What is Femoston-conti?
Femoston-conti is a continuous combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It comes in two strengths: 0.5mg/2.5mg and 1mg/5mg.
Each tablet contains:
Estradiol, an oestrogen
Dydrogesterone, a progestogen
What is it used for?
Femoston-conti is used to relieve menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women who are at least 12 months past their last natural period. Symptoms may include:
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Mood changes
Vaginal dryness
It is also licensed to help prevent osteoporosis after menopause in women at high risk of fractures when other preventative treatments are unsuitable.
How long does it take to work?
You may notice an improvement within a few weeks. However, it can take up to 3 months for your body to adjust and for you to feel the full benefit.
How do I take it?
Take 1 tablet by mouth every day, without a break between packs. Try to take it at around the same time each day.
If you are switching from another HRT treatment:
You can normally switch from another continuous combined treatment at any time.
If you use a sequential or cyclical treatment, complete the 28-day cycle before changing to Femoston-conti.
Follow the specific instructions given by your clinician.
What if I miss a dose?
Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember.
If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed tablet and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 tablets to make up for a missed dose.
Missing a dose may increase the chance of breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
Dose and treatment reviews
The lower-strength tablet is a common starting dose. Your clinician may adjust your dose depending on your symptoms and response.
HRT should generally be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed to manage symptoms. Experience in treating people over 65 is limited, and this medicine is not for children.
Pregnancy, contraception and breastfeeding
Femoston-conti is not a contraceptive and is intended only for postmenopausal women.
If you are under 50 or it has been less than 12 months since your last period, you may still need contraception. Ask your healthcare professional for advice.
If you become pregnant, stop taking Femoston-conti immediately and contact your healthcare professional. Do not use Femoston-conti while breastfeeding.
Bleeding and spotting
Femoston-conti is intended to be a bleed-free form of HRT, but irregular bleeding or spotting is common during the first 3 to 6 months.
Speak to your clinician if bleeding continues beyond 6 months or you have any concerns.
Possible side effects and risks
Common side effects include:
Headache
Abdominal pain
Breast tenderness
Vaginal thrush
As an oral, systemic form of HRT, Femoston-conti is associated with a small increased risk of blood clots, stroke and breast cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer may also be slightly increased. Your individual risk depends on factors including your age, medical history and length of treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list of side effects, contraindications and precautions.
Monitoring and follow-up
Your clinician will normally review your treatment after 3 months, followed by a check-up 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
Examine your breasts regularly and attend routine screening appointments, including mammograms and cervical screening where applicable.
When should I stop treatment and get medical advice?
Stop taking Femoston-conti and seek medical advice immediately if you experience:
Signs of a blood clot, such as painful swelling in a leg
Swelling of the face, tongue or throat; difficulty swallowing; hives with breathing difficulties
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
A significant rise in blood pressure
A new migraine-type headache
Pregnancy
When you and your clinician decide to stop HRT, your dose may be reduced gradually to limit the sudden return of symptoms.
Conditions requiring closer supervision
Tell your clinician if you have, have previously had or developed any of the following:
Uterine fibroids or endometriosis
Risk factors for blood clots or oestrogen-dependent tumours
High blood pressure
Liver disease
Diabetes, with or without vascular complications
Gallstones
Migraine or severe headaches
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Endometrial hyperplasia
Epilepsy
Asthma
Otosclerosis
Hereditary angioedema
Mastopathy
Meningiomas have been reported in association with Femoston-conti. If you are diagnosed with a meningioma, treatment containing estradiol and dydrogesterone must be stopped under medical supervision.
Storage
No special storage conditions are required. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Need help?
For questions about your medication or alternative treatments, email [email protected].