Prescription Required
Description
Activella, known internationally as Activelle, is a combination of two hormones, estradiol and norethindrone, and is used to treat menopause. This medication comes in tablet form and is considered an estrogen and progestin (class of drug). It is available in 0.5MG/0.1MG and 1MG/0.5MG. There is no generic alternative available
Other uses include, but are not limited to, treating conditions that arrive before menopause (such as ovaries not producing enough estrogen) and preventing osteoporosis from occurring afterwards. Osteoporosis is a disease where the bone quality and density slowly and silently (usually no symptoms until first fracture is made) become more fragile and porous. Activella helps prevent this disease from occurring. Menopause occurs in females (starting around 40-55 years of age) and is often times accompanied by severe hot flashes and vaginal changes such as dryness, itchiness and burning, all of which Activella is used to treat.
Estradiol (an estrogen) is naturally created in the ovaries, so it helps by making up for what is not produced in woman who cannot produce enough. Estradiol and norethindrone work together to minimize the hot flashes and vaginal changes.
Directions
Activella can be taken with or without food. If you take it without food and it causes an upset stomach, take with food for following doses. It is suggested they are taken the same time every day, to help ensure a dose is not missed.
Do not take any more or any less than directed by your doctor.
Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause
One tablet is taken daily
- 1 mg/0.5 mg or;
- 0.5 mg/0.1 mg
Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy due to Menopause
One tablet is taken daily
1 mg/0.5 mg
Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
One tablet taken daily
- 1 mg/0.5 mg
- 0.5 mg/0.1 mg
Cautions
Tell your doctor if have:
-Had an hysterectomy, a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
-Hormone-related cancer, and/or breast, cervix, uterus, or vaginal cancer
-Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
-Liver disease
-A bleeding disorder
-An upcoming surgery
This medicine can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries and could cause dementia.
Activella can slow production of breast milk.
Side Effects
More common
Body aches or pain chills or fever cold or flu-like symptoms difficulty breathing headache itching of the vagina or genital area nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding pain during sexual intercourse thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor unusual tiredness or weakness
Speak to your doctor if any of the following occur
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue breast tissue changes or discharge changes in vision chest pain confusion, trouble speaking or understanding dark urine general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms light-colored stools nausea, vomiting pain, swelling, warmth in the leg right upper belly pain severe headaches shortness of breath sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination unusual vaginal bleeding yellowing of the eyes or skin
FAQs
I am a smoker, can I take Activella?
It is strongly recommended you do not smoke while taking Activella and it increases the chances of blood clots and chances of stroke, more likely in patients 35 years and older.
What are some medications that may interact with Activella?
Listed below are only some of the medications that interact with Activella, speak to your doctor about what other medications you are taking before taking Activella;
barbiturates, such as phenobarbital benzodiazepines bosentan bromocriptine carbamazepine cimetidine cyclosporine dantrolene
Is this safe for pregnant women?
This medication should not be used while pregnant or if you plan to be. Take a pregnancy test or make an appointment with your doctor before taking Activella.
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