Kliovance

What is Kliovance?

Kliovance contains two synthetic hormones – estradiol and norethisterone – which mimic the natural sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The medicine is used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women who have not undergone a hysterectomy (an operation to remove the womb).

During the menopause, the levels of oestrogen in a woman’s body gradually diminishes, which can cause various undesired symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood swings and changes in sex drive (libido).

For some women, these symptoms can interfere with their lifestyle and well-being. If this is the case, HRT can be prescribed to balance out the hormones in the body and relieve the unwanted symptoms of menopause.

The two active ingredients of Kliovance work together to return hormonal balance. Estradiol supplements the oestrogen deficiency brought on by the menopause, however, an increase of oestrogen in the body can cause excessive growth of the endometrium (lining of the womb).

Norethisterone regulates the growth of the endometrium to reduce the risk of developing cancer of the womb.

Postmenopausal women are at a greater risk of developing fragile bones (osteoporosis).

Kliovance has been shown to preserve bone minerals to prevent osteoporosis from occurring.

Before taking Kliovance, you should consult your doctor about all the available treatments for your symptoms.

How to take Kliovance?

Always take your medicine as prescribed by the doctor.

The typical dose for the treatment of the menopause is one tablet daily.

Kliovance comes packaged in a calendar pack. This makes it easy to remember when to take the tablets. The patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine provides instructions on how to use this.

You can take Kliovance with or without food.

Swallow each tablet whole with water.

Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Take the tablet at the same time each day so that you always remember.

What should I do if I forget to take Kliovance?

If you miss a dose of Kliovance, take it as soon as you remember.

If it has been 12 hours since you forgot, or if it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the pack as normal.

Do not take more medicine to make up for the missed dose. If you take more than the prescribed dosage of Kliovance, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Kliovance side effects and cautions

Before you start taking Kliovance, you must read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

You can read the Kliovance patient information leaflet online.

Who should not take Kliovance?

Kliovance may not be suitable for women with certain medical conditions.

In particular, Kliovance should not be used by women who:

• Have an inherited blood condition called porphyria
• Have blood disorders that increase the risk of blood clots (e.g. deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
• Have live disease
• Have recently had a heart attack, stroke or angina
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have untreated endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the lining of the womb)
• Have, had or suspect they have breast cancer
• Have, had or suspect they have cancer caused by oestrogen, such as endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb)

If you are unsure whether Kliovance is suitable for you, speak to your doctor or one of our online prescribers.

Side effects of Kliovance

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone will experience them.

Possible side effects of Kliovance may include:

• Changes in sex drive (libido)
• Fluid retention
• Headaches or migraines
• Indigestion
• Menstrual bleeding or spotting
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Pain or tenderness in the breasts
• Premenstrual-like symptoms
• Tiredness
• Vaginal thrush
• Weight changes

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For a more detailed list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Allergies

Do not take Kliovance if you are allergic to estradiol, norethisterone, or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

If you experience an allergic reaction after taking Kliovance, stop taking the tablets and seek immediate medical attention. Go directly to your nearest accident and emergency department. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you, so that doctors treating you know exactly what you have taken.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Kliovance should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Kliovance is not a form of contraception. If it has been less than 12 months since you experienced your last period, or if you are under the age of 50, you may be required to use additional forms of contraception – such as condoms – to prevent pregnancy.

Other safety information

Always read the provided patient information leaflet before you start taking Kliovance.

Use our medical form to inform our online prescribers of all the medications you are currently taking.

Do not take Kliovance past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never dispose of Kliovance via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medication to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose them safely for you.

Always store Kliovance tablets out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else – even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.