Femoston 1/10

What is it?

A combined hormonal preparation containing oestrogen and progestogen, available as 14 white tablets containing 1mg of oestradiol and 14 grey tablets containing 1mg of oestradiol and 10mg of dydrogesterone. All tablets are marked 379 and S. Also, FEMOSTON 2/10, comprising 14 red tablets containing 2mg of oestradiol and 14 yellow tablets containing 2mg of oestradiol and 10mg of dydrogesterone, all marked 379 and S. Also, FEMOSTON 2/20, comprising 14 red tablets containing 2mg of oestradiol and 14 blue tablets containing 2mg of oestradiol and 20mg of dydrogesterone, all marked 379 and S.

Medical Uses

Treatment of menopausal symptoms in women who have not undergone hysterectomy; prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at risk of bone fractures.

Dosage

Menopausal symptoms, start with Femoston 1/10 white tablets and begin within first 5 days of period, if present; if response is inadequate, change to Femoston 2/10 at start of next course. If there is breakthrough bleeding (rare) or if progestogen dose is inadequate, change to Femoston 2/ 20, as advised by doctor. Prevention of osteoporosis, use Femoston 2/10 and take 1 tablet each day; dose should only be reduced to Femoston 1/10 if there are severe side effects, according to medical advice.

Special Care

Hypertension, severe kidney disease receiving dialysis, Raynaud's disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma, varicose veins, elevated levels of prolactin (a hormone) in the blood (hyperprolqctinemia). Risk of thrombosis increases with smoking, age and obesity. Blood pressure, breasts and pelvic organs should be checked during period of treatment.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, heart and circulatory diseases, angina, sickle cell anaemia, pulmonary hypertension. Also, hormone-dependent cancers, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, chorea, liver disease, history of cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy, infectious hepatitis, Dublin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, recent trophoblxstic disease.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Phenytoin, carbamazepine, tetracyclines, primidone, chloral hydrate, glutethimide, phenylbutazone, rifampicin, griseofulvin, ampicillin, dichloralphenazone, ethosuximide, barbiturates, St John's Wort.

Known Side Effects

Feeling of bloatedness due to fluid retention, leg pains, breast enlargement, erosion of cervix, muscular cramps, weight gain, breakthrough bleeding, depression, headaches, vaginal discharge, loss of libido, nausea, brown patches on skin (chloasma). Stop drug immediately in event of pregnancy, if frequent, severe headaches occur or signs of thromboses, severe pain in upper abdominal region, enlarged liver, jaundice, rise in blood pressure, severe depression, increased number of fits. Drug should be discontinued 6 weeks before major planned surgery and re-started 2 weeks afterwards, as long as woman is fully mobile. Should be discontinued during long periods of immobility.