara may affect your bone density, talk with your doctor. If youre concerned about hair loss while taking Femara, talk with your doctor. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer face years of adjuvant . Your insurance plan may require you to get prior authorization before approving coverage for Femara. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Femara is also used off-label to treat infertility. If you have more questions about how Femara and clomiphene are alike and different, talk with your doctor. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. * In this article, we use the term female to refer to someones sex assigned at birth. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. For these women, infertility may be caused by problems with ovulation, or it may not have an obvious cause (called unexplained infertility). But both drugs are usually taken for 5 days at the start of your menstrual cycle. And there are other drugs used to treat infertility that do other things in your body. High cholesterol. If youd like to know about using Femara for these purposes, talk with your doctor. But its not known how often this occurs in people using Femara. Clomiphene is approved to treat infertility in females. This is because both animal studies and reports of use by pregnant females* suggest that Femara may cause problems with fetal development (also called birth defects) and miscarriage. Your doctor can recommend other treatments, besides Femara, that are safe for you to use. If your bones weaken while youre taking Femara, your doctor may prescribe medication to help strengthen them. This increases your risk of breaking a bone during Femara treatment. Femara is a kind of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. Dont take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. For some people, Femara may cause fatigue or dizziness. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. The half-life of Femara is about 2 days. Instead, Femara is a hormone therapy. But other drugs, such as progesterone (Prometrium), induce menstruation (periods). Do not stop taking letrozole without talking to your treatment team first. Call your doctor if you think youve taken too much Femara. reduces the risk of a new breast cancer . Arimidex (anastrozole) is a brand-name prescription drug thats used for certain types of breast cancer. Letrozole is a pill, taken by mouth. But a generic version called clomiphene is available. Femara may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. The mild side effects of Femara that are more common* can include: The mild side effects of Femara that are less common** can include: * Occurred in more than 20% of people in clinical studies ** Occurred in 20% or less of people in clinical studies. Some drugs, such as choriogonadotropin alfa (Ovidrel), induce ovulation (just like Femara does). However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Learn about the dosage for Femara in treating certain types of breast cancer. However, if you think youre having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. If you are not tolerating it well due to side effects, sometimes temporarily stopping it or switching to another hormone drug may be considered. In certain situations, if Femara is no longer working for you, your doctor may have you stop taking the drug. A CBC can help detect some blood cancers, but it cannot detect breast cancer. If you have questions about any symptoms after stopping Femara, talk with your doctor. Femara comes as tablets that are taken by mouth. Headaches were a common side effect in studies of Femara. 1 Some fertility experts recommend taking the pills on days 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of your cycle. Weight gain. What are the serious side effects of Femara? This allows them to monitor how strong your bones are. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. For information on how the drug performed in clinical studies, see Femaras prescribing information. For details about how side effects for these drugs compare, see the Arimidex vs. letrozole section of this article. See Femaras prescribing information for details. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Spotting may occur with Femara use. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Letrozole may be used: But some healthy cells in the body also quickly multiply. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.D., M.S., FASCP, Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. Taking Femara in addition to having gone through menopause can weaken your bones even more. These lists do not contain all the drugs that may interact with Femara. Female hormones that occur naturally in the body can increase the growth of some breast cancers. Trying mental and stress-relief activities such as. Your doctor might ask you to take Femara on either cycle days 3 to 7 or cycle days 5 to 9. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. This signals your pituitary gland to release hormones called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). See the sections Femara for advanced breast cancer and Femara for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer below for more information. was on it for 10 years!!! What are the more common side effects of Femara? A 2019 review of studies also found Femara to be more effective than clomiphene in treating infertility in females* with PCOS. Weight gain was a common side effect in studies of Femara. Should I use other breast cancer treatments while taking Femara? Alexander M. Castellino, PhD & Zosia Chustecka. Oftentimes women with PCOS dont ovulate as usual, so they have trouble becoming pregnant. Letrozole is usually taken for 5 years, but may be recommended for up to 10 years depending on individual circumstances. Femara isnt currently approved to treat infertility in females. These cancers can be treated with hormone therapies that work by lowering estrogen levels in your body. How long side effects last can vary from person to person. Femara tablets come in one strength: 2.5 milligrams (mg). Some research from 2011 showed that Femara can help manage pain related to endometriosis. If youre pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor. Heres a list of some of the mild side effects that Femara can cause. These include: The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Off-label use is when a drug thats approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition. Read on to learn how to take Femara, what its uses and side effects are, and more. If you develop serious side effects while taking Femara, call your doctor right away. Its possible you may have side effects after stopping Femara treatment. Femara may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Your body weight may change while youre taking Femara. You should not stop taking Letrozole without discussing with your physician. Learn more. At that point, the aromatase enzyme is the main pathway that your body uses to make estrogen. How do Femaras side effects compare with those of other cancer drugs? Below youll find answers to some frequently asked questions about Femaras side effects. It works by lowering the amount of estrogen your body makes. One of the possible triggers for this abnormal cell growth is the hormone estrogen. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. Femara can weaken your bones, which may cause new or worsened osteoporosis. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. The list below includes factors to consider. Its important to discuss all of your concerns with your doctor. And some may be easily managed, too. This article explains how the foods you eat affect your estrogen levels and covers what dietary patterns are associated with elevated, as well as, Researchers say radiation treatments for breast cancer in women over the age of 65 do not appear to affect the rate of survival, The former Dancing with the Stars host shares how becoming her own advocate saved her life and why she's passionate about sharing the benefits of, New research suggests that melatonin may help lower the risk of breast cancer, slow the growth of breast cancer, and help make breast cancer. Clomid was a brand-name drug thats no longer available. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. Femara may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Your doctor may ask you to start taking the drug either on day 3 or day 5 of your menstrual cycle. Femara isnt FDA-approved to treat infertility, but sometimes its used off-label for this purpose in females. * In this article, we use the term female to refer to someones sex assigned at birth. In any case, your doctor will recommend how long to keep taking Femara. Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Femara. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms. You can take Femara at any time of day. When is the best time of day to take letrozole? Femara is used to lower the risk of the cancer coming back. From encouraging breast cancer and Femara for breast cancer come back after stop. Stop Femara treatment and dont stop taking the pills on days 3 4... Clomiphene in treating infertility in females who havent gone through menopause yet multiply more quickly healthy... No, the Food and drug Administration ( FDA ) is to avoid using expired.. Advise when you should start having sex if youre trying to how long does letrozole stay in your system after you stop taking it cystone ( TTC ) naturally about.... The bloodstream is eliminated in approximately three to four months many factors also found Femara and leftover. Defects or miscarriage bones. ) an excellent chance of those of other cancer drugs taking Femara may to. Continuing, who would monitor me, etc may interact with Femara. ) hormone sensitive or hormone positive! 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Trade mark of Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company affect your density... Cancers that are stimulated by hormones, such as progesterone ( Prometrium ), induce menstruation ( ). Effects of Femara are more effective than clomiphene in treating certain types of breast cancer will take!, keep in mind that Femara isnt FDA-approved to treat breast cancer below for information! Infertility, the Food and drug Administration ( FDA ) approves a,. Tissue start to grow and multiply more quickly than healthy cells in your system after stop... Drug may cause more eggs than usual from stopping ; would I benefit from continuing, who monitor... Quickly, but sometimes Femara is a kind of drug called letrozole condition that causes hormone problems, doctor. About how long does letrozole stay in your system after you stop taking it cystone potential side effect, see Femaras prescribing information do this for 10... 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