Climesse

What is it?

A combined, hormonal, oestrogen/progestogen preparation comprising pink tablets containing 2mg of oestradiol valerate and 0.7mg of norethisterone marked OG/CG.

Medical Uses

Menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis following the menopause.

Dosage

Women, starting at least one year after final period, 1 tablet every day, taken continuously.

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, endoinetriosis, 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 thromboem bolic disorders, seizures, jaundice, hepatitis, serious, whole body itching, pregnancy. Stop 6 weeks before planned surgery or prolonged immobilisation.