Progynova 2mg
Out of date information, search another4. Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Progynova can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
The following diseases are reported more often in women using HRT compared to women not using HRT:
Serious side effects
► breast cancer
► abnormal growth or cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia or cancer)
► ovarian cancer
► blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
► heart disease
► stroke
► probable memory loss if HRT is started over the age of 65 For more information about these side effects see Section 2.
Other side effects that have been linked to the use of Progynova and other oral hormone replacement therapies:
► During the first few months of treatment you may experience some vaginal bleeding at unexpected times (breakthrough bleeding and spotting). These symptoms normally lessen with continued treatment. If they don't, contact your doctor (see section 2 ‘HRT and cancer/Excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer)' for more information)
► breast pain, tenderness or enlargement, breast discharge
► painful periods, changes in vaginal secretions, premenstrual symptoms, increased size of fibroids in the womb, thrush, changes to the neck of the womb
► indigestion, a feeling of being bloated, passing wind, feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, gall bladder disease
► skin rashes or discolouration, itching, eczema, acne, unusual hair loss or hair growth, increased skin pigment especially on the face (chloasma - see section 2 ‘other conditions' for more information), some rare skin problems
► headache, migraine, dizziness, anxiety or depressive symptoms, fatigue
► fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), high blood pressure, inflammation of veins usually in the legs
► fluid retention leading to swelling of parts of the body
► changes in body weight and sex drive, increased appetite
► muscle cramps, leg pains
► nose bleeds, visual disturbances (such as blurred vision), discomfort with contact lenses, allergic-type reactions, a worsening of glucose tolerance, bladder inflammation, rare disorders (porphyria, chorea).
The following side effects have been reported with other HRTs:
► various skin disorders:
► painful reddish skin nodules (erythema nodosum)
► rash with target-shaped reddening or sores (erythema multiforme)
5. How to store Progynova
• KEEP OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton label or blister strip
• If your doctor tells you to stop using the medicine, please take it back to the pharmacist for safe disposal. Only keep the medicine if your doctor tells you to.
• If the medicine becomes discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.
6. Further Information
What Progynova contains
• Each tablet contains 2.0mg of the active ingredient, estradiol valerate.
• Progynova Tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone 25000, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, povidone 700000, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide (E171), glycerol, montan glycol wax, indigo carmine (E132) and purified water.
What Progynova looks like and contents of the pack
It is an unmarked blue sugar coated tablet.
Progynova Tablets are available as 1 or 3 blister packs of 28 tablets
in each carton.
Product Licence holder
Procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Parallel Import
Product Licence holder: S&M Medical Ltd, Chemilines House,
Alperton Lane, Wembley, HA0 1DX.
Manufacturer
This product is manufactured by
• Bayer Pharma AG, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
• Bayer Weimar GmbH und Co. KG, 99427 Weimar, Germany.
iPOMi PL No: 19488/0301
Leaflet revision date: 30 June 2014
Progynova is a registered trade mark of Bayer Schering Pharma
AG.
S301 LEAFLET progynova 20140630
S301 LEAFLET progynova 20140630
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR USER PROGYNOVA 2mg TABLETS (Estradiol Valerate)
Your medicine is known as above but will be referred to as Progynova throughout the following leaflet.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine
► Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
► If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
► This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
► If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. What Progynova is and what it is used for
2. Before you take Progynova
Medical history and regular check-ups Do not take Progynova
When you need to take special care with Progynova HRT and cancer
Effects of HRT on heart or circulation Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)
Heart disease (heart attack)
Stroke
Other conditions
Using other medicines
Laboratory tests
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Driving or using machines
Important information about some of the
ingredients of Progynova
3. How to take Progynova About the pack When to start
If you take more Progynova than you should If you forget to take Progynova If you stop taking Progynova If you need to have surgery
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Progynova
6. Further information
1. What Progynova is and what it is used for
What Progynova is
Progynova is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It contains the female hormone, oestrogen. Your ovaries gradually make less of this hormone as you get older and will no longer produce it after you have been through the menopause. Progynova can be used in peri- and postmenopausal women.
What Progynova is used for
Relief of symptoms occuring after menopause
During the menopause, the amount of the oestrogen produced by a
woman's body drops. This can cause symptoms such as hot face,
neck and chest (“hot flushes”). Progynova alleviates these
symptoms after menopause. You will only be prescribed Progynova
if your symptoms seriously hinder your daily life.
Prevention of osteoporosis
After the menopause some women may develop fragile bones (osteoporosis). You should discuss all available options with your doctor.
2. Before you take Progynova
Medical history and regular check-ups
The use of HRT carries risks which need to be considered when deciding whether to start taking it, or whether to carry on taking it. The experience in treating women with a premature menopause (due to ovarian failure or surgery) is limited. If you have a premature menopause the risks of using HRT may be different. Please talk to your doctor.
Before you start (or restart) HRT, your doctor will ask about your own and your family's medical history. Your doctor may decide to perform a physical examination. This may include an examination of your breasts and/or an internal examination, if necessary.
Once you have started on Progynova, you should see your doctor for regular check-ups (at least once a year). At these check-ups, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of continuing to take Progynova.
Be sure to:
^ go for regular breast screening and cervical smear tests, as recommended by your doctor.
^ regularly check your breasts for any changes such as dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, or any lumps you can see or feel.
Do not take Progynova:
If any of the following applies to you. If you are not sure about any of the points below, talk to your doctor before taking Progynova,
Do not take Progynova
► If you have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it
► If you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it
► If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
► If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining
(endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated
► If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis) such as in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
► If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
► If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
► If you have or have ever had a liver disease, and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
► If you have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited)
► If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to estradiol valerate or to any of the other ingredients in Progynova (listed in section 6 “Further information”)
► If you have been told to avoid lactose, that you have a rare hereditary condition called Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
► If you have any reason to believe that you either are, or may be, pregnant, or if you are producing milk (lactating) and breastfeeding. (See also the ‘Pregnancy and breast-feeding' section of this leaflet)
^ If any of the above conditions appear for the first time while taking Progynova, stop taking it at once and consult your doctor immediately.
When you need to take special care with Progynova
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following problems, before you start the treatment, as these may return or become worse during treatment with Progynova. If so, you should see your doctor more often for check-ups:
► fibroids inside your womb
► growth of womb lining outside your womb (endometriosis) or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
► increased risk of developing blood clots (see “ Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)”)
► increased risk of getting an oestrogen-sensitive cancer (such as mother, sister or grandmother who has had breast cancer)
► high blood pressure
► a liver disorder, such as a benign liver tumour
► diabetes
► gallstones
► migraine or severe headaches
► a disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE)
► epilepsy
► asthma
► a disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
► a very high level of fat in your blood (triglycerides)
► fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems Stop taking Progynova and see a doctor immediately If you notice any of the following when taking HRT:
► any of the conditions mentioned in the ‘DO NOT take Progynova’ section
► yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice). These may be signs of a liver disease
► a large rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may be headache, tiredness, dizziness).
► migraine-like headaches which happen for the first time.
► if you become pregnant
► if you notice signs of a blood clot, such as:
► painful swelling and redness of the legs
► sudden chest pain
► difficulty in breathing
for more information, see ‘Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)’
Note: Progynova is not a contraceptive. If it is less than 12 months since your last menstrual period or you are under 50 years old, you may still need to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy. Speak to your doctor for advice.
HRT and cancer
Excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer)
Taking oestrogen-only HRT will increase the risk of excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer).
Taking a progestogen in addition to the oestrogen for at least 12 days of each 28 day cycle protects you from this extra risk. If you still have your womb, your doctor will prescribe a progestogen seperately.
If you have had your womb removed (a hysterectomy), discuss with your doctor whether you can safely take this product without a progestogen.
If you’ve had your womb removed because of endometriosis, any endometrium left in your body may be at risk. So your doctor may prescribe HRT that includes a progestogen as well as an oestrogen. Compare
In women who still have a womb and who are not taking HRT, on average, 5 in 1000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65.
For women, aged 50 to 65, who still have a womb and who take oestrogen-only HRT, between 10 and 60 women in 1000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer (i.e. between 5 and 55 extra cases), depending on the dose and how long it is taken.
Breast cancer
Evidence suggests that taking combined oestrogen-progestogen and possibly also oestrogen-only HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. The extra risk depends on how long you take HRT. The additional risk becomes clear within a few years. However, it returns to normal within a few years (at most 5) after stopping treatment.
For women who have had their womb removed and who are using oestrogen-only HRT for 5 years, little or no increase in breast cancer risk is shown.
Your risk of breast cancer is also higher:
► if you have a close relative (mother, sister or grandmother) who has had breast cancer
► if you are seriously overweight
Women aged 50 to 79 who are not taking HRT, on average, 9 to 14 in 1000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer over a 5-year period. For women aged 50 to 79 who are taking oestrogen-progestogen HRT over 5 years, there will be 13 to 20 cases in 1000 users (i.e. an extra 4 to 6 cases).
Regularly check your breasts. See your doctor if you notice any changes in your breast such as:
► dimpling of the skin
► changes in the nipple
► any lumps you can see or feel Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovaries) is rare. It can be difficult to diagnose, because there are often no obvious signs of the disease. A slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer has been reported in women taking HRT for at least 5 to 10 years.
Compare
Women aged 50 to 69 who are not taking HRT, on average about 2 women in 1000 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a 5-year period. For women who have been taking HRT for 5 years, there will be between 2 and 3 cases per 1000 users (i.e. up to 1 extra case).
Effects of HRT on heart or circulation Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)
The risk of blood clots in the veins (also called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) is about 1.3 to 3-times higher in HRT users than non-users, especially during the first year of taking it.
Blood clots can be serious, and if one travels to the lungs it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or even death. This condition is called pulmonary embolism or PE.
DVT and PE are examples of a condition called venous thromboembolism, orVTE.
You are more likely to get a blood clot in your veins as you get older and if any of the following applies to you. Inform your doctor if any if these situations apply to you:
► you are unable to walk for a long time because of major surgery, injury or illness (see also sections 3, “If you need to have surgery”)
► you are seriously overweight (BMI >30 kg/m2)
► you have any blood clotting problem that needs longterm treatment with a medicine used to prevent blood clots.
► any of your close relatives has ever had a blood clot in the leg, lung or any other organ
► you have had one or more miscarriages
► you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
► you have cancer
For signs of a blood clot, see “Stop taking Progynova and see a doctor immediately”.
Compare
Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, over a 5-year period, 4 to 7 in 1000 would be expected to get a blood dot in a vein.
For women in their 50s who are taking oestrogen-progestogen HRT for over 5 years, there will be 9 - 12 cases in 1000 (i.e. an extra 5 cases).
For women in their 50s who have had their womb removed and have been taking oestrogen-only HRT for over 5 years, there will be 5 to 8 cases in 1000 users (i.e. 1 extra case).
Heart disease (heart attack)
There is no evidence that HRT will prevent a heart attack.
HRT is not recommended for women who have heart disease, or have had heart disease recently. If you have ever had heart disease, talk to your doctor to see if you should be taking HRT.
Women over the age of 60 years who use oestrogen-progestogen
HRT are slightly more likely to develop heart disease than those not taking any HRT.
If you get:
► a pain in your chest that spreads to your arm or neck
— See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. This pain could be a sign of heart disease.
Stroke
The risk of getting a stroke is about 1.5-times higher in HRT users than in non-users. The number of extra cases of stroke due to HRT use will increase with age.
Other things that can increase the risk of stroke include:
► high blood pressure
► smoking
► drinking too much alcohol
► an irregular heartbeat
If you are worried about any of these things, or if you have had a stroke in the past, talk to your doctor to see if you should take HRT.
Compare
Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, 8 in 1000 would be expected to have a stroke over a 5-year period. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, there will be 11 cases in 1000 users, over 5 years (i.e. an extra 3 cases).
Other conditions
► HRT will not prevent memory loss. There is some evidence of a higher risk of memory loss in women who start using HRT after the age of 65. Speak to your doctor for advice.
► If you have heart or kidney problems, your doctor should examine you carefully as oestrogens may cause fluid retention resulting in swelling
► If you have pre-existing elevated triglycerides (a type of blood fat) your doctor should monitor you closely during oestrogen replacement therapy or HRT. Rare cases of large increases of plasma triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) leading to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) have been reported with oestrogen replacement therapy
► If you have a tendency to develop blotchy brown patches (chloasma) on the face you should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet light whilst using Progynova
► Your doctor will monitor you carefully if you have terminal kidney insufficiency as the blood levels of the active substances in Progynova will probably increase
Using other medicines
Some medicines may interfere with the effect of Progynova.
This might lead to irregular bleeding. This applies to the following medicines:
► medicines for epilepsy (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine)
► medicines for tuberculosis (such as rifampicin, rifabutin)
► medicines for HIV infection (such as nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir and nelfinavir)
► herbal remedies containing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including medicines obtained without a prescription, herbal medicines or other natural products.
Laboratory tests
If you need a blood test, tell your doctor or the laboratory staff that you are taking Progynova, because this medicine can affect the results of some tests.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Progynova is for use in post-menopausal women only. Do not take if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you become pregnant, stop taking Progynova immediately and contact your doctor.
Driving or using machines
There is nothing to suggest that the use of Progynova affects driving or use of machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Progynova
Progynova contains lactose (a type of sugar). If you have an intolerance to some sugars, check with your doctor before taking Progynova.
3. How to take Progynova
Progynova is not for use in adolescents or children.
Your doctor will aim to prescribe the lowest dose to treat your symptom for as short as necessary. Speak to your doctor if you think this dose is too strong or not strong enough.
About the pack
This pack is designed to help you remember to take your medicine. Each tablet is placed in a section marked with the day of the week on which it should be taken. The arrows between tablets show the order in which they must be taken.
The days are translated as follows:
ZON/DIM/SON = Sunday DON/JEU/DON = Thursday MAA/LUN/MON = Monday VRIA/EN/FRE = Friday DIN/MAR/DIE = Tuesday ZAT/SAM/SAM = Saturday WOE/MER/MIT = Wednesday
The arrows between tablets show the order in which they must be taken. Your doctor may tell you when to start (see “when to start” for further information).
On the day you start, take your first tablet from the blue section of the pack (top row of tablets) marked with the correct day. For instance, if you start on a Tuesday, press out the tablet from the blister marked ‘TUE’.
Take one tablet each day, following the directions of the arrows, until you have finished all 28 tablets in the memo strip. When you have finished each memo strip, start the next memo strip on the following day. Do not leave a break between memo strips. It is best to take your tablet at the same time each day. You can take Progynova with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or milk.
Your doctor may prescribe the hormone progestogen in addition to Progynova for at least 12-14 days each month:
► if you still have your womb
► if you have a history of endometriosis When to start
If you have been taking other HRT preparations: carry on until you have finished your current pack and have taken all the tablets for that month. Take your first Progynova tablet the next day. Do not leave a break between your old tablets and the Progynova tablets.
If this is your first HRT treatment and you are still having regular periods: start your Progynova tablets on the first day of bleeding
If this is your first HRT treatment and your periods have become very infrequent or have stopped completely: you can
start your Progynova tablets at any time if you are sure you are not pregnant.
If you take more Progynova than you should
If you have taken too many Progynova tablets by mistake, you may feel sick, vomit or have some menstruation-like bleeding. No specific treatment is necessary but you should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried.
If you forget to take Progynova
If you forget to take a tablet at your usual time and you are less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as possible. Take the next tablet at the usual time.
If you are more than 12 hours late, leave the forgotten tablet in the pack. Continue to take the rest of the tablets at the usual time every day. You may experience breakthrough bleeding.
If you stop taking Progynova
You may begin to feel the usual symptoms of menopause again, which may include hot flushes, trouble sleeping, nervousness, dizziness or vaginal dryness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you want to stop taking Progynova tablets.
If you need to have surgery
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking Progynova. You may need to stop taking Progynova about 4 to 6 weeks before the operation to reduce the risk of a blood clot (see section 2, “Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)”).
Ask your doctor when you can start taking Progynova again.
4. Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Estradiol Valerate can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
The following diseases are reported more often in women using HRT compared to women not using HRT:
Serious side effects
► breast cancer
► abnormal growth or cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia or cancer)
► ovarian cancer
► blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
► heart disease
► stroke
► probable memory loss if HRT is started over the age of 65 For more information about these side effects see Section 2.
Other side effects that have been linked to the use of Estradiol Valerate and other oral hormone replacement therapies:
► During the first few months of treatment you may experience some vaginal bleeding at unexpected times (breakthrough bleeding and spotting). These symptoms normally lessen with continued treatment. If they don't, contact your doctor (see section 2 ‘HRT and cancer/Excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer)' for more information)
► breast pain, tenderness or enlargement, breast discharge
► painful periods, changes in vaginal secretions, premenstrual symptoms, increased size of fibroids in the womb, thrush, changes to the neck of the womb
► indigestion, a feeling of being bloated, passing wind, feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, gall bladder disease
► skin rashes or discolouration, itching, eczema, acne, unusual hair loss or hair growth, increased skin pigment especially on the face (chloasma - see section 2 ‘other conditions' for more information), some rare skin problems
► headache, migraine, dizziness, anxiety or depressive symptoms, fatigue
► fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), high blood pressure, inflammation of veins usually in the legs
► fluid retention leading to swelling of parts of the body
► changes in body weight and sex drive, increased appetite
► muscle cramps, leg pains
► nose bleeds, visual disturbances (such as blurred vision), discomfort with contact lenses, allergic-type reactions, a worsening of glucose tolerance, bladder inflammation, rare disorders (porphyria, chorea).
The following side effects have been reported with other HRTs:
► various skin disorders:
► painful reddish skin nodules (erythema nodosum)
► rash with target-shaped reddening or sores (erythema multiforme)
5. How to store Estradiol Valerate
• KEEP OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton label or blister strip
• If your doctor tells you to stop using the medicine, please take it back to the pharmacist for safe disposal. Only keep the medicine if your doctor tells you to.
• If the medicine becomes discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.
6. Further Information
What Estradiol Valerate contains
• Each tablet contains 2.0mg of the active ingredient, Estradiol Valerate.
• Estradiol Valerate Tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone 25000, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, povidone 700000, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide (E171), glycerol, montan glycol wax, indigo carmine (E132) and purified water.
What Estradiol Valerate looks like and contents of the pack
It is an unmarked blue sugar coated tablet.
Estradiol Valerate Tablets are available as 1 or 3 blister packs of 28
tablets in each carton.
Product Licence holder
Procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Parallel Import
Product Licence holder: S&M Medical Ltd, Chemilines House,
Alperton Lane, Wembley, HA0 1DX.
Manufacturer
This product is manufactured by
• Bayer Pharma AG, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
• Bayer Weimar GmbH und Co. KG, 99427 Weimar, Germany.
iPOMi PL No: 19488/0301
Leaflet revision date: 30 June 2014
S301 LEAFLET Estradiol Valerate 20140630
S301 LEAFLET Estradiol Valerate 20140630
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR USER ESTRADIOL VALERATE 2mg TABLETS (estradiol valerate)
Your medicine is known as above but will be referred to as Estradiol Valerate throughout the following leaflet.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine
► Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
► If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
► This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
► If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. 1. What Estradiol Valerate is and what it is used for
2. Before you take Estradiol Valerate Medical history and regular check-ups Do not take Estradiol Valerate
When you need to take special care with Estradiol Valerate HRT and cancer
Effects of HRT on heart or circulation Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)
Heart disease (heart attack)
Stroke
Other conditions
Using other medicines
Laboratory tests
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Driving or using machines
Important information about some of the
ingredients of Estradiol Valerate
3. How to take Estradiol Valerate About the pack
When to start
If you take more Estradiol Valerate than you should If you forget to take Estradiol Valerate If you stop taking Estradiol Valerate If you need to have surgery
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Estradiol Valerate
6. Further information
1. What Estradiol Valerate is and what it is used for
What Estradiol Valerate is
Estradiol Valerate is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It contains the female hormone, oestrogen. Your ovaries gradually make less of this hormone as you get older and will no longer produce it after you have been through the menopause. Estradiol Valerate can be used in peri- and postmenopausal women.
What Estradiol Valerate is used for
Relief of symptoms occuring after menopause
During the menopause, the amount of the oestrogen produced by a woman's body drops. This can cause symptoms such as hot face, neck and chest (“hot flushes”). Estradiol Valerate alleviates these symptoms after menopause. You will only be prescribed Estradiol Valerate if your symptoms seriously hinder your daily life. Prevention of osteoporosis
After the menopause some women may develop fragile bones (osteoporosis). You should discuss all available options with your doctor.
2. Before you take Estradiol Valerate
Medical history and regular check-ups
The use of HRT carries risks which need to be considered when deciding whether to start taking it, or whether to carry on taking it. The experience in treating women with a premature menopause (due to ovarian failure or surgery) is limited. If you have a premature menopause the risks of using HRT may be different. Please talk to your doctor.
Before you start (or restart) HRT, your doctor will ask about your own and your family's medical history. Your doctor may decide to perform a physical examination. This may include an examination of your breasts and/or an internal examination, if necessary.
Once you have started on Estradiol Valerate, you should see your doctor for regular check-ups (at least once a year). At these checkups, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of continuing to take Estradiol Valerate.
Be sure to:
^ go for regular breast screening and cervical smear tests, as recommended by your doctor.
^ regularly check your breasts for any changes such as dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, or any lumps you can see or feel.
Do not take Estradiol Valerate:
If any of the following applies to you. If you are not sure about any of the points below, talk to your doctor before taking Estradiol Valerate,
Do not take Estradiol Valerate
► If you have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it
► If you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it
► If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
► If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining
(endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated
► If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis) such as in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
► If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
► If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
► If you have or have ever had a liver disease, and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
► If you have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited)
► If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to estradiol valerate or to any of the other ingredients in Estradiol Valerate (listed in section 6 “Further information”)
► If you have been told to avoid lactose, that you have a rare hereditary condition called Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
► If you have any reason to believe that you either are, or may be, pregnant, or if you are producing milk (lactating) and breastfeeding. (See also the ‘Pregnancy and breast-feeding' section of this leaflet)
^ If any of the above conditions appear for the first time while taking Estradiol Valerate, stop taking it at once and consult your doctor immediately.
When you need to take special care with Estradiol Valerate
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following problems, before you start the treatment, as these may return or become worse during treatment with Estradiol Valerate. If so, you should see your doctor more often for check-ups:
► fibroids inside your womb
► growth of womb lining outside your womb (endometriosis) or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
► increased risk of developing blood clots (see “ Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)”)
► increased risk of getting an oestrogen-sensitive cancer (such as mother, sister or grandmother who has had breast cancer)
► high blood pressure
► a liver disorder, such as a benign liver tumour
► diabetes
► gallstones
► migraine or severe headaches
► a disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE)
► epilepsy
► asthma
► a disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
► a very high level of fat in your blood (triglycerides)
► fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems
Stop taking Estradiol Valerate and see a doctor immediately If you notice any of the following when taking HRT:
► any of the conditions mentioned in the ‘DO NOT take Estradiol Valerate’ section
► yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice). These may be signs of a liver disease
► a large rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may be headache, tiredness, dizziness).
► migraine-like headaches which happen for the first time.
► if you become pregnant
► if you notice signs of a blood clot, such as:
► painful swelling and redness of the legs
► sudden chest pain
► difficulty in breathing
for more information, see ‘Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)’
Note: Estradiol Valerate is not a contraceptive. If it is less than 12 months since your last menstrual period or you are under 50 years old, you may still need to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy. Speak to your doctor for advice.
HRT and cancer
Excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer)
Taking oestrogen-only HRT will increase the risk of excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer).
Taking a progestogen in addition to the oestrogen for at least 12 days of each 28 day cycle protects you from this extra risk. If you still have your womb, your doctor will prescribe a progestogen seperately.
If you have had your womb removed (a hysterectomy), discuss with your doctor whether you can safely take this product without a progestogen.
If you’ve had your womb removed because of endometriosis, any endometrium left in your body may be at risk. So your doctor may prescribe HRT that includes a progestogen as well as an oestrogen.
Compare
In women who still have a womb and who are not taking HRT, on average, 5 in 1000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65.
For women, aged 50 to 65, who still have a womb and who take oestrogen-only HRT, between 10 and 60 women in 1000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer (i.e. between 5 and 55 extra cases), depending on the dose and how long it is taken.
Breast cancer
Evidence suggests that taking combined oestrogen-progestogen and possibly also oestrogen-only HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. The extra risk depends on how long you take HRT. The additional risk becomes clear within a few years. However, it returns to normal within a few years (at most 5) after stopping treatment.
For women who have had their womb removed and who are using oestrogen-only HRT for 5 years, little or no increase in breast cancer risk is shown.
Your risk of breast cancer is also higher:
► if you have a close relative (mother, sister or grandmother) who has had breast cancer
► if you are seriously overweight
Women aged 50 to 79 who are not taking HRT, on average, 9 to 14 in 1000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer over a 5-year period. For women aged 50 to 79 who are taking oestrogen-progestogen HRT over 5 years, there will be 13 to 20 cases in 1000 users (i.e. an extra 4 to 6 cases).
Regularly check your breasts. See your doctor if you notice any changes in your breast such as:
► dimpling of the skin
► changes in the nipple
► any lumps you can see or feel Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovaries) is rare. It can be difficult to diagnose, because there are often no obvious signs of the disease. A slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer has been reported in women taking HRT for at least 5 to 10 years.
Compare
Women aged 50 to 69 who are not taking HRT, on average about 2 women in 1000 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a 5-year period. For women who have been taking HRT for 5 years, there will be between 2 and 3 cases per 1000 users (i.e. up to 1 extra case).
Effects of HRT on heart or circulation Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)
The risk of blood clots in the veins (also called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) is about 1.3 to 3-times higher in HRT users than non-users, especially during the first year of taking it.
Blood clots can be serious, and if one travels to the lungs it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or even death. This condition is called pulmonary embolism or PE.
DVT and PE are examples of a condition called venous thromboembolism, orVTE.
You are more likely to get a blood clot in your veins as you get older and if any of the following applies to you. Inform your doctor if any if these situations apply to you:
► you are unable to walk for a long time because of major surgery, injury or illness (see also sections 3, “If you need to have surgery”)
► you are seriously overweight (BMI >30 kg/m2)
► you have any blood clotting problem that needs longterm treatment with a medicine used to prevent blood clots.
► any of your close relatives has ever had a blood clot in the leg, lung or any other organ
► you have had one or more miscarriages
► you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
► you have cancer
For signs of a blood clot, see “Stop taking Estradiol Valerate and see a doctor immediately”.
Compare
Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, over a 5-year period, 4 to 7 in 1000 would be expected to get a blood dot in a vein.
For women in their 50s who are taking oestrogen-progestogen HRT for over 5 years, there will be 9 - 12 cases in 1000 (i.e. an extra 5 cases).
For women in their 50s who have had their womb removed and have been taking oestrogen-only HRT for over 5 years, there will be 5 to 8 cases in 1000 users (i.e. 1 extra case).
Heart disease (heart attack)
There is no evidence that HRT will prevent a heart attack.
HRT is not recommended for women who have heart disease, or have had heart disease recently. If you have ever had heart disease, talk to your doctor to see if you should be taking HRT.
Women over the age of 60 years who use oestrogen-progestogen
HRT are slightly more likely to develop heart disease than those not taking any HRT.
If you get:
► a pain in your chest that spreads to your arm or neck
— See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. This pain could be a sign of heart disease.
Stroke
The risk of getting a stroke is about 1.5-times higher in HRT users than in non-users. The number of extra cases of stroke due to HRT use will increase with age.
Other things that can increase the risk of stroke include:
► high blood pressure
► smoking
► drinking too much alcohol
► an irregular heartbeat
If you are worried about any of these things, or if you have had a stroke in the past, talk to your doctor to see if you should take HRT.
Compare
Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, 8 in 1000 would be expected to have a stroke over a 5-year period. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, there will be 11 cases in 1000 users, over 5 years (i.e. an extra 3 cases).
Other conditions
► HRT will not prevent memory loss. There is some evidence of a higher risk of memory loss in women who start using HRT after the age of 65. Speak to your doctor for advice.
► If you have heart or kidney problems, your doctor should examine you carefully as oestrogens may cause fluid retention resulting in swelling
► If you have pre-existing elevated triglycerides (a type of blood fat) your doctor should monitor you closely during oestrogen replacement therapy or HRT. Rare cases of large increases of plasma triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) leading to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) have been reported with oestrogen replacement therapy
► If you have a tendency to develop blotchy brown patches (chloasma) on the face you should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet light whilst using Estradiol Valerate
► Your doctor will monitor you carefully if you have terminal kidney insufficiency as the blood levels of the active substances in Estradiol Valerate will probably increase
Using other medicines
Some medicines may interfere with the effect of Estradiol Valerate.
This might lead to irregular bleeding. This applies to the following medicines:
► medicines for epilepsy (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine)
► medicines for tuberculosis (such as rifampicin, rifabutin)
► medicines for HIV infection (such as nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir and nelfinavir)
► herbal remedies containing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including medicines obtained without a prescription, herbal medicines or other natural products.
Laboratory tests
If you need a blood test, tell your doctor or the laboratory staff that you are taking Estradiol Valerate, because this medicine can affect the results of some tests.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Estradiol Valerate is for use in post-menopausal women only. Do not take if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you become pregnant, stop taking Estradiol Valerate immediately and contact your doctor.
Driving or using machines
There is nothing to suggest that the use of Estradiol Valerate affects driving or use of machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Estradiol Valerate
Estradiol Valerate contains lactose (a type of sugar). If you have an intolerance to some sugars, check with your doctor before taking Estradiol Valerate.
3. How to take Estradiol Valerate
Estradiol Valerate is not for use in adolescents or children.
Your doctor will aim to prescribe the lowest dose to treat your symptom for as short as necessary. Speak to your doctor if you think this dose is too strong or not strong enough.
About the pack
This pack is designed to help you remember to take your medicine. Each tablet is placed in a section marked with the day of the week on which it should be taken. The arrows between tablets show the order in which they must be taken.
The days are translated as follows:
ZON/DIM/SON = Sunday DON/JEU/DON = Thursday MAA/LUN/MON = Monday VRIA/EN/FRE = Friday DIN/MAR/DIE = Tuesday ZAT/SAM/SAM = Saturday WOE/MER/MIT = Wednesday
The arrows between tablets show the order in which they must be taken. Your doctor may tell you when to start (see “when to start” for further information).
On the day you start, take your first tablet from the blue section of the pack (top row of tablets) marked with the correct day. For instance, if you start on a Tuesday, press out the tablet from the blister marked ‘TUE’.
Take one tablet each day, following the directions of the arrows, until you have finished all 28 tablets in the memo strip. When you have finished each memo strip, start the next memo strip on the following day. Do not leave a break between memo strips. It is best to take your tablet at the same time each day. You can take Estradiol Valerate with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or milk.
Your doctor may prescribe the hormone progestogen in addition to Estradiol Valerate for at least 12-14 days each month:
► if you still have your womb
► if you have a history of endometriosis When to start
If you have been taking other HRT preparations: carry on until you have finished your current pack and have taken all the tablets for that month. Take your first Estradiol Valerate tablet the next day. Do not leave a break between your old tablets and the Estradiol Valerate tablets.
If this is your first HRT treatment and you are still having regular periods: start your Estradiol Valerate tablets on the first day of bleeding
If this is your first HRT treatment and your periods have become very infrequent or have stopped completely: you can
start your Estradiol Valerate tablets at any time if you are sure you are not pregnant.
If you take more Estradiol Valerate than you should
If you have taken too many Estradiol Valerate tablets by mistake, you may feel sick, vomit or have some menstruation-like bleeding. No specific treatment is necessary but you should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried.
If you forget to take Estradiol Valerate
If you forget to take a tablet at your usual time and you are less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as possible. Take the next tablet at the usual time.
If you are more than 12 hours late, leave the forgotten tablet in the pack. Continue to take the rest of the tablets at the usual time every day. You may experience breakthrough bleeding.
If you stop taking Estradiol Valerate
You may begin to feel the usual symptoms of menopause again, which may include hot flushes, trouble sleeping, nervousness, dizziness or vaginal dryness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you want to stop taking Estradiol Valerate tablets.
If you need to have surgery
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking Estradiol Valerate. You may need to stop taking Estradiol Valerate about 4 to 6 weeks before the operation to reduce the risk of a blood clot (see section 2, “Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)”).
Ask your doctor when you can start taking Estradiol Valerate again.
4. Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, FemTab can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
The following diseases are reported more often in women using HRT compared to women not using HRT:
Serious side effects
► breast cancer
► abnormal growth or cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia or cancer)
► ovarian cancer
► blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
► heart disease
► stroke
► probable memory loss if HRT is started over the age of 65 For more information about these side effects see Section 2.
Other side effects that have been linked to the use of FemTab and other oral hormone replacement therapies:
► During the first few months of treatment you may experience some vaginal bleeding at unexpected times (breakthrough bleeding and spotting). These symptoms normally lessen with continued treatment. If they don't, contact your doctor (see section 2 ‘HRT and cancer/Excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer)' for more information)
► breast pain, tenderness or enlargement, breast discharge
► painful periods, changes in vaginal secretions, premenstrual symptoms, increased size of fibroids in the womb, thrush, changes to the neck of the womb
► indigestion, a feeling of being bloated, passing wind, feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, gall bladder disease
► skin rashes or discolouration, itching, eczema, acne, unusual hair loss or hair growth, increased skin pigment especially on the face (chloasma - see section 2 ‘other conditions' for more information), some rare skin problems
► headache, migraine, dizziness, anxiety or depressive symptoms, fatigue
► fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), high blood pressure, inflammation of veins usually in the legs
► fluid retention leading to swelling of parts of the body
► changes in body weight and sex drive, increased appetite
► muscle cramps, leg pains
► nose bleeds, visual disturbances (such as blurred vision), discomfort with contact lenses, allergic-type reactions, a worsening of glucose tolerance, bladder inflammation, rare disorders (porphyria, chorea).
The following side effects have been reported with other HRTs:
► various skin disorders:
► painful reddish skin nodules (erythema nodosum)
► rash with target-shaped reddening or sores (erythema multiforme)
5. How to store FemTab
• KEEP OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton label or blister strip
• If your doctor tells you to stop using the medicine, please take it back to the pharmacist for safe disposal. Only keep the medicine if your doctor tells you to.
• If the medicine becomes discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.
6. Further Information
What FemTab contains
• Each tablet contains 2.0mg of the active ingredient, estradiol valerate.
• Femtab Tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone 25000, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, povidone 700000, macrogol 6000, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide (E171), glycerol, montan glycol wax, indigo carmine (E132) and purified water.
What FemTab looks like and contents of the pack
It is an unmarked blue sugar coated tablet.
Femtab Tablets are available as 1 or 3 blister packs of 28 tablets in each carton.
Product Licence holder
Procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Parallel Import Product Licence holder: S&M Medical Ltd, Chemilines House, Alperton Lane, Wembley, HA0 1DX.
Manufacturer
This product is manufactured by
• Bayer Pharma AG, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
• Bayer Weimar GmbH und Co. KG, 99427 Weimar, Germany. iPOMi PL No: 19488/0301
Leaflet revision date: 30 June 2014
Femtab is a registered trade mark of Merck KGaA, Germany.
S301 LEAFLET FemTab 20140630
S301 LEAFLET FemTab 20140630
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR USER FEMTAB 2mg TABLETS (estradiol valerate)
Your medicine is known as above but will be referred to as FemTab throughout the following leaflet.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine
► Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
► If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
► This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
► If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. What FemTab is and what it is used for
2. Before you take FemTab
Medical history and regular check-ups Do not take FemTab
When you need to take special care with FemTab HRT and cancer
Effects of HRT on heart or circulation Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)
Heart disease (heart attack)
Stroke
Other conditions
Using other medicines
Laboratory tests
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Driving or using machines
Important information about some of the
ingredients of FemTab
3. How to take FemTab About the pack When to start
If you take more FemTab than you should If you forget to take FemTab If you stop taking FemTab If you need to have surgery
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store FemTab
6. Further information
1. What FemTab is and what it is used for
What FemTab is
FemTab is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It contains the female hormone, oestrogen. Your ovaries gradually make less of this hormone as you get older and will no longer produce it after you have been through the menopause. FemTab can be used in peri-and postmenopausal women.
What FemTab is used for
Relief of symptoms occuring after menopause
During the menopause, the amount of the oestrogen produced by a woman's body drops. This can cause symptoms such as hot face, neck and chest (“hot flushes”). FemTab alleviates these symptoms after menopause. You will only be prescribed FemTab if your symptoms seriously hinder your daily life.
Prevention of osteoporosis
After the menopause some women may develop fragile bones (osteoporosis). You should discuss all available options with your doctor.
2. Before you take FemTab
Medical history and regular check-ups
The use of HRT carries risks which need to be considered when deciding whether to start taking it, or whether to carry on taking it. The experience in treating women with a premature menopause (due to ovarian failure or surgery) is limited. If you have a premature menopause the risks of using HRT may be different. Please talk to your doctor.
Before you start (or restart) HRT, your doctor will ask about your own and your family's medical history. Your doctor may decide to perform a physical examination. This may include an examination of your breasts and/or an internal examination, if necessary.
Once you have started on FemTab, you should see your doctor for regular check-ups (at least once a year). At these check-ups, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of continuing to take FemTab.
Be sure to:
^ go for regular breast screening and cervical smear tests, as recommended by your doctor.
^ regularly check your breasts for any changes such as dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, or any lumps you can see or feel.
Do not take FemTab:
If any of the following applies to you. If you are not sure about any of the points below, talk to your doctor before taking FemTab,
Do not take FemTab
► If you have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it
► If you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it
► If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
► If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining
(endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated
► If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis) such as in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
► If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
► If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
► If you have or have ever had a liver disease, and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
► If you have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited)
► If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to estradiol valerate or to any of the other ingredients in FemTab (listed in section 6 “Further information”)
► If you have been told to avoid lactose, that you have a rare hereditary condition called Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
► If you have any reason to believe that you either are, or may be, pregnant, or if you are producing milk (lactating) and breastfeeding. (See also the ‘Pregnancy and breast-feeding' section of this leaflet)
^ If any of the above conditions appear for the first time while taking FemTab, stop taking it at once and consult your doctor immediately.
When you need to take special care with FemTab
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following problems, before you start the treatment, as these may return or become worse during treatment with FemTab. If so, you should see your doctor more often for check-ups:
► fibroids inside your womb
► growth of womb lining outside your womb (endometriosis) or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
► increased risk of developing blood clots (see “ Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)”)
► increased risk of getting an oestrogen-sensitive cancer (such as mother, sister or grandmother who has had breast cancer)
► high blood pressure
► a liver disorder, such as a benign liver tumour
► diabetes
► gallstones
► migraine or severe headaches
► a disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE)
► epilepsy
► asthma
► a disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
► a very high level of fat in your blood (triglycerides)
► fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems Stop taking FemTab and see a doctor immediately If you notice any of the following when taking HRT:
► any of the conditions mentioned in the ‘DO NOT take FemTab’ section
► yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice). These may be signs of a liver disease
► a large rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may be headache, tiredness, dizziness).
► migraine-like headaches which happen for the first time.
► if you become pregnant
► if you notice signs of a blood clot, such as:
► painful swelling and redness of the legs
► sudden chest pain
► difficulty in breathing
for more information, see ‘Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)’
Note: FemTab is not a contraceptive. If it is less than 12 months since your last menstrual period or you are under 50 years old, you may still need to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy. Speak to your doctor for advice.
HRT and cancer
Excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer)
Taking oestrogen-only HRT will increase the risk of excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer).
Taking a progestogen in addition to the oestrogen for at least 12 days of each 28 day cycle protects you from this extra risk. If you still have your womb, your doctor will prescribe a progestogen seperately.
If you have had your womb removed (a hysterectomy), discuss with your doctor whether you can safely take this product without a progestogen.
If you’ve had your womb removed because of endometriosis, any endometrium left in your body may be at risk. So your doctor may prescribe HRT that includes a progestogen as well as an oestrogen.
Compare
In women who still have a womb and who are not taking HRT, on average, 5 in 1000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65.
For women, aged 50 to 65, who still have a womb and who take oestrogen-only HRT, between 10 and 60 women in 1000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer (i.e. between 5 and 55 extra cases), depending on the dose and how long it is taken.
Breast cancer
Evidence suggests that taking combined oestrogen-progestogen and possibly also oestrogen-only HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. The extra risk depends on how long you take HRT. The additional risk becomes clear within a few years. However, it returns to normal within a few years (at most 5) after stopping treatment.
For women who have had their womb removed and who are using oestrogen-only HRT for 5 years, little or no increase in breast cancer risk is shown.
Your risk of breast cancer is also higher:
► if you have a close relative (mother, sister or grandmother) who has had breast cancer
► if you are seriously overweight
Women aged 50 to 79 who are not taking HRT, on average, 9 to 14 in 1000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer over a 5-year period. For women aged 50 to 79 who are taking oestrogen-progestogen HRT over 5 years, there will be 13 to 20 cases in 1000 users (i.e. an extra 4 to 6 cases).
Regularly check your breasts. See your doctor if you notice any changes in your breast such as:
► dimpling of the skin
► changes in the nipple
► any lumps you can see or feel Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovaries) is rare. It can be difficult to diagnose, because there are often no obvious signs of the disease. A slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer has been reported in women taking HRT for at least 5 to 10 years.
Compare
Women aged 50 to 69 who are not taking HRT, on average about 2 women in 1000 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a 5-year period. For women who have been taking HRT for 5 years, there will be between 2 and 3 cases per 1000 users (i.e. up to 1 extra case).
Effects of HRT on heart or circulation Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)
The risk of blood clots in the veins (also called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) is about 1.3 to 3-times higher in HRT users than non-users, especially during the first year of taking it.
Blood clots can be serious, and if one travels to the lungs it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or even death. This condition is called pulmonary embolism or PE.
DVT and PE are examples of a condition called venous thromboembolism, orVTE.
You are more likely to get a blood clot in your veins as you get older and if any of the following applies to you. Inform your doctor if any if these situations apply to you:
► you are unable to walk for a long time because of major surgery, injury or illness (see also sections 3, “If you need to have surgery”)
► you are seriously overweight (BMI >30 kg/m2)
► you have any blood clotting problem that needs longterm treatment with a medicine used to prevent blood clots.
► any of your close relatives has ever had a blood clot in the leg, lung or any other organ
► you have had one or more miscarriages
► you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
► you have cancer
For signs of a blood clot, see “Stop taking FemTab and see a doctor immediately”.
Compare
Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, over a 5-year period, 4 to 7 in 1000 would be expected to get a blood dot in a vein.
For women in their 50s who are taking oestrogen-progestogen HRT for over 5 years, there will be 9 - 12 cases in 1000 (i.e. an extra 5 cases).
For women in their 50s who have had their womb removed and have been taking oestrogen-only HRT for over 5 years, there will be 5 to 8 cases in 1000 users (i.e. 1 extra case).
Heart disease (heart attack)
There is no evidence that HRT will prevent a heart attack.
HRT is not recommended for women who have heart disease, or have had heart disease recently. If you have ever had heart disease, talk to your doctor to see if you should be taking HRT.
Women over the age of 60 years who use oestrogen-progestogen
HRT are slightly more likely to develop heart disease than those not taking any HRT.
If you get:
► a pain in your chest that spreads to your arm or neck
— See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. This pain could be a sign of heart disease.
Stroke
The risk of getting a stroke is about 1.5-times higher in HRT users than in non-users. The number of extra cases of stroke due to HRT use will increase with age.
Other things that can increase the risk of stroke include:
► high blood pressure
► smoking
► drinking too much alcohol
► an irregular heartbeat
If you are worried about any of these things, or if you have had a stroke in the past, talk to your doctor to see if you should take HRT.
Compare
Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT, on average, 8 in 1000 would be expected to have a stroke over a 5-year period. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, there will be 11 cases in 1000 users, over 5 years (i.e. an extra 3 cases).
Other conditions
► HRT will not prevent memory loss. There is some evidence of a higher risk of memory loss in women who start using HRT after the age of 65. Speak to your doctor for advice.
► If you have heart or kidney problems, your doctor should examine you carefully as oestrogens may cause fluid retention resulting in swelling
► If you have pre-existing elevated triglycerides (a type of blood fat) your doctor should monitor you closely during oestrogen replacement therapy or HRT. Rare cases of large increases of plasma triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) leading to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) have been reported with oestrogen replacement therapy
► If you have a tendency to develop blotchy brown patches (chloasma) on the face you should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet light whilst using FemTab
► Your doctor will monitor you carefully if you have terminal kidney insufficiency as the blood levels of the active substances in FemTab will probably increase
Using other medicines
Some medicines may interfere with the effect of FemTab.
This might lead to irregular bleeding. This applies to the following medicines:
► medicines for epilepsy (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine)
► medicines for tuberculosis (such as rifampicin, rifabutin)
► medicines for HIV infection (such as nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir and nelfinavir)
► herbal remedies containing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including medicines obtained without a prescription, herbal medicines or other natural products.
Laboratory tests
If you need a blood test, tell your doctor or the laboratory staff that you are taking FemTab, because this medicine can affect the results of some tests.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
FemTab is for use in post-menopausal women only. Do not take if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you become pregnant, stop taking FemTab immediately and contact your doctor.
Driving or using machines
There is nothing to suggest that the use of FemTab affects driving or use of machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of FemTab
FemTab contains lactose (a type of sugar). If you have an intolerance to some sugars, check with your doctor before taking FemTab.
3. How to take FemTab
FemTab is not for use in adolescents or children.
Your doctor will aim to prescribe the lowest dose to treat your symptom for as short as necessary. Speak to your doctor if you think this dose is too strong or not strong enough.
About the pack
This pack is designed to help you remember to take your medicine. Each tablet is placed in a section marked with the day of the week on which it should be taken. The arrows between tablets show the order in which they must be taken.
The days are translated as follows:
ZON/DIM/SON = Sunday DON/JEU/DON = Thursday MAA/LUN/MON = Monday VRIA/EN/FRE = Friday DIN/MAR/DIE = Tuesday ZAT/SAM/SAM = Saturday WOE/MER/MIT = Wednesday
The arrows between tablets show the order in which they must be taken. Your doctor may tell you when to start (see “when to start” for further information).
On the day you start, take your first tablet from the blue section of the pack (top row of tablets) marked with the correct day. For instance, if you start on a Tuesday, press out the tablet from the blister marked ‘TUE’.
Take one tablet each day, following the directions of the arrows, until you have finished all 28 tablets in the memo strip. When you have finished each memo strip, start the next memo strip on the following day. Do not leave a break between memo strips. It is best to take your tablet at the same time each day. You can take FemTab with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or milk.
Your doctor may prescribe the hormone progestogen in addition to FemTab for at least 12-14 days each month:
► if you still have your womb
► if you have a history of endometriosis When to start
If you have been taking other HRT preparations: carry on until you have finished your current pack and have taken all the tablets for that month. Take your first FemTab tablet the next day. Do not leave a break between your old tablets and the FemTab tablets.
If this is your first HRT treatment and you are still having regular periods: start your FemTab tablets on the first day of bleeding
If this is your first HRT treatment and your periods have become very infrequent or have stopped completely: you can
start your FemTab tablets at any time if you are sure you are not pregnant.
If you take more FemTab than you should
If you have taken too many FemTab tablets by mistake, you may feel sick, vomit or have some menstruation-like bleeding. No specific treatment is necessary but you should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried.
If you forget to take FemTab
If you forget to take a tablet at your usual time and you are less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as possible. Take the next tablet at the usual time.
If you are more than 12 hours late, leave the forgotten tablet in the pack. Continue to take the rest of the tablets at the usual time every day. You may experience breakthrough bleeding.
If you stop taking FemTab
You may begin to feel the usual symptoms of menopause again, which may include hot flushes, trouble sleeping, nervousness, dizziness or vaginal dryness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you want to stop taking FemTab tablets.
If you need to have surgery
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking FemTab. You may need to stop taking FemTab about 4 to 6 weeks before the operation to reduce the risk of a blood clot (see section 2, “Blood clots in a vein (thrombosis)”).
Ask your doctor when you can start taking FemTab again.
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