Elleste Duet

If you are looking for information on other Elleste products, please see below:

First of all, thank you for choosing Numan. If your prescription request for Elleste Duet 1mg or 2mg Tablets has been accepted, or if you considering whether this treatment may be suitable for you, we'd like to help you learn how to use it to its best effect, and give you some important information before you start taking it.

Elleste Duet is a sequential combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Each 28-day pack contains two types of tablets:

Elleste Duet 1mg is used for the relief of menopausal symptoms in women who still have a uterus and are experiencing a menstrual cycle, however irregular. Elleste Duet 2mg is used for the relief of menopausal symptoms and is also licensed for the prevention of osteoporosis after menopause in women at high risk of fractures. It is suitable for women who require a higher dose of oestrogen for symptom control.

Many women notice an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, it can sometimes take up to three months for your body to adjust and for you to feel the full benefits.

For menopausal symptoms in women with a uterus: You should take one tablet orally each day, starting within 5 days of your period (or at any time if you no longer have periods), without a break between packs, at about the same time each day. If you are changing to Elleste Duet from a continuous Combined HRT preparation, you may start therapy at any time if you no longer have periods, or otherwise start on the first day of bleeding. Follow the arrows on the pack.

For Elleste-Duet 1mg:

For Elleste-Duet 2mg:

Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, you should take the dose as soon as possible. If more than 12 hours have elapsed since your dose was due, it is recommended to continue with the next dose without taking the forgotten tablet. The likelihood of breakthrough bleeding or spotting may be increased with missed doses, however. Always take this medicine exactly as instructed, and check with your healthcare provider if you are not sure.

The 1mg tablet dose of Elleste Duet is a standard starting dose for sequential HRT, though your clinician may adjust this dose over time depending on your response to treatment. The goal of HRT is always to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to manage your symptoms.

There are no special dosage requirements for elderly patients, though experience in treating women over 65 years is limited. This medicine is not for use in children.

Pregnancy: Elleste Duet is not a contraceptive and is intended for use only in post-menopausal women. If it is less than 12 months since your last menstrual period or you are under 50 years old, you may still need to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy. Speak to your healthcare provider for advice on this. If you become pregnant while taking it, you must stop treatment immediately and contact your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding: Elleste Duet is not indicated during breastfeeding.

The progestogen (norethisterone) in Elleste Duet is included to protect the womb lining from the effects of oestrogen, which is important if you have not had a hysterectomy or are taking any other progesterone treatment.

Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, back pain, and breast tenderness or pain. Irregular bleeding or spotting can occur, especially in the first few months. As an oral (systemic) form of HRT, Elleste Duet is associated with a small increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism), stroke, and breast cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer may also be slightly increased. These risks are generally small and depend on factors like your age, medical history, and how long you take HRT for. For a full list of side effects, please see the Patient Information Leaflet provided with your medication and also linked at the bottom of this page.

Your clinician will review your treatment after three months to check how you’re responding. After that, you should have a check-up at least once a year. These reviews will assess whether HRT is still right for you, make sure your symptoms are under control, ask about any side effects and vaginal bleeding, request a check of your weight and your blood pressure, and decide if you need further tests such as a bone density scan. You should also examine your breasts regularly, and make sure to attend all routine screening appointments such as mammograms and cervical screening, if applicable to you. If you have a premature menopause, the risks of using HRT may be different, which you should discuss with your clinician.

You should stop using Elleste Duet immediately and consult your doctor if you experience any of the following: signs of a blood clot (e.g. painful swelling in the leg), a swollen face, tongue and/or throat and/or difficulty swallowing or hives, together with difficulty breathing which are suggestive of an angioedema, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), a significant increase in your blood pressure, the new onset of a migraine-type headache, or if you become pregnant. When you and your clinician decide it is time to stop HRT, the dose is often reduced gradually to help prevent your menopausal symptoms from returning suddenly.

If any of the following conditions are present, have occurred previously, and/or have been aggravated during pregnancy or previous hormone treatment, you should be closely supervised, as these conditions may recur or be aggravated during treatment with Elleste Duet 1mg and 2mg Tablets, in particular:

Do not store above 30°C. Store in the original package. Keep out of reach of children.

Further information:

If you have questions about your medication, wish to discuss alternative treatment plans, or need reassurance, our clinicians are available to provide expert advice and support. Just email us at [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.