Climagest

What is it?

A combined oestrogen, progestogen hormonal preparation, produced in the form of tablets. Climagest 1mg consists of 16 blue- grey tablets containing 1mg oestradiol valerate, coded OC/CG, and 12 white tablets, containing 1mg oestradiol valerate and 1mg norethisterone, coded OE/CG. Also, CLIMAGEST 2MG consists of 16 blue tablets containing 2mg oestradiol valerate, coded OD/CG, and 12 pale yellow tablets containing 2mg oestradiol valerate and 1mg norethisterone, coded OF/CG.

Medical Uses

Relief of menopausal symptoms.

Dosage

Women, 1 tablet daily starting with oestradiol valerate on first day of period (if present), and finishing with the 12 tablets containing norethisterone.

Special Care

Patients considered to be at risk of thrombosis, those with diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, migraine, fibroids in uterus, fibrocystic disease, breast nodules, osteosclerosis, tetany, liver disease (monitor liver function), porphyria, kidney disorder, cholelithiasis. All this group should be monitored closely. Regular examination of breasts and pelvic organs should be carried out and blood pressure checked. Persistent breakthrough bleeding. Women should self-examine breasts, attend for mammography (if applicable) and have cervical smear tests.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, hormone-dependent cancers, breast or uterus cancer, endometriosis, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Serious heart, kidney or liver disease, thrombophlebitis and thromboembolic diseases. Patients suffering from Dublin- Johnson syndrome or Rotor syndrome.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs which induce liver enzymes.

Known Side Effects

Weight gain, enlargement and tenderness of breasts, fluid retention, cramps, gastrointestinal upset, nausea and vomiting, headaches, breakthrough bleeding, dizziness. Cholestatic jaundice, effects on liver function, migraine, nose bleeds, worsening of varicose veins, lowered glucose tolerance, itching and reddening of skin (usually short-lived). Withdraw if migraines or other severe headaches occur for first time, or serious vision disturbances, signs of thromboembolic disorders, seizures, jaundice, hepatitis, serious, whole body itching, pregnancy. Stop 6 weeks before planned surgery or prolonged immobilisation.