Kliogest (Estradiol (As Hemihydrate) And Norethisterone Acetate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Kliogest Used For?
Kliogest is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that combines two hormones – estradiol (an estrogen) and norethisterone acetate (a progestogen). It’s specifically designed for postmenopausal women to help manage the changes that occur after menopause.
Primary Uses
Kliogest is used to help relieve symptoms of menopause and to help prevent the loss of bone density (fragile bones) following menopause.
How It Works
Kliogest contains estradiol (an estrogen) and norethisterone acetate (a progestogen) that work together to replace the hormones your body no longer produces after menopause.
Important: Kliogest is not a contraceptive. If it’s less than 12 months since your last menstrual period or you are under 50 years old, you may still need additional contraception to prevent pregnancy.
How to Take Kliogest
Kliogest comes in a convenient 28-day calendar dial pack that helps you keep track of your daily dose. It’s important to take it consistently at the same time each day for best results.
Dosage Instructions
Take one tablet once a day, at about the same time each day. Use the calendar dial pack by setting the day reminder, breaking the plastic tab for the first tablet, and moving the dial clockwise one space each day. Once you finish all 28 tablets, start a new pack without interruption.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s longer than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. You may experience vaginal bleeding or spotting if you forget to take your tablets.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Breast tenderness, pain or enlargement
- Irregular periods or excessive bleeding
- Period pain
- Vaginal thrush, inflammation or itching
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea, bloating, flatulence
- Depression
- Changes in libido
- Sleep problems
- Nervousness, anxiety
- Headache, migraine
- Dizziness
- Skin rash or itching
- Acne
- Hair growth changes, hair loss
- Leg cramps
- Back pain
- Weight changes
- Swelling due to fluid retention
- Visual disturbances
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Breast lumps, dimpling of skin, or nipple changes
- Chest pain spreading to arm or neck
- Unexplained severe headaches with vision problems
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe pain or swelling in legs
- Sudden severe headache (if new)
- Sudden eyesight problems
- Severe allergic reaction (skin rashes, shortness of breath, swelling of face/lips/tongue)
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Large rise in blood pressure
Important Warnings
Kliogest carries important risks that need careful consideration. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and perform necessary examinations before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Kliogest
Do not use Kliogest if you have or have had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, untreated endometrial hyperplasia, blood clots, blood clotting disorders, heart attack/stroke/angina, liver disease with abnormal blood tests, porphyria, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or are allergic to any ingredients.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have premature menopause, fibroids, endometriosis, increased blood clot risk, family history of breast cancer, high blood pressure, liver disorders, diabetes, gallstones, migraine, lupus, epilepsy, asthma, hearing problems, high triglycerides, fluid retention, thyroid problems, hereditary angioedema, lactose intolerance, or any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Kliogest if you are pregnant, suspect you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Kliogest.
Cancer and Blood Clot Risks: Kliogest increases the risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and blood clots. The risk increases with longer use and may persist after stopping treatment.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can affect how Kliogest works, and Kliogest can also affect other medications. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Other estrogen-containing medicines
- Ketoconazole (antifungal)
- Sleep medicines including barbiturates
- Epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine)
- Antibiotics (rifampicin, rifabutin)
- HIV medicines (nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir)
- Hepatitis C medicines (telaprevir, nelfinavir)
- St John’s Wort
- Antihistamines
- Corticosteroids
- Imipramine
- Pethidine
- Cyclosporin
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medicines
- Thyroid hormones
Alcohol & Driving
While there are no specific restrictions mentioned for alcohol or driving with Kliogest, you should be cautious and discuss these activities with your doctor.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. There is no specific information about the effect of drinking alcohol while taking Kliogest.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Kliogest affects you. There is no specific information on driving or using machines while taking Kliogest.
Storage
Store Kliogest in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep the calendar pack in the outer carton to protect from light. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, on window sills, or in the refrigerator. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too many Kliogest tablets, seek medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have irregular bleeding or spotting during the first 3-6 months of taking Kliogest as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels. The full benefits for menopause symptoms may take several months to become apparent.
The medication information doesn’t specify whether Kliogest should be taken with or without food. You should take it at the same time each day as directed by your doctor.
Do not stop using Kliogest suddenly. You should continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop. If you need to stop therapy, ask your doctor when you can start taking Kliogest again.
Weight changes are listed as a possible side effect of Kliogest. If you experience significant weight changes that concern you, discuss this with your doctor.
Tell your surgeon you are taking Kliogest if you need surgery. You may need to stop taking your tablets a few weeks before your operation to reduce the risk of blood clots, especially if you’ll be off your feet for a long time.
Once you’ve started HRT, you should see your doctor for regular check-ups at least once a year. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of continuing treatment and monitor your health.
No, do not give Kliogest to anyone else, even if you think they may have the same condition as you. This medication requires individual medical assessment and prescription.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.