⚕️Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed and read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with it.
What is Elleste Solo?
Elleste Solo is an oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tablet. It contains estradiol, a body-identical form of oestrogen, and is available in 1mg and 2mg strengths. Your clinician will decide which dose is suitable for you.
What is it used for?
Elleste Solo helps relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and vaginal dryness. It is also licensed to help prevent osteoporosis after menopause in people at high risk of fractures when other preventative treatments are unsuitable.
If you have a womb, you must also use a prescribed progestogen to protect the womb lining.
How long does it take to work?
You may notice an improvement within a few weeks. It can take up to 3 months to feel the full benefit.
How do I take it?
Take 1 tablet by mouth every day, at the same time each day. Follow the arrows and days marked on the pack. Start the next strip the day after finishing the previous one, without a break.
If you still have regular periods, the source guidance advises starting on the first day of bleeding.
If you do not have regular periods, you may be able to start straight away.
If you are switching from another HRT treatment, ask your clinician when to start. The timing depends on your current regimen and whether you still have periods.
Follow your own prescription instructions if they differ.
What if I miss a dose?
If less than 12 hours have passed since your usual dose time, take the tablet as soon as you remember.
If more than 12 hours have passed, skip it and take the next tablet at the usual time.
Do not take a double dose. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or clinician.
Special considerations
Treatment usually starts at 1mg and may be increased to 2mg after a clinical review. Do not change your dose yourself. Your clinician will aim to use the lowest effective dose and review how long treatment is needed.
Experience in treating people over 65 is limited. This medicine is not for children.
Pregnancy, contraception and breastfeeding
Elleste Solo is not a contraceptive. You may still need contraception during perimenopause or after your last period; ask your clinician what is appropriate for your age and circumstances.
If you become pregnant, stop taking Elleste Solo immediately and contact your clinician. It is not indicated during breastfeeding.
Important safety information
Taking systemic oestrogen without a progestogen when you have a womb can cause the lining to thicken and increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
A separate progestogen is essential if you have a womb. The source article describes use for 12–14 days each month, but your clinician will prescribe the appropriate regimen for you. Do not stop or alter the progestogen without medical advice.
Possible side effects and risks
Common side effects may include:
Headache
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Changes in weight
Breakthrough bleeding or spotting, particularly early in treatment
Some side effects settle as your body adjusts, often over the first 3–6 months. Tell your clinician about unexpected bleeding or side effects that persist or concern you.
Oral systemic HRT carries risks, including blood clots, stroke and certain cancers. Your individual risk depends on the type of HRT, your age, medical history and duration of use. Discuss the benefits and risks with your clinician and read the leaflet for the full list of side effects, contraindications and precautions.
Monitoring and follow-up
Your clinician will normally review treatment after 3 months, then at least once a year. Reviews may cover symptom control, side effects, vaginal bleeding, weight, blood pressure and whether further tests are needed.
Check your breasts regularly and attend routine mammograms and cervical screening where applicable. If you have premature menopause, discuss your particular benefits and risks with your clinician.
When should I stop treatment and get medical advice?
Stop taking Elleste Solo and seek medical advice immediately if you develop:
Signs of a blood clot, such as painful swelling in a leg
Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, or hives with breathing difficulties
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
A significant rise in blood pressure
A new migraine-type headache
Pregnancy
Call 999 for severe breathing difficulties or another medical emergency.
For a planned end to treatment, discuss how to stop with your clinician rather than changing your dose yourself.
Conditions requiring closer supervision
Tell your clinician if you have or have previously had:
Uterine fibroids or endometriosis
Risk factors for blood clots or oestrogen-dependent tumours, including a close family history of breast cancer
High blood pressure
Liver disease
Diabetes, with or without vascular complications
Gallstones
Migraine or severe headaches
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Endometrial hyperplasia
Epilepsy
Asthma
Otosclerosis
These conditions may need closer monitoring, particularly if they worsened during pregnancy or previous hormone treatment.
Storage
Do not store above 25°C. Keep in the original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children.
Need help?
For questions about your medication or alternative treatments, email [email protected].
Lastly, please read the Patient Information Leaflet linked below and included with your treatment for a full list of side effects, contraindications, and precautions.