Femapak 40

What is it?

A hormonal preparation combining oestrogen and progestogen available in the form of a pack containing skin patches and tablets. Skin patches release 40µg of oestradiol every 24 hours; white tablets contain 10mg of dydrogesterone and are marked Sand 155.A1so, FEMAPAK 80, containing skin patches delivering 80µg of oestradiol per 24 hours and 10mg of dqdrogesterone, marked S and 155.

Medical Uses

Hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women who retain an intact womb; prevention of osteoporosis following the menopause (Femapak 80).

Dosage

Women, patches should be adhered to non-hairy area of skin below waist and changed every 3 or 4 days, using a new site. HRT, if period is still occurring, start treatment within 5 days of its onset. Use Femapak 40 to begin with and only increase to 80 strength if needed and advised; maintain on lowest effective dose. Prevention of osteoporosis, use Femapak 80.For both conditions, tablets should be taken for last 2 weeks of each monthly cycle.

Special Care

Patients with history of or considered to be at risk of thrombosis, those with liver disease. Careful monitoring of women with any of the following is required: fibroids in uterus, otosclerosis, porphyria, tetany, epilepsy, gallstones, migraine, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, diabetes. Regular examination of pelvic organs and breasts required during course of therapy, especially in women with family history of breast cancer.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, women with breast cancer or other cancers which are hormone-dependent, e. g. of genital tract; serious heart, liver or kidney disease, endometriosis, thrombosis, Dublin-Johnson or Rotor syndrome, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs which induce liver enzymes.

Known Side Effects

Enlargement and tenderness of breasts, nausea and vomiting, weight gain, breakthrough bleeding, gastro-intestinal upset, headache, giddiness. Withdraw drug immediately if any sign of thrombosis, rise in blood pressure, severe and frequent headaches, migraines, disturbance of vision, jaundice, pregnancy. Stop before planned surgery.