PREMIQUE CYCLE 0.625 MG/10 MG COATED TABLETS
Active substance: MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER PREMIQUE CYCLE 0.625mg/10mg Coated Tablets Conjugated Estrogens and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine. Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. If you have further questions, please ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. In this leaflet: 1. What Premique Cycle is and what it is used for 2. Before you take Premique Cycle 3. How to take Premique Cycle 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Premique Cycle 6. Further information 1. WHAT PREMIQUE CYCLE IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR Premique Cycle is one of a group of medicines known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It is used to treat some of the symptoms and conditions associated with the menopause. Premique Cycle is a sequential HRT (an HRT product where you have a monthly bleed). Your periods will stop once menopause is reached. This change is due to lowered levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. You may experience a number of unpleasant symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, around the time of menopause. Premique Cycle can relieve some of these symptoms by replacing some of the lost estrogen. After the menopause some women may develop bone thinning (osteoporosis). If you are at an increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis but are unable to take other treatments or if other therapies prove to be ineffective, Premique Cycle may also be used for this purpose. Your doctor should discuss all the available options with you. 2. BEFORE YOU TAKE PREMIQUE CYCLE 2.1 Do not take Premique Cycle if: you are allergic (hypersensitive) to conjugated estrogens or medroxyprogesterone acetate or any of the ingredients of Premique Cycle; the ingredients are listed in Section 6 of this leaflet you have or have had breast cancer
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 1 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
you have endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) or have been told you have another type of estrogen-dependent cancer you have been told you have a blood circulation disorder or have had a blood clot you have a blood clotting disorder (thrombophilic disorder, such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency) you have a heart condition such as angina or have had a heart attack you have porphyria (a rare inherited metabolic disorder) you have recently had unexpected or very heavy vaginal bleeding you have been told that you have endometrial hyperplasia (abnormal growth of the lining of the womb) you have or have previously had liver disease you are pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.
Before you start taking HRT, your doctor should ask about your own and your familys medical history. Your doctor may decide to examine your breasts and/or your abdomen, and may do an internal examination but only if these examinations are necessary for you, or if you have any special concerns. Once youve started on HRT, you should see your doctor for regular check-ups (at least once a year). At these check-ups, your doctor may discuss with you the benefits and risks of continuing to take HRT. You are advised to: go for regular breast screening and cervical smear tests regularly check your breasts for any changes such as dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, or any lumps you can see or feel. Some diseases may be made worse by HRT. Therefore, if you have or have ever had any of the following remind your doctor as he or she may want to monitor you more closely: uterine fibroids or endometriosis risk factors for blood clots (see section 2.2 - Blood Clots for more detail) a close relative who has had breast cancer or an estrogen dependent cancer, such as cancer of the womb or ovaries (see section 2.3 - Effects on your risk of developing cancer for more detail) high blood pressure heart disease (see section 2.2 Heart Disease for more detail) liver disease (e.g. liver adenoma) kidney disease diabetes gallbladder disease or gallstones migraine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE a rare chronic inflammatory disease) epilepsy asthma otosclerosis (hearing loss due to a problem with the bones in your ear) low blood calcium levels (hypocalcaemia) high levels of fatty substances in the blood (hypertriglyceridaemia).
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 2 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
If there is a change in any of the above conditions whilst taking Premique Cycle tell your doctor. As well as benefits, HRT has some risks which you need to consider when youre deciding whether to take it, or whether to carry on taking it. 2.2 Effects on your heart or circulation: Heart Disease HRT is not recommended for women who have heart disease, or have had heart disease recently. If you have ever had heart disease, talk to your doctor to see if you should be taking HRT. HRT will not help to prevent heart disease. Studies with one type of HRT (containing conjugated estrogens plus the progestogen MPA) have shown that women may be slightly more likely to get heart disease during the first year of taking the medication. For other types of HRT, the risk is likely to be similar, although this is not yet certain. If you get: a pain in your chest that spreads to your arm or neck See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. This pain could be a sign of heart disease. Stroke Recent research suggests that HRT slightly increases the risk of having a stroke. Other things that can increase the risk of stroke include: getting older high blood pressure smoking drinking too much alcohol an irregular heartbeat. If you are worried about any of these things, or if you have had a stroke in the past, talk to your doctor to see if you should take HRT. Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT on average, over a 5-year period, 3 in 1000 would be expected to have a stroke. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, the figure would be 4 in 1000. Looking at women in their 60s who are not taking HRT on average, over a 5-year period, 11 in 1000 would be expected to have a stroke. For women in their 60s who are taking HRT, the figure would be 15 in 1000. If you get: unexplained migraine-type headaches, with or without disturbed vision
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 3 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. These headaches may be an early warning sign of a stroke. Blood Clots HRT may increase the risk of blood clots in the veins (also called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), especially during the first year of taking it. These blood clots are not always serious, but if one travels to the lungs, it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, collapse or even death. This condition is called pulmonary embolism, or PE. DVT and PE are examples of a condition called venous thromboembolism, or VTE. You are more likely to get a blood clot: if you are seriously overweight if you have had a blood clot before if any of your close family have had blood clots if you have had one or more miscarriages if you have any blood clotting problem that needs treatment with a medicine such as warfarin if youre off your feet for a long time because of major surgery, injury or illness if you have a rare condition called SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). If any of these things apply to you, talk to your doctor to see if you should take HRT. Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT on average, over a 5-year period, 3 in 1000 would be expected to get a blood clot. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, the figure would be 7 in 1000. Looking at women in their 60s who are not taking HRT on average, over a 5-year period, 8 in 1000 would be expected to get a blood clot. For women in their 60s who are taking HRT, the figure would be 17 in 1000. If you get: painful swelling in your leg sudden chest pain difficulty breathing See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. These may be signs of a blood clot. If youre going to have surgery, make sure your doctor knows about it. You may need to stop taking HRT about 4 to 6 weeks before the operation, to reduce the risk of a blood clot. Your doctor will tell you when you can start taking HRT again. 2.3 Effects on your risk of developing cancer:
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 4 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
Breast Cancer Women who have breast cancer, or have had breast cancer in the past, should not take HRT. Taking HRT slightly increases the risk of breast cancer; so does having a later menopause. The risk for a post-menopausal woman taking estrogen-only HRT for 5 years is about the same as for a woman the same age whos still having periods over that time and not taking HRT. The risk for a woman who is taking estrogen plus progestogen HRT is higher than for estrogen-only HRT (but estrogen plus progestogen HRT is beneficial for the endometrium, see Endometrial Cancer below). For all kinds of HRT, the extra risk of breast cancer goes up the longer you take it, but returns to normal within about 5 years after stopping. Your risk of breast cancer is also higher: if you have a close relative (mother, sister or grandmother) who has had breast cancer if you are seriously overweight. Looking at women aged 50 who are not taking HRT on average, 32 in 1000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time they reach the age of 65. For women who start taking estrogen-only HRT at age 50 and take it for 5 years, the figure will be between 33 and 34 in 1000 (i.e. an extra 1-2 cases). If they take estrogen-only HRT for 10 years, the figure will be 37 in 1000 (i.e. an extra 5 cases). For women who start taking estrogen plus progestogen HRT at age 50 and take it for 5 years, the figure will be 38 in 1000 (i.e. an extra 6 cases). If they take estrogen plus progestogen HRT for 10 years, the figure will be 51 in 1000 (i.e. an extra 19 cases). If you notice any changes in your breast, such as: dimpling of the skin changes in the nipple any lumps you can see or feel Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Endometrial Cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) Taking estrogen-only HRT for a long time can increase the risk of cancer of the lining of the womb (the endometrium). Taking a progestogen as well as the estrogen helps to lower the extra risk. If you still have your womb, your doctor may prescribe a progestogen as well as estrogen. If so, these may be prescribed separately, or as a combined HRT product.
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 5 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
If you have had your womb removed (a hysterectomy), your doctor will discuss with you whether you can safely take estrogen without a progestogen. If youve had your womb removed because of endometriosis, any endometrium left in your body may be at risk. So your doctor may prescribe HRT that includes a progestogen as well as an estrogen. Your product, Premique Cycle, contains a progestogen. Looking at women who still have a uterus and who are not taking HRT on average 5 in 1000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65. For women who take estrogen-only HRT, the number will be 2 to 12 times higher, depending on the dose and how long they take it. The addition of a progestogen to estrogen-only HRT substantially reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. If you get breakthrough bleeding or spotting, its usually nothing to worry about, especially during the first few months of taking HRT. But if the bleeding or spotting: carries on for more than the first few months starts after youve been on HRT for a while carries on even after youve stopped taking HRT Make an appointment to see your doctor. It could be a sign that your endometrium has become thicker. Ovarian Cancer Ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovaries) is very rare, but it is serious. It can be difficult to diagnose, because there are often no obvious signs of the disease. Some studies have indicated that taking estrogen-only HRT for more than 5 years may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. It is not yet known whether other kinds of HRT increase the risk in the same way. 2.4 Other Conditions HRT will not help prevent memory loss. In one study of women who started using combined HRT after the age of 65, a small increase in the risk of dementia was observed. Women with hypertriglyceridaemia (high levels of fatty substances in the blood) may experience large increases of their plasma triglycerides, which can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Symptoms of pancreatitis include sudden sharp abdominal pains, abdominal swelling, fever and feeling or being sick. If you are taking thyroid hormone replacement therapy (e.g. thyroxine), your doctor may monitor your thyroid function more often when you start treatment.
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
HRT may affect some medical tests. If you visit a hospital or clinic for any medical tests, you should tell the doctor concerned that you are taking HRT. 2.5 Taking other medicines Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. In particular tell your doctor if you are taking: an anticonvulsant (used to treat epilepsy e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine) an anti-infective (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, erythromycin, ketoconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir) a herbal preparation such as St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) metyrapone (most commonly used in the treatment of Cushings syndrome) aminoglutethimide (most commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer and Cushings syndrome). The way that Premique Cycle works may be altered if other medicines are used at the same time. 2.6 Pregnancy and breast-feeding You should stop taking Premique Cycle and tell your doctor immediately if you know or suspect you are pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. Premique Cycle is not a contraceptive. It is important that you use a reliable form of nonhormonal contraception (e.g. condom or diaphragm) if there is any possibility that you may still become pregnant. You should discuss this with your doctor. 2.7 Driving and using machines There is no evidence to suggest that Premique Cycle will affect your ability to drive or to operate machinery. 2.8 Important information about some of the ingredients in Premique Cycle Premique Cycle contains lactose and sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. The green tablets contain methylhydroxybenzoate and propylhydroxybenzoate. These ingredients may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). 3. HOW TO TAKE PREMIQUE CYCLE Always take Premique Cycle exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Last updated: 05/07/2011
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
Your doctor will aim to give you the lowest dose for the shortest time to treat your symptoms. The usual dose is one white tablet on days 1-14 and one green tablet on days 15-28. While you are taking Premique Cycle you will have no tablet free days. You should start your next pack the day after you finish the previous one. Take your tablets at the same time each day as this will help to remind you to take your medicine. Begin your pack of Premique Cycle by taking a white tablet marked for that day of the week. Continue to take one tablet daily following the arrows until all 14 white tablets in the pack have been taken. The next day, take a green tablet marked for that day of the week. Continue to take one green tablet daily following the arrows until all 14 green tablets have been taken. You may have a bleed similar to a period soon after finishing each pack. Start a new pack of Premique Cycle the next day. You may start your first pack at any convenient time. However, if you are still having periods you should start on the first day of your next period. If you are transferring from another HRT product that gives you a monthly bleed, start Premique Cycle the day after you finish the course of the previous product, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. When you take Premique Cycle you will probably have a regular period or withdrawal bleed each month. This is caused by the hormones, and is perfectly normal. Some women on HRT do not bleed. This is also quite normal. If you have an irregular bleed or bleeding is excessively heavy, you should discuss this with your doctor (see section titled Endometrial Cancer above). Do not try to take off the coating, divide or crush the tablets as this could affect the way Premique Cycle works. 3.1 If you take more Premique Cycle than you should If you take too many tablets dont worry. You may feel some nausea (sickness), breast tenderness, dizziness, abdominal pain, drowsiness, fatigue or experience a short period of vaginal bleeding, but it is unlikely that serious problems will result. If you are concerned talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 3.2 If you forget to take Premique Cycle If you forget to take your tablets dont worry. Take them as soon as you remember and then carry on taking the remaining tablets at the usual time. If more than two tablets have been forgotten, do not take extra to try to make up for the missed tablets.
Last updated: 05/07/2011
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
Missed tablets may cause a short period of light bleeding in women who have not had a hysterectomy. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, Premique Cycle can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 4.1 Serious side effects Stop taking Premique Cycle and tell your doctor immediately if you: have an allergic reaction, signs of which include rash, itching, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and a swollen face experience a migraine type headache (typically a throbbing headache and nausea preceded by visual disturbances) for the first time develop signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes) become pregnant experience a significant increase in your blood pressure develop a contraindication i.e. circumstances which make treatment inadvisable (please see section 2 - Before you take Premique Cycle) Do not take any more tablets until your doctor says you can. HRT can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. Please see section 2 - Before you take Premique Cycle. 4.2 Other side effects Ver y common (affect mor e than 1 in 10 women) breast pain Common (affect less than 1 in 10 women) breakthrough bleeding or spotting, vaginal inflammation, period pain breast tenderness, swollen breasts, nipple discharge depression muscle and joint aches, leg cramps weight change (increase or decrease) changes in your triglyceride levels (fatty substances in the blood) Uncommon (affect less than 1 in 100 women) changes in menstrual flow, vaginal discharge thrush nausea, bloating, abdominal pain headache, migraine
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
blood clots in the veins dizziness changes in mood including anxiety changes in your interest in sex (increased or decreased libido) visible swelling of the face or ankles itchiness, acne difficulty wearing contact lenses gallbladder disease (e.g. gallstones) hair loss
Rare (affect less than 1 in 1000 women) vomiting changes in breast tissue, milky secretion from the breasts irritability allergic reactions including swelling, rash or red patches on the skin increase in hair growth an intolerance to glucose a worsening of asthma increased size of fibroids ovarian cancer worsening of epilepsy heart attack, stroke inflammation of veins just under the skin inflammation of the pancreas irregular dark spots (usually on the face) Very rare (affect less than 1 in 10000 women) jaundice (e.g. yellowing of the skin) a worsening of chorea (an existing neurological disorder characterised by involuntary spasmodic movements of the body) a worsening of hypocalcaemia (low blood levels of calcium) blurred vision or loss of vision worsening of porphyria (a rare inherited metabolic disorder) growth of benign liver tumours These side effects are usually temporary and should get better over time. Other side effects that may occur while taking an estrogen-progesterone combined HRT are: memory loss (dementia)
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. 5. HOW TO STORE PREMIQUE CYCLE
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister. The expiry date refers to the last date of that month. Do not store above 25C. Keep the blister in the outer carton to protect from light. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help the environment. 6. FURTHER INFORMATION 6.1 What Premique Cycle contains The active substances are conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate. Premique Cycle contains two types of tablets - the white tablets (marked 0.625) contain 0.625mg conjugated estrogens; the green tablets (marked 0.625/10) contain 0.625mg conjugated estrogens and 10mg of a progestogen - medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The other ingredients in the conjugated estrogens tablets (white tablets) are: calcium phosphate tribasic, calcium sulphate, carnauba wax, microcrystalline cellulose, glyceryl mono-oleates, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, macrogol, shellac, sucrose, titanium dioxide (E171) and edible printing ink. The other ingredients in the medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets (green tablets) are: calcium phosphate tribasic, calcium sulphate, carnauba wax, microcrystalline cellulose, glyceryl mono-oleates, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, methyl hydroxybenzoate, macrogol, povidone, propyl hydroxybenzoate, shellac, sodium benzoate, sucrose, indigo carmine (E132), titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide yellow (E172) and edible printing ink. edible printing ink contains iron oxide black (E172), shellac, propylene glycol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, N-Butyl alcohol, purified water, ammonia solution. The inks and dyes used to coat your tablets are approved for use as food colourings. 6.2 What Premique Cycle looks like and contents of the pack Your Premique Cycle carton contains three blister packs of tablets. Each blister pack contains 14 conjugated estrogens tablets and 14 combined conjugated estrogens/MPA tablets. The marketing authorisation holder is Pfizer Limited Ramsgate Road Sandwich Kent CT13 9NJ
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
United Kingdom The manufacturer is Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Little Connell, Newbridge, County Kildare, Republic of Ireland. This leaflet applies to Premique Cycle tablets only. Leaflet approved: 11/2011 * Trade mark Ref: PQ 4_0
Last updated: 05/07/2011
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UK PQ 005
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER PREMIQUE CYCLE 0.625mg/10mg Coated Tablets Conjugated Estrogens and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine. Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. If you have further questions, please ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. In this leaflet: 1. What Premique Cycle is and what it is used for 2. Before you take Premique Cycle 3. How to take Premique Cycle 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Premique Cycle 6. Further information 1. WHAT PREMIQUE CYCLE IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR Premique Cycle is one of a group of medicines known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It is used to treat some of the symptoms and conditions associated with the menopause. Premique Cycle is a sequential HRT (an HRT product where you have a monthly bleed). Your periods will stop once menopause is reached. This change is due to lowered levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. You may experience a number of unpleasant symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, around the time of menopause. Premique Cycle can relieve some of these symptoms by replacing some of the lost estrogen. After the menopause some women may develop bone thinning (osteoporosis). If you are at an increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis but are unable to take other treatments or if other therapies prove to be ineffective, Premique Cycle may also be used for this purpose. Your doctor should discuss all the available options with you. 2. BEFORE YOU TAKE PREMIQUE CYCLE 2.1 Do not take Premique Cycle if: you are allergic (hypersensitive) to conjugated estrogens or medroxyprogesterone acetate or any of the ingredients of Premique Cycle; the ingredients are listed in Section 6 of this leaflet you have or have had breast cancer
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 1 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
you have endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) or have been told you have another type of estrogen-dependent cancer you have been told you have a blood circulation disorder or have had a blood clot you have a blood clotting disorder (thrombophilic disorder, such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency) you have a heart condition such as angina or have had a heart attack you have porphyria (a rare inherited metabolic disorder) you have recently had unexpected or very heavy vaginal bleeding you have been told that you have endometrial hyperplasia (abnormal growth of the lining of the womb) you have or have previously had liver disease you are pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.
Before you start taking HRT, your doctor should ask about your own and your familys medical history. Your doctor may decide to examine your breasts and/or your abdomen, and may do an internal examination but only if these examinations are necessary for you, or if you have any special concerns. Once youve started on HRT, you should see your doctor for regular check-ups (at least once a year). At these check-ups, your doctor may discuss with you the benefits and risks of continuing to take HRT. You are advised to: go for regular breast screening and cervical smear tests regularly check your breasts for any changes such as dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, or any lumps you can see or feel. Some diseases may be made worse by HRT. Therefore, if you have or have ever had any of the following remind your doctor as he or she may want to monitor you more closely: uterine fibroids or endometriosis risk factors for blood clots (see section 2.2 - Blood Clots for more detail) a close relative who has had breast cancer or an estrogen dependent cancer, such as cancer of the womb or ovaries (see section 2.3 - Effects on your risk of developing cancer for more detail) high blood pressure heart disease (see section 2.2 Heart Disease for more detail) liver disease (e.g. liver adenoma) kidney disease diabetes gallbladder disease or gallstones migraine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE a rare chronic inflammatory disease) epilepsy asthma otosclerosis (hearing loss due to a problem with the bones in your ear) low blood calcium levels (hypocalcaemia) high levels of fatty substances in the blood (hypertriglyceridaemia).
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 2 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
If there is a change in any of the above conditions whilst taking Premique Cycle tell your doctor. As well as benefits, HRT has some risks which you need to consider when youre deciding whether to take it, or whether to carry on taking it. 2.2 Effects on your heart or circulation: Heart Disease HRT is not recommended for women who have heart disease, or have had heart disease recently. If you have ever had heart disease, talk to your doctor to see if you should be taking HRT. HRT will not help to prevent heart disease. Studies with one type of HRT (containing conjugated estrogens plus the progestogen MPA) have shown that women may be slightly more likely to get heart disease during the first year of taking the medication. For other types of HRT, the risk is likely to be similar, although this is not yet certain. If you get: a pain in your chest that spreads to your arm or neck See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. This pain could be a sign of heart disease. Stroke Recent research suggests that HRT slightly increases the risk of having a stroke. Other things that can increase the risk of stroke include: getting older high blood pressure smoking drinking too much alcohol an irregular heartbeat. If you are worried about any of these things, or if you have had a stroke in the past, talk to your doctor to see if you should take HRT. Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT on average, over a 5-year period, 3 in 1000 would be expected to have a stroke. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, the figure would be 4 in 1000. Looking at women in their 60s who are not taking HRT on average, over a 5-year period, 11 in 1000 would be expected to have a stroke. For women in their 60s who are taking HRT, the figure would be 15 in 1000. If you get: unexplained migraine-type headaches, with or without disturbed vision
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 3 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. These headaches may be an early warning sign of a stroke. Blood Clots HRT may increase the risk of blood clots in the veins (also called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), especially during the first year of taking it. These blood clots are not always serious, but if one travels to the lungs, it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, collapse or even death. This condition is called pulmonary embolism, or PE. DVT and PE are examples of a condition called venous thromboembolism, or VTE. You are more likely to get a blood clot: if you are seriously overweight if you have had a blood clot before if any of your close family have had blood clots if you have had one or more miscarriages if you have any blood clotting problem that needs treatment with a medicine such as warfarin if youre off your feet for a long time because of major surgery, injury or illness if you have a rare condition called SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). If any of these things apply to you, talk to your doctor to see if you should take HRT. Looking at women in their 50s who are not taking HRT on average, over a 5-year period, 3 in 1000 would be expected to get a blood clot. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, the figure would be 7 in 1000. Looking at women in their 60s who are not taking HRT on average, over a 5-year period, 8 in 1000 would be expected to get a blood clot. For women in their 60s who are taking HRT, the figure would be 17 in 1000. If you get: painful swelling in your leg sudden chest pain difficulty breathing See a doctor as soon as possible and do not take any more HRT until your doctor says you can. These may be signs of a blood clot. If youre going to have surgery, make sure your doctor knows about it. You may need to stop taking HRT about 4 to 6 weeks before the operation, to reduce the risk of a blood clot. Your doctor will tell you when you can start taking HRT again. 2.3 Effects on your risk of developing cancer:
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 4 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
Breast Cancer Women who have breast cancer, or have had breast cancer in the past, should not take HRT. Taking HRT slightly increases the risk of breast cancer; so does having a later menopause. The risk for a post-menopausal woman taking estrogen-only HRT for 5 years is about the same as for a woman the same age whos still having periods over that time and not taking HRT. The risk for a woman who is taking estrogen plus progestogen HRT is higher than for estrogen-only HRT (but estrogen plus progestogen HRT is beneficial for the endometrium, see Endometrial Cancer below). For all kinds of HRT, the extra risk of breast cancer goes up the longer you take it, but returns to normal within about 5 years after stopping. Your risk of breast cancer is also higher: if you have a close relative (mother, sister or grandmother) who has had breast cancer if you are seriously overweight. Looking at women aged 50 who are not taking HRT on average, 32 in 1000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time they reach the age of 65. For women who start taking estrogen-only HRT at age 50 and take it for 5 years, the figure will be between 33 and 34 in 1000 (i.e. an extra 1-2 cases). If they take estrogen-only HRT for 10 years, the figure will be 37 in 1000 (i.e. an extra 5 cases). For women who start taking estrogen plus progestogen HRT at age 50 and take it for 5 years, the figure will be 38 in 1000 (i.e. an extra 6 cases). If they take estrogen plus progestogen HRT for 10 years, the figure will be 51 in 1000 (i.e. an extra 19 cases). If you notice any changes in your breast, such as: dimpling of the skin changes in the nipple any lumps you can see or feel Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Endometrial Cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb) Taking estrogen-only HRT for a long time can increase the risk of cancer of the lining of the womb (the endometrium). Taking a progestogen as well as the estrogen helps to lower the extra risk. If you still have your womb, your doctor may prescribe a progestogen as well as estrogen. If so, these may be prescribed separately, or as a combined HRT product.
Last updated: 05/07/2011 Page 5 of 12
Premique UK
UK PQ 005
If you have had your womb removed (a hysterectomy), your doctor will discuss with you whether you can safely take estrogen without a progestogen. If youve had your womb removed because of endometriosis, any endometrium left in your body may be at risk. So your doctor may prescribe HRT that includes a progestogen as well as an estrogen. Your product, Premique Cycle, contains a progestogen. Looking at women who still have a uterus and who are not taking HRT on average 5 in 1000 will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65. For women who take estrogen-only HRT, the number will be 2 to 12 times higher, depending on the dose and how long they take it. The addition of a progestogen to estrogen-only HRT substantially reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. If you get breakthrough bleeding or spotting, its usually nothing to worry about, especially during the first few months of taking HRT. But if the bleeding or spotting: carries on for more than the first few months starts after youve been on HRT for a while carries on even after youve stopped taking HRT Make an appointment to see your doctor. It could be a sign that your endometrium has become thicker. Ovarian Cancer Ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovaries) is very rare, but it is serious. It can be difficult to diagnose, because there are often no obvious signs of the disease. Some studies have indicated that taking estrogen-only HRT for more than 5 years may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. It is not yet known whether other kinds of HRT increase the risk in the same way. 2.4 Other Conditions HRT will not help prevent memory loss. In one study of women who started using combined HRT after the age of 65, a small increase in the risk of dementia was observed. Women with hypertriglyceridaemia (high levels of fatty substances in the blood) may experience large increases of their plasma triglycerides, which can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Symptoms of pancreatitis include sudden sharp abdominal pains, abdominal swelling, fever and feeling or being sick. If you are taking thyroid hormone replacement therapy (e.g. thyroxine), your doctor may monitor your thyroid function more often when you start treatment.
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
HRT may affect some medical tests. If you visit a hospital or clinic for any medical tests, you should tell the doctor concerned that you are taking HRT. 2.5 Taking other medicines Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. In particular tell your doctor if you are taking: an anticonvulsant (used to treat epilepsy e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine) an anti-infective (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, erythromycin, ketoconazole, ritonavir, nelfinavir) a herbal preparation such as St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) metyrapone (most commonly used in the treatment of Cushings syndrome) aminoglutethimide (most commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer and Cushings syndrome). The way that Premique Cycle works may be altered if other medicines are used at the same time. 2.6 Pregnancy and breast-feeding You should stop taking Premique Cycle and tell your doctor immediately if you know or suspect you are pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. Premique Cycle is not a contraceptive. It is important that you use a reliable form of nonhormonal contraception (e.g. condom or diaphragm) if there is any possibility that you may still become pregnant. You should discuss this with your doctor. 2.7 Driving and using machines There is no evidence to suggest that Premique Cycle will affect your ability to drive or to operate machinery. 2.8 Important information about some of the ingredients in Premique Cycle Premique Cycle contains lactose and sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. The green tablets contain methylhydroxybenzoate and propylhydroxybenzoate. These ingredients may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). 3. HOW TO TAKE PREMIQUE CYCLE Always take Premique Cycle exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Last updated: 05/07/2011
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
Your doctor will aim to give you the lowest dose for the shortest time to treat your symptoms. The usual dose is one white tablet on days 1-14 and one green tablet on days 15-28. While you are taking Premique Cycle you will have no tablet free days. You should start your next pack the day after you finish the previous one. Take your tablets at the same time each day as this will help to remind you to take your medicine. Begin your pack of Premique Cycle by taking a white tablet marked for that day of the week. Continue to take one tablet daily following the arrows until all 14 white tablets in the pack have been taken. The next day, take a green tablet marked for that day of the week. Continue to take one green tablet daily following the arrows until all 14 green tablets have been taken. You may have a bleed similar to a period soon after finishing each pack. Start a new pack of Premique Cycle the next day. You may start your first pack at any convenient time. However, if you are still having periods you should start on the first day of your next period. If you are transferring from another HRT product that gives you a monthly bleed, start Premique Cycle the day after you finish the course of the previous product, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. When you take Premique Cycle you will probably have a regular period or withdrawal bleed each month. This is caused by the hormones, and is perfectly normal. Some women on HRT do not bleed. This is also quite normal. If you have an irregular bleed or bleeding is excessively heavy, you should discuss this with your doctor (see section titled Endometrial Cancer above). Do not try to take off the coating, divide or crush the tablets as this could affect the way Premique Cycle works. 3.1 If you take more Premique Cycle than you should If you take too many tablets dont worry. You may feel some nausea (sickness), breast tenderness, dizziness, abdominal pain, drowsiness, fatigue or experience a short period of vaginal bleeding, but it is unlikely that serious problems will result. If you are concerned talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 3.2 If you forget to take Premique Cycle If you forget to take your tablets dont worry. Take them as soon as you remember and then carry on taking the remaining tablets at the usual time. If more than two tablets have been forgotten, do not take extra to try to make up for the missed tablets.
Last updated: 05/07/2011
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
Missed tablets may cause a short period of light bleeding in women who have not had a hysterectomy. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, Premique Cycle can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 4.1 Serious side effects Stop taking Premique Cycle and tell your doctor immediately if you: have an allergic reaction, signs of which include rash, itching, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and a swollen face experience a migraine type headache (typically a throbbing headache and nausea preceded by visual disturbances) for the first time develop signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes) become pregnant experience a significant increase in your blood pressure develop a contraindication i.e. circumstances which make treatment inadvisable (please see section 2 - Before you take Premique Cycle) Do not take any more tablets until your doctor says you can. HRT can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. Please see section 2 - Before you take Premique Cycle. 4.2 Other side effects Ver y common (affect mor e than 1 in 10 women) breast pain Common (affect less than 1 in 10 women) breakthrough bleeding or spotting, vaginal inflammation, period pain breast tenderness, swollen breasts, nipple discharge depression muscle and joint aches, leg cramps weight change (increase or decrease) changes in your triglyceride levels (fatty substances in the blood) Uncommon (affect less than 1 in 100 women) changes in menstrual flow, vaginal discharge thrush nausea, bloating, abdominal pain headache, migraine
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
blood clots in the veins dizziness changes in mood including anxiety changes in your interest in sex (increased or decreased libido) visible swelling of the face or ankles itchiness, acne difficulty wearing contact lenses gallbladder disease (e.g. gallstones) hair loss
Rare (affect less than 1 in 1000 women) vomiting changes in breast tissue, milky secretion from the breasts irritability allergic reactions including swelling, rash or red patches on the skin increase in hair growth an intolerance to glucose a worsening of asthma increased size of fibroids ovarian cancer worsening of epilepsy heart attack, stroke inflammation of veins just under the skin inflammation of the pancreas irregular dark spots (usually on the face) Very rare (affect less than 1 in 10000 women) jaundice (e.g. yellowing of the skin) a worsening of chorea (an existing neurological disorder characterised by involuntary spasmodic movements of the body) a worsening of hypocalcaemia (low blood levels of calcium) blurred vision or loss of vision worsening of porphyria (a rare inherited metabolic disorder) growth of benign liver tumours These side effects are usually temporary and should get better over time. Other side effects that may occur while taking an estrogen-progesterone combined HRT are: memory loss (dementia)
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. 5. HOW TO STORE PREMIQUE CYCLE
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister. The expiry date refers to the last date of that month. Do not store above 25C. Keep the blister in the outer carton to protect from light. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help the environment. 6. FURTHER INFORMATION 6.1 What Premique Cycle contains The active substances are conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate. Premique Cycle contains two types of tablets - the white tablets (marked 0.625) contain 0.625mg conjugated estrogens; the green tablets (marked 0.625/10) contain 0.625mg conjugated estrogens and 10mg of a progestogen - medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The other ingredients in the conjugated estrogens tablets (white tablets) are: calcium phosphate tribasic, calcium sulphate, carnauba wax, microcrystalline cellulose, glyceryl mono-oleates, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, macrogol, shellac, sucrose, titanium dioxide (E171) and edible printing ink. The other ingredients in the medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets (green tablets) are: calcium phosphate tribasic, calcium sulphate, carnauba wax, microcrystalline cellulose, glyceryl mono-oleates, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylcellulose, methyl hydroxybenzoate, macrogol, povidone, propyl hydroxybenzoate, shellac, sodium benzoate, sucrose, indigo carmine (E132), titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide yellow (E172) and edible printing ink. edible printing ink contains iron oxide black (E172), shellac, propylene glycol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, N-Butyl alcohol, purified water, ammonia solution. The inks and dyes used to coat your tablets are approved for use as food colourings. 6.2 What Premique Cycle looks like and contents of the pack Your Premique Cycle carton contains three blister packs of tablets. Each blister pack contains 14 conjugated estrogens tablets and 14 combined conjugated estrogens/MPA tablets. The marketing authorisation holder is Pfizer Limited Ramsgate Road Sandwich Kent CT13 9NJ
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Premique UK
UK PQ 005
United Kingdom The manufacturer is Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Little Connell, Newbridge, County Kildare, Republic of Ireland. This leaflet applies to Premique Cycle tablets only. Leaflet approved: 11/2011 * Trade mark Ref: PQ 4_0
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Source: Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
