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 women after the menopause, especially oestrogen. It is also used in women who have been through the menopause to help prevent osteoporosis (bone loss) if other treatments are not suitable.

Before taking tibolone

Before taking tibolone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If there is a chance you may be pregnant.
• If you or any of your close family have had breast cancer.
• If you have had any other cancer, especially a cancer of the sex-organs.
• If you have any vaginal bleeding, fibroids or any problem with the lining of your uterus (womb).
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you know you have high levels of fats in your blood.
• If you have suffered from thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein) or venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in your leg or lungs).
• If you have ever had angina, a heart attack, stroke or mini-stroke.
• If you have diabetes mellitus.
• If you suffer from migraine, headaches or epilepsy.
• If you have gall bladder problems.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take tibolone

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Take tibolone exactly as your doctor has told you.
• Take one tablet of tibolone every day. Swallow the tablet with some water.
• Try to take tibolone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is more than 12 hours late, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

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.
• During your treatment you will be invited for regular check-ups. It is important that you keep these appointments.
• Check your breasts regularly for any skin changes, dimpling and lumps. If you notice any changes, speak with your doctor.
• Taking tibolone may slightly increase your risk of developing some cancers. Make sure you have talked through the benefits and risks of taking tibolone with your doctor if you are concerned about this.

Can tibolone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store tibolone

• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines