Novofem

What is it?

A combined oestrngen/progestogen preparation available in packs containing 16 film-coated, red tablets containing 1mg of oestradiol and marked NOVO 282 and 12 film- coated, white tablets containing 1mg of oestradiol and 1mg of norethisterone acetate, marked NOVO 283.

Medical Uses

Menopausal symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis after the menopause.

Dosage

Women, 1 tablet each day, starting with red tablets on 5th day of cycle (if present, or else anytime) and continuing without a break between packs.

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 (hyperprolactinemia). 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 trophoblastic 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.