Tibolone

About tibolone

Tibolone is a synthetic steroid medicine that mimics the activity of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone and the androgen testosterone in the body. Tibolone helps restore the balance of hormones in the body, especially oestrogen.

Before taking tibolone

Before taking tibolone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If there's a chance you may be pregnant.
• If you or any one in your family have suffered from breast cancer.
• If you have endometrial cancer.
• If you have experienced vaginal bleeding, fibroids or suffer from endometriosis.
• If you suffer from endometrial hyperplasia.
• If you suffer from liver problems.
• If you or any one in your family have suffered from venous thromboembolism (DVT- blood clot in the leg, pulmonary embolism- blood clot in the lungs).
• If any one in your family has a history of angina, myocardial infarction, stroke or mini-stroke.
• If you suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar).
• If you suffer from porphyria.
• If you suffer from migraine, headache or epilepsy.
• If you have had gallstones.
• If you suffer from asthma or otosclerosis.
• If you suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus.

How to take tibolone

• Tibolone should be swallowed whole, without chewing, with some water or other drink.
• It should preferably be taken at the same time each day.
• A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is more than 12 hours overdue.
• If more than 12 hours overdue, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose should be taken at the normal time.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Tibolone should not be taken until twelve months after your last natural menstrual period as it may cause irregular bleeding to occur.
• Tibolone is not an oral contraceptive. Your doctor will advise you about whether or not you still need to use contraception. If you do, then you should use a non-hormonal method such as condoms or a diaphragm.
• If you have diabetes, this medicine may alter the control of your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly and report any changes to your doctor or diabetic nurse.
• If you are taking tibolone for the prevention of osteoporosis and are not suffering from menopausal symptoms you should make an early appointment with your doctor to review your treatment.
• During your treatment you will be invited for regular check-ups. It is important that you keep these appointments.
• You should report any changes in your breasts to your doctor.

Can tibolone cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, painful swelling of a leg, sudden pain in the chest, or shortness of breath.

How to store tibolone

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines