Novofem

Novofem

Novofem is used as hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women to relieve menopause symptoms, such as:

• hot flushes
• nigh sweats
• sleep difficulty
• mood swings
• vaginal dryness
• reduced sex-drive (low libido)

The treatment comes in a 28-day calendar pack.

There are two tablets – a red tablet and a white tablet.

The red tablet contains only estradiol – a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female hormone oestrogen. The white tablets contain both estradiol and norethisterone, the latter is a synthetic form of the sex hormone progestogen.

During the menopause, a woman’s hormones fluctuate and change. Oestrogen levels begin to slowly decline, which causes the symptoms above.

Novofem works to correct the imbalance of the hormones by supplementing the lost oestrogen with estradiol. However, oestrogen can cause an increase in growth of the endometrium (the lining of the womb) which can lead to endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb) if the levels are not regulated.

To reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, norethisterone mimics progesterone and ensures that the endometrium does not grow excessively. While it does not prevent the risk entirely, it reduces the risk significantly in women who have not undergone a hysterectomy (an operation to remove the womb).

Postmenopausal women are also at a greater risk of developing a condition called osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). This is because oestrogen plays an important role in the maintenance of bone density in women.

By raising the level of oestrogen in the body, the bone density remains strong and healthy, reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis.

For women who find that the symptoms of the menopause interfere with their lifestyle and well-being, Novofem can be prescribed by a doctor to relieve the symptoms and balance the hormones in the body.

How to take Novofem?

Always take Novofem as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Novofem contains 2 tablets – a red film-coated tablet and a white film-coated tablet. The white tablet contains both estradiol and norethisterone, while the red tablet only contains estradiol.

Novofem is taken sequentially. For the first 16 days of the course, the red tablet is taken. Then, the white tablet is taken for 12 days straight after.

These tablets are contained in a 28-day calendar pack. Instructions on how to use this can be found in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment.

Novofem can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.

Do not crush or chew the tablets.

What should I do if I forget to take Novofem?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, but it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your course of treatment as normal.

Do not take more Novofem tablets to make up for missed doses.