Femoston 1/10

FEMOSTON 1/10 by ABBOTT is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) used to manage menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis.

Name

• Brand Name: FEMOSTON 1/10
• Common Name: Estradiol and Dydrogesterone

Composition

FEMOSTON 1/10 tablets are film-coated tablets taken in a continuous sequential regimen over a 28-day cycle:

• First 14 days: Each white tablet contains 1 mg of estradiol (as hemihydrate).
• Following 14 days: Each grey tablet contains 1 mg of estradiol (as hemihydrate) and 10 mg of dydrogesterone.

Uses

FEMOSTON 1/10 is prescribed for:

• Relief of symptoms occurring after menopause: This includes discomforts such as hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, experienced due to reduced estrogen levels.
• Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis: It helps prevent thinning of bones and fractures in women at high risk of osteoporosis who are intolerant to or contraindicated for other treatments.

Dosage and Administration

The usual dose is one tablet daily, taken orally. The treatment follows a 28-day continuous sequential regimen:

• For the first 14 days of a 28-day cycle, one white 1 mg estradiol tablet is taken daily.
• For the following 14 days, one grey 1 mg estradiol/10 mg dydrogesterone combination tablet is taken daily.
• After completing all 28 tablets, a new pack is started immediately without interruption.
• Tablets can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Headache, migraine
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Mood changes, depression, nervousness
• Weight changes, bloating

Serious side effects, though less common, can include:

• Increased risk of blood clots in legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
• Increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or ovarian cancer
• Stroke or heart disease

Precautions

• Medical History: A thorough medical check-up is required before starting HRT. Inform your doctor about any history of breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease, fibroids, endometriosis, or unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: FEMOSTON 1/10 is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Surgery: Treatment should be stopped at least 4 weeks before certain types of surgery.
• Drug Interactions: Some medicines, including those for epilepsy (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine), tuberculosis (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin), HIV infection, and herbal remedies like St. John's Wort, may interfere with FEMOSTON 1/10.
• Regular Check-ups: Regular doctor visits and breast examinations are recommended.

Storage

• Keep tablets in their original pack until it is time to take them.
• Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.

What is Femoston 1/10 used for?

Femoston 1/10 is a type of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) used to alleviate discomfort experienced by women during and after menopause. This includes symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbances, irritability, depression, vaginal dryness, and problems with urine control. It also helps prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and associated fractures in postmenopausal women who are at high risk and for whom other treatments are not suitable. Femoston 1/10 is specifically for women who still have a uterus (womb). It is not a contraceptive and will not prevent pregnancy or restore fertility.

How does Femoston 1/10 work?

Femoston 1/10 contains two active female hormones: estradiol (an estrogen) and dydrogesterone (a progestogen). Estradiol is identical to the natural estrogen produced by your ovaries and works to replace the declining estrogen levels during menopause, thereby relieving menopausal symptoms. Dydrogesterone is included to protect the lining of your uterus from excessive thickening (endometrial hyperplasia) and potential cancer, which can be a risk when estrogen is taken alone by women with a uterus.

What is the usual dosage for Femoston 1/10?

The usual dose is one tablet daily. Each pack typically contains 28 tablets, designed for a 28-day cycle. You will take white tablets (containing 1 mg estradiol) for the first 14 days, followed by grey tablets (containing 1 mg estradiol and 10 mg dydrogesterone) for the subsequent 14 days. It is recommended to take the tablet at approximately the same time each day, with or without food, and continue taking them without interruption between packs. Your doctor will determine the appropriate starting dose and may adjust it based on your symptoms and individual needs.

What are the possible side effects of Femoston 1/10?

Common side effects can include headache, abdominal pain, breast pain or tenderness, vaginal thrush, depression, nervousness, migraine, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, bloating (flatulence), and various skin reactions like rash or itching. Menstrual irregularities such as spotting or breakthrough bleeding, pelvic pain, and weight changes may also occur.

More serious side effects, though less common, require immediate medical attention. These include signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), sudden severe headaches, vision changes, slurred speech, numbness in limbs, painful swelling in the legs (indicating a blood clot), chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, severe abdominal pain, or jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). HRT, including Femoston 1/10, has been associated with a small increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, ovarian cancer, blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and probable memory loss if started over the age of 65.

Is Femoston 1/10 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Femoston 1/10 is not indicated for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, you should stop immediately and contact your doctor. As Femoston 1/10 is not a contraceptive, if you are still having menstrual periods, your doctor may recommend using a non-hormonal method of birth control.

Can Femoston 1/10 be taken with other medications?

Yes, Femoston 1/10 can interact with certain other medications, potentially affecting its efficacy or causing irregular bleeding. It's crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking.

Some medicines that may interact include:

• Herbal remedies: St. John's Wort.
• Epilepsy medications: Phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine.
• Antibiotics and antivirals: Rifampicin, rifabutin, ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) combination drug regimens: Such as ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir, and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, as caution is advised.
• Medicines with a narrow therapeutic index: Such as tacrolimus, ciclosporin A, fentanyl, and theophylline, as Femoston may increase their plasma levels to toxic concentrations.

What precautions should be taken while using Femoston 1/10?

Before starting and annually during treatment, you should have a thorough medical check-up, including breast and pelvic examinations, and mammograms as advised by your doctor. It's important to discuss your personal and family medical history with your doctor, especially if there's a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, blood clots, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, migraines, epilepsy, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other relevant medical conditions.

You should check your breasts monthly and report any changes to your doctor. If you are scheduled for surgery or anticipate prolonged immobilization, Femoston 1/10 should typically be stopped 4 to 6 weeks beforehand to reduce the risk of blood clots, and only restarted when you are fully mobile. Additionally, a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D, along with regular exercise, is recommended to support bone health. Femoston 1/10 is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age. Always follow your doctor's instructions and do not stop or change your dosage without consulting them.

What happens if a dose of Femoston 1/10 is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it has been more than 12 hours since your scheduled dose, skip the missed tablet and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one. Missing a tablet may increase the chance of experiencing breakthrough bleeding or spotting. If you have missed more than one tablet, you should consult your doctor for advice.

How should Femoston 1/10 be stored?

Keep your Femoston 1/10 tablets in their original pack until it is time to take them. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place where the temperature remains below 30°C. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging. As with all medicines, keep Femoston 1/10 out of the reach of children.