⚕️Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed and read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with it.
What is Bijuve?
Bijuve is a continuous combined oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Each soft capsule contains 1mg estradiol and 100mg micronised progesterone. These are body-identical hormones, meaning they have the same chemical structure as the hormones produced naturally by the body.
What is it used for?
Bijuve is licensed in the UK to treat symptoms caused by low oestrogen in postmenopausal people who have a womb and are at least 12 months past their last period.
The oestrogen helps relieve menopausal symptoms, while progesterone protects 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 capsule every evening with food. Take it every day, without a break between packs. Follow the instructions on your prescription.
What if I miss a dose?
If less than 12 hours have passed since your usual dose time, take the capsule as soon as you remember.
If more than 12 hours have passed, skip it and take the next capsule at your usual time.
Do not take two capsules to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or clinician.
Missing doses can increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
Special considerations
Bijuve is a fixed-dose combination. Your clinician will aim to use the lowest effective dose and review how long treatment is needed. Do not change your regimen yourself.
Experience in treating people over 65 is limited. This medicine is not for children.
Pregnancy, contraception and breastfeeding
Bijuve is not a contraceptive and is intended for use after menopause. If you are unsure whether you still need contraception, ask your clinician for advice based on your age and time since your last period.
If you become pregnant, stop taking Bijuve immediately and contact your clinician. It is not indicated during breastfeeding.
Important safety information
Bijuve combines oestrogen and progesterone in one capsule, so both hormones are taken together each day. Some people tolerate body-identical progesterone better than synthetic progestogens, but suitability and side effects vary.
Your clinician can advise whether Bijuve is an appropriate alternative to other combined HRT products or separate oestrogen and progesterone preparations.
Possible side effects and risks
The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials included:
Breast tenderness
Headache
Nausea
Pelvic pain
Vaginal bleeding
Tell your clinician about unexpected bleeding or side effects that persist or concern you.
As an oral systemic HRT, Bijuve is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, stroke and breast cancer. Ovarian cancer risk may also be slightly increased. Your individual risk depends on your age, medical history and how long you take HRT.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list of side effects, contraindications and precautions, and discuss your individual benefits and risks with your clinician.
Monitoring and follow-up
Your clinician will normally review treatment after 3 months, then at least once a year. Reviews may cover:
Symptom control and whether HRT remains suitable
Side effects or vaginal bleeding
Weight and blood pressure
Whether further checks, such as a bone-density scan, 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 Bijuve 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
Store at or below 25°C. Keep the blister in the original outer carton to protect it from light, and keep 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.