Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Angeliq
- Estrogens/Progestins-HRT
Description
Combination of the main circulating human estrogen (estradiol) and a progestin (drospirenone) with antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic properties
Used for vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause in women with an intact uterus
Drospirenone minimizes salt and water retention and may have beneficial effects on blood pressure in postmenopausal women
Drospirenone has a potassium-sparing effect; do not use in patients with adrenal, renal, or hepatic insufficiency
Indications
Indicated for treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) of menopause and/or related genitourinary symptoms including atrophic vaginitis, vulvar atrophy (kraurosis vulvae) in women with an intact uterus.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Known, suspected, or history of cancer of the breast
Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
Active DVT, PE, or a history of these conditions
Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI), or history of these conditions
Renal impairment
Known liver impairment or disease
Adrenal insufficiency
Known or suspected pregnancy
Known protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders
Known anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, or hypersensitivity
Adverse Effects
Breast pain (19%)
Upper respiratory infection (19%)
Abdominal pain (11%)
Edema
Peripheral edema
Headache
Accidental injury, back pain, pain in extremity
Endometrial disorder
Leukorrhea
Vaginal hemorrhage
Abdominal enlargement
Flu syndrome
Sinusitis
Warnings
Use caution in bone mineral density changes, current/history of depression, DM, HTN, hyperlipidemia, obesity, endometriosis, family history of breast cancer, DVT/PE, smoking
Discontinue if the following develop: jaundice, visual problems, 4-6 wk before major surgery, any symptoms of VTE, massive BP increase, unusually severe migraines or first-time migraines, depression
Increased risk of post-op thromboembolic complications, arterial/venous thromboembolic disorder, hyperkalemia, exacerbation of endometriosis
Do not use with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia
Conditions exacerbated by fluid retention (eg, asthma, migraine, cardiac/renal dysfunction, epilepsy)
Patients on warfarin/oral anticoagulants: oestrogens increase thromboembolic risk; increase in anticoagulant dose may be warranted
History of migraine with aura
Cholelithiasis
Exogenous estrogens may exacerbate symptoms of angioedema in women with hereditary angioedema
Consider topical vaginal products when used solely for vulvovaginal atrophy
Increased risk of ovarian cancer reported in women who used hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms
Manage appropriately risk factors for arterial vascular disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (e.g., personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus)
A 2 to 4-fold increase in risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery in postmenopausal women receiving estrogens reported
Retinal vascular thrombosis reported in patients receiving estrogens; discontinue medication pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine; if examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, estrogens should be discontinued
There are, possible risks that may be associated with use of progestins with estrogens compared to estrogen-alone regimens, including a possible increased risk of breast cancer, adverse effects on lipoprotein metabolism (e.g., lowering HDL, raising LDL), and impairment of glucose tolerance
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: contraindicated in pregnancy
Lactation: enters breast milk/not recommended
Maximum Dosage
Drospirenone 0.5 mg/day PO and estradiol 1 mg/day PO.
Drospirenone 0.5 mg/day PO and estradiol 1 mg/day PO.
Not indicated.
Not indicated.
How supplied
Drospirenone/estradiol
tablet
- 0.25mg/0.5mg
- 0.5mg/1mg