Estrogen/Progestin – Oral, Activella, Femhrt, Ortho-Prefe

WARNING: Estrogens, either alone or with a progestin, can cause serious side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of hormone treatment with your doctor. Estrogens and progestins should not be used for heart disease or dementia prevention. In postmenopausal women, estrogen with a progestin can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, dementia, and breast/ovarian cancer. Use this medication at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time. Regularly discuss with your doctor if you still need to use it. If using long-term, have regular physical exams as directed by your doctor. See Notes section for more information.

USES: This medication contains two female hormones: an estrogen (such as conjugated estrogen, estradiol) and a progestin (such as medroxyprogesterone, norethindrone, norgestimate). It is used by women to reduce menopause symptoms (like hot flashes, vaginal dryness) caused by reduced estrogen production. The progestin reduces the risk of uterine cancer caused by estrogen use. Women who had their uterus removed should not use this combination medication. Products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before oral, transdermal, or injectable medications if using this medication to treat vaginal symptoms only. This medication may also be used by postmenopausal women to prevent osteoporosis, but there are other medications that may be safer and should be considered first.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting this medication. Take it by mouth with or without food, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition. Take this medication regularly at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including mental/mood changes, breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, swelling of hands/ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden/severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, pain/redness/swelling of legs, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting, rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain cancers, blood clots, stroke, heart disease, liver/kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol/triglycerides, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid, mineral imbalance, hormone problems, uterus problems, gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, blood disorders, mental/mood disorders. Do not smoke or use tobacco. This medication must not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

QUESTION

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include aromatase inhibitors, fulvestrant, ospemifene, raloxifene, tamoxifen, toremifene. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false results.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Preventing or controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Lifestyle changes that may help reduce hot flashes and promote healthy bones should be considered.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

NOTE: Information last revised May 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.