Femoston
Generic Name
Estradiol and Dydrogesterone
Manufacturer
Viatris (formerly Mylan)
Country
Netherlands (production site may vary)
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| femoston 2 mg tablet | ৳ 60.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Femoston 2/10 mg is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicine containing estradiol (an estrogen) and dydrogesterone (a progestogen). It is used to relieve symptoms of menopause in women whose uterus is intact. The 2/10 formulation provides 2 mg estradiol for the first 14 days, followed by 2 mg estradiol and 10 mg dydrogesterone for the next 14 days of a 28-day cycle.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
One tablet daily in a 28-day cycle. The first 14 days, a white tablet containing 2 mg Estradiol is taken. For the subsequent 14 days, a grey tablet containing 2 mg Estradiol and 10 mg Dydrogesterone is taken.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment is generally required for elderly women, but caution is advised due to age-related risks associated with HRT.
Renal_impairment
No specific studies have been performed; use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dosage adjustment may be necessary based on clinical judgment.
How to Take
Femoston tablets should be taken orally, swallowed whole with water, preferably at the same time each day, with or without food. It is important to follow the tablet order in the blister pack.
Mechanism of Action
Estradiol replaces the estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women, thereby alleviating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Dydrogesterone is a progestogen added to oppose the effects of estrogen on the endometrium, reducing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in women with an intact uterus.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Symptomatic relief typically begins within a few weeks of consistent use.
Excretion
Both estradiol and dydrogesterone (and their metabolites) are primarily excreted in the urine, mainly as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
Half life
Estradiol has a short elimination half-life (approximately 1 hour for the parent compound), with active metabolites having longer half-lives. Dydrogesterone's elimination half-life is 5-7 hours, and its main active metabolite (DHD) is 14-17 hours.
Absorption
Estradiol and dydrogesterone are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations of estradiol are reached within 0.5-2.5 hours, and dydrogesterone within 0.5-2.5 hours.
Metabolism
Estradiol undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, forming estrone and other metabolites. Dydrogesterone is extensively metabolized, primarily to dihydrodydrogesterone (DHD), its main active metabolite, via ketone reduction.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Known, past or suspected breast cancer.
- •Known or suspected estrogen-dependent malignant tumours (e.g., endometrial cancer).
- •Undiagnosed genital bleeding.
- •Untreated endometrial hyperplasia.
- •Previous idiopathic or current venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
- •Known thrombophilic disorders (e.g., protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency).
- •Active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g., angina, myocardial infarction, stroke).
- •Acute liver disease or a history of liver disease where liver function tests have failed to return to normal.
- •Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients.
- •Porphyria.
Drug Interactions
Ritonavir, Nelfinavir
Although known as strong inhibitors, these drugs, when used concurrently with steroid hormones, may induce metabolism.
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, ciclosporin)
May increase the plasma levels of estradiol and dydrogesterone, potentially leading to increased side effects.
Herbal preparations containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
May induce the metabolism of estrogens and progestogens, leading to decreased plasma levels and reduced efficacy.
Enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz)
May increase the metabolism of estrogens and progestogens, potentially reducing the therapeutic effect of Femoston.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Keep in the original package to protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, drowsiness, and fatigue. No specific antidote is available. Management should be symptomatic and supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Femoston is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If pregnancy occurs during Femoston use, treatment should be discontinued immediately. Small amounts of estrogens and progestogens are excreted in human milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 3 years from the date of manufacture, specific details on packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
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Global Brand Names
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