ANGELIQ (estradiol, drospirenone)

This medicine contains two active ingredients, 1 mg of estradiol (estrogen) and 2 mg of drospirenone (progestogen), and it is a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This medicine contains female hormones that are normally produced by ovaries. This production stops or decreases after the menopause. Angeliq is prescribed for the treatment of symptoms caused by the lack of estrogen, such as hot flushes, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, irritability, depression and osteoporosis.  

Is Angeliq suitable for me?

Angeliq is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to estradiol, drospirenone, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If you have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you have cancer which is sensitive to estrogens
• If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining 
• If you have or have ever had thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• If you have a blood clotting disorder 
• If you have or recently have had a heart attack, stroke or angina
• If you have or have ever had a liver disease
• If you have blood problem “porphyria”
• If you have severe kidney disease or acute kidney failure

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have fibroids inside your womb
• have growth of womb lining
• have risk of getting an estrogen-sensitive cancer
• have high blood pressure
• have a liver disorder
• have diabetes
• have gallstones
• suffer from migraine or severe headaches
• have Systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE, an autoimmune disorder
• have epilepsy
• have asthma
• have a disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
• have cardiac or kidney problems
• have elevated triglycerides

Angeliq interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Angeliq?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take Angeliq exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• The usual dose prescribed is one tablet a day.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Angeliq side effects?

Like all medicines Angeliq can cause side effects, including:

Very common:

• unexpected menstruation-like bleeding
• breast tenderness
• breast pains

Common:

• depression, mood changes, nervousness
• headache
• stomach pain, nausea, stomach enlargement
• lumps in breast, swollen breasts
• increase in size of uterine fibroids
• non-cancerous growth of cells at the neck of the womb (benign cervical growth)
• irregular vaginal bleeding
• vaginal discharge
• loss of energy
• fluid retention

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.