Novofem

What is Novofem?

Novofem is used as part of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep difficulty, mood swings, vaginal dryness and reduced sex drive (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.

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How to take Novofem?

Always take your medicine 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 medication to make up for missed doses.

If you take more Novofem than prescribed, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

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Side effects and cautions of Novofem?

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Before taking Novofem, it is important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Possible side effects of Novofem may include:

• Benign womb tumour
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headache
• Increase in blood pressure
• Indigestion
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Rash and itching
• Swelling of the extremities (arms, hands, legs and feet)
• Tenderness in the breasts
• Tiredness
• Vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal thrush
• Weight change

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For a more detailed list of adverse effects associated with Novofem, we strongly recommend reading the patient information leaflet.

If you are concerned about any of the side effects listed above, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our doctors or pharmacists who are happy to answer any questions you have about the medicine you are taking. If you experience adverse effects for a prolonged period of time, consult your GP.

Novofem is not suitable for all women. During the consultation, inform our doctors of any other treatments you are taking including prescribed medicine, over-the-counter medicine and herbal remedies (such as St John’s Wort) as certain medication can increase the risk of experiencing associated side effects or impact the efficacy (effectiveness) of the medication.

Before taking any medication online, we recommend that you speak to your GP to ensure the treatment is right for you.

Do not take Novofem if you have any of the following conditions:

• Excessive thickening of the endometrium (Endometrial hyperplasia)
• Have a blood clotting disorder
• Have a rare blood condition called porphyria
• Have had a disease caused by a blood clot, including a heart attack, stroke, or angina
• Have had blood clots (Venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
• Have had liver disease which has affected liver tests
• Have, had, or suspect you may have breast cancer
• Have, had, or suspect you may have endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb)
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

If you are allergic or intolerant to one or more of the ingredients of Novofem, do not take Novofem.

Novofem is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Novofem is not a form of hormonal contraception. If less than 12 months have elapsed since your last period, or if you are under the age of 50, use additional protection such as condoms to prevent pregnancy.

If you become pregnant while taking Novofem, stop taking the medicine immediately and speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

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Staying safe with Prescription Doctor

During the consultation, please answer all the medical questions as accurately as you can. This is so that the doctor can review your order and ensure the treatment is right for you.

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Table of contents

What is Novofem?

How to take Novofem?

Side effects and cautions of Novofem

Staying safe with Prescription Doctor

Additional resources

10 questions about the menopause answered