Visanne

VISANNE

Name: Visanne is the brand name for a medication whose active ingredient is dienogest.

Composition: Each tablet contains 2 mg of dienogest. Inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K 25, talc, crospovidone, and magnesium stearate.

Uses: Visanne is prescribed for the treatment of the painful symptoms associated with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to symptoms like pelvic pain and painful monthly bleeding. Dienogest works by suppressing the production of estradiol, a hormone that promotes the growth of endometrial tissue, thereby helping to shrink the endometrial lesions and reduce associated pain.

Dosage and Administration: The typical dosage is one tablet daily, taken continuously without any break, preferably at the same time each day, with some liquid. It can be taken with or without food. Treatment can commence on any day of the menstrual cycle. If a tablet is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, and the next tablet should be taken at the usual time the following day. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3-4 hours of taking a tablet, another tablet should be taken.

Side Effects:

• Common: Headache, migraine, breast discomfort, hot flushes, mood changes (including depression, irritability), acne, hair loss, nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, weight gain, back pain, and uterine/vaginal bleeding (including spotting). Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns such as infrequent bleeding, frequent bleeding, irregular bleeding, prolonged bleeding, or amenorrhea (absence of periods) are also common. Persistent ovarian follicles may occur.
• Serious: Seek immediate medical attention if signs of a blood clot appear (e.g., unusual cough, chest pain, breathlessness, swelling/pain in a leg, sudden weakness/numbness, severe headaches, vision disturbances). Signs of liver problems (e.g., yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain) also require prompt medical consultation.

Precautions: Visanne is not a contraceptive; non-hormonal birth control methods (e.g., condoms) must be used to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated while taking Visanne. Pregnancy must be excluded before starting treatment, and Visanne is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Visanne is contraindicated in patients with active blood clots, severe arterial or cardiovascular disease, diabetes with vascular involvement, severe liver disease, liver tumors, sex hormone-dependent malignancies, or undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Use in adolescents (12-18 years) may lead to a temporary decrease in bone mineral density. Grapefruit juice should be avoided due to potential interactions.

Storage: Store Visanne in its original blister pack, in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, and protect it from light. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Visanne (dienogest) is a medication primarily used for the treatment of endometriosis. Below are frequently asked questions about this medicine.

1. What is Visanne used for?

Visanne is used to treat the painful symptoms associated with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus. It helps alleviate pelvic pain and painful monthly bleedings caused by this condition.

2. How does Visanne work?

Visanne contains dienogest, a type of progestogen hormone. It works by reducing the body's production of estradiol, a hormone that promotes the growth of endometrial tissue. By suppressing estradiol, Visanne causes the endometriotic lesions to shrink and reduces the associated pain. It also possesses anti-androgenic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic properties that contribute to its action.

3. What is the usual dosage for Visanne?

The usual dosage of Visanne is one tablet (2 mg dienogest) daily, taken without any break. It should be taken preferably at the same time each day with some liquid. Tablets must be taken continuously, even during menstrual bleeding, and a new pack should be started immediately after finishing the previous one.

4. What are the possible side effects of Visanne?

Common side effects include headache or migraine, breast discomfort, mood changes (including depressed mood, irritability, nervousness), acne, hair loss, nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, weight gain, back pain, and hot flashes. Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, such as amenorrhea (absence of periods), infrequent, frequent, irregular, or prolonged bleeding, are also common.

5. Is Visanne safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, Visanne should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Pregnancy must be ruled out before starting treatment with Visanne. If pregnancy occurs while taking Visanne, its use must be discontinued. Non-hormonal methods of contraception, such as condoms, should be used if contraception is required, as Visanne is not a contraceptive.

6. Can Visanne be taken with other medications?

Visanne can interact with other medications. Substances that increase the clearance of sex hormones (enzyme-inducers) like certain anti-epilepsy medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), rifampicin (for tuberculosis), and St. John's wort, may reduce the effectiveness of Visanne. Conversely, substances that decrease the clearance of sex hormones (enzyme-inhibitors) such as some antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole), certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), diltiazem, verapamil, and grapefruit juice, may increase the levels of Visanne in the blood and potentially increase side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications and herbal products you are taking. Hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated while taking Visanne.

7. What precautions should be taken while using Visanne?

Visanne is not a contraceptive; therefore, non-hormonal birth control methods should be used to prevent pregnancy. It is not indicated for use in female children prior to menarche (first menstrual period). In adolescents (12 to <18 years), Visanne may affect bone mineral density (BMD), and the benefits and risks should be carefully weighed. Your doctor may monitor for potential blood clots, liver problems, depression, or changes in blood pressure. If you are prone to chloasma (golden-brown patches on the skin), avoid excessive sun exposure or UV radiation.

8. What happens if a dose of Visanne is missed?

If you miss a tablet, you should take one tablet as soon as you remember, and then continue with your usual dosing schedule the next day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet. The efficacy of Visanne may be reduced if tablets are missed. If vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs within 3-4 hours of taking a tablet, another tablet should be taken as soon as possible.

9. How should Visanne be stored?

Visanne tablets should be kept in their original blister pack until it is time to take them. Store them in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store Visanne in humid places like the bathroom, and keep it out of reach of children.