Kliofem

Kliofem are branded tablets used to relieve symptoms that occur after menopause. Throughout the menopause, the amount of oestrogen produced by a woman’s body decreases, which can result in symptoms like:

• hot flushes (short, sudden feelings of heat normally in the face, chest, and neck)
• night sweats (hot flushes which occur during the night)
• difficulty sleeping (resulting in tiredness and irritability during the day)

Kliofem tablets can also be used to prevent fragile bones (osteoporosis) that some women may develop after the menopause.

Kliofem works by replacing the hormones that a woman’s body no longer produces due to the menopause. The 2 main hormones are oestrogen and progestogen. Kliofem is prescribed for women who have not had their womb removed and had their last period more than 12 months ago.

Kliofem is not a contraceptive. This means if it is less than 1 year since your last period, or you are below 50 years old, you may need to use further contraception to stop getting pregnant. Talk to your doctor for advice.

Like with all HRTs, it will take a few weeks to feel the effects of Kliofem treatment. If you do not notice any improvements or believe your symptoms are getting worse, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist who can help.

As well as Kliofem, there are other combined HRTs you can take to relieve symptoms of menopause.

There are several ways you can take HRT, and there are pros and cons of each option so you should speak to your doctor first.

1. Tablets: you normally take one tablet each day.
2. Patches: simply stick the patch onto your skin and replace it every few days.
3. Gels and creams: you rub the gel onto your skin once a day.

Examples of combined HRT treatments include:

• Elleste Duet Conti
• Estradot and Utrogestan
• Evorel Conti
• Femoston-Conti
• Kliovance
• Tibolone

Examples of oestrogen-only HRT treatments include:

• Estriol
• Oestrogel
• Ovestin
• Vagifem
• Vagirux

If you are unable to take HRT or decide you do not want to, there may be alternative ways to control menopausal symptoms.

There are lifestyle measures that can help reduce some menopausal symptoms, such as:

• exercising regularly (can reduce hot flushes)
• following a balanced diet (to maintain your weight and keep bones healthy)
• wearing loose clothes at night (to prevent night sweats and hot flushes)
• limiting how much caffeine you drink (to prevent hot flushes)

There are complementary therapies that you may find useful as an alternative to HRT. These include herbal remedies like evening primrose oil. The evidence behind complementary therapies is not strong, but some women feel these are helpful for them.

Like with all HRTs, Kliofem can have side effects, although not everyone will get them.

Some common side effects of Kliofem include:

• vaginal bleeding
• breast tenderness or pain
• fluid retention
• headache
• nausea

Uncommon side effects of Kliofem include:

• acne
• hair loss (alopecia)
• bloating or flatulence

Although rare, there are serious side effects that you may get from taking Kliofem tablets

These include:

• blood clots in the lungs or blood vessels of the legs
• increase in blood pressure
• cancer of the lining of the womb

If you get an allergic reaction from taking Kliofem, you must stop taking the tablets right away and get medical help. Do not delay in seeking treatment.

You should not take Kliofem if you:

• currently have or have had breast cancer
• have excessive thickening of the womb lining
• have or ever had a blood clot in the vein
• have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• are allergic to norethisterone acetate, estradiol or other ingredients of Kliofem

Speak to your doctor if you have ever had:

• risk of developing blood clots
• fibroids inside your womb
• liver disorder (like a benign liver tumour)
• high blood pressure
• diabetes[Text Wrapping Break]

This is because once you begin treatment, any of these conditions may return or get worse while you take Kliofem.

You should stop taking Kliofem right away and see your doctor if you:

• have yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• have a large rise in your blood pressure
• are pregnant
• notice signs of a blood clot, like painful swelling of the legs

Some medicines could interfere with how well Kliofem works. This may lead to irregular bleeding. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the medicine below for:

• epilepsy (like phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine)
• HIV infection (like nelfinavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz)
• hepatitis C infections (like telaprevir)
• herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum)
• tuberculosis (like rifabutin, and rifampicin)

Also, Kliofem contains lactose monohydrate. This means if you have an intolerance to some sugars, you should speak to your doctor before using Kliofem.