FEMOSTON 2/10 instructions for use, description of the medicinal product FEMOSTON 2/10: contraindications, side effects, dosages, composition - tablets, coating. shell in the directory of medicinal

Pharmacological properties of the drug Femoston

Pharmacodynamics. combined estrogen-progestin drug. Estradiol Estradiol is chemically and biologically identical to the natural human sex hormone estradiol. Among ovarian hormones, it has the highest activity. Estradiol causes cyclic changes in the uterus, cervix and vagina and ensures the maintenance of tone and elasticity of the genitourinary tract. Estradiol also plays an important role in the preservation of bone tissue, ensuring the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures. Oral intake of estrogens has a positive effect on lipid metabolism, has a beneficial effect on the autonomic nervous system and an indirect positive effect on the psycho-emotional sphere. Dydrogesterone Dydrogesterone is an orally effective progestogen whose effects are comparable to those of parenterally administered progesterone. In the context of hormone replacement therapy, dydrogesterone promotes complete secretory transformation of the uterine endometrium, thus preventing the risk of developing estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia and/or carcinoma, without excluding androgenic side effects. Due to the fact that estrogens stimulate endometrial growth, estrogen monotherapy increases the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. The use of progestogen in therapy reduces the estrogen-induced risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia in women with a preserved uterus. Clinical trial data Reduction of symptoms of estrogen deficiency and improvement of bleeding profile Reduction in the severity of menopausal symptoms was achieved during the first weeks of treatment. Regular menstrual-like reactions (average duration 5 days) when using Femoston, which contains 2 mg estradiol and 10 mg dydrogesterone, were observed in approximately 90% of women. Menstruation usually began on the day of taking the last tablet of the progestogen phase. Breakthrough uterine bleeding and/or spotting was reported in approximately 10% of women. During the first year of therapy, amenorrhea (absence of bleeding or spotting) was observed in 5–15% of women per cycle. Regular menstrual-like reactions when using the drug Femoston, which contains 1 mg of estradiol and 10 mg of dydrogesterone, were observed in 75–80% of women. The day of the onset of menstruation, its duration, as well as the number of women with periodic menstrual-like reactions were the same as with the use of the drug Femoston, which contains 2 mg estradiol and 10 mg dydrogesterone, but there were more women with no menstruation (10–25% per 1 cycle). Prevention of osteoporosis Estrogen deficiency during menopause is associated with increased bone turnover and decreased bone mass. The effect of estrogens on bone mineral density is dose-dependent. The protective effect of estrogens only occurs during their use. After stopping hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the rate of bone loss is the same as in women who did not receive this therapy. Data from the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) study and objective analysis of studies suggest that current HRT, primarily in healthy women, either as monotherapy or in combination with a progestogen, reduces the risk of hip, vertebral and other types of fractures that occur due to osteoporosis. HRT may also prevent fractures in women with low bone density and/or known osteoporosis, but data on this are limited. After two years of treatment with Femoston, which contains 2 mg estradiol and 10 mg dydrogesterone, bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine increased by 6.7% ± 3.9%. During treatment, BMD in the lumbar spine increased or remained unchanged in 94.4% of women. In women who took the drug Femoston, which contains 1 mg of estradiol and 10 mg of dydrogesterone, BMD in the lumbar spine increased by 5.2% + 3.8%. BMD in the lumbar spine increased or remained unchanged during treatment in 93.0% of women. Femoston affects BMD of the femur. After two years of therapy with 1 mg estradiol, BMD of the femoral neck increased by 2.7% ± 4.2%, by 3.5% ± 5.0% in the trochanteric area and by 2.7% ± 6.7% in the Ward triangle . After two years of treatment with estradiol at a dose of 2 mg, these figures were 2.6% ± 5.0%; 4.6% ± 5.0% and 4.1% ± 7.4%, respectively. BMD in three areas of the femur increased or remained unchanged after treatment with estradiol at a dose of 1 and 2 mg in 67–78% and 71–88% of women, respectively. Pharmacokinetics. Estradiol After oral administration, micronized estradiol is rapidly absorbed and extensively metabolized. The main unconjugated and conjugated metabolites are estrone and estrone sulfate. These metabolites have estrogenic activity both directly and after their conversion to estradiol. Estrone sulfate may be subject to enterohepatic metabolism. The main compounds found in urine are the glucuronides of estrone and estradiol. Estrogens pass into breast milk. Dydrogesterone After oral administration, approximately 63% of dydrogesterone is excreted in the urine. The drug is completely eliminated after 72 hours. Dydrogesterone is completely metabolized in the body. The main metabolite of dydrogesterone is 20-α-dihydrodydrogesterone (DHD), which is found primarily in urine as a glucuronic acid conjugate. A common feature of all metabolites is that they retain the 4,6-dien-3-one configuration and the absence of hydroxylation reaction under the action of 17α-hydroxylase. This explains the lack of estrogenic and androgenic effects of dydrogesterone. After oral administration of dydrogesterone, the concentration of DHD in the blood plasma significantly exceeds the level of the parent substance. Dydrogesterone is rapidly absorbed. The time to reach maximum concentration for dydrogesterone and DGD varies between 0.5–2.5 hours. The half-lives for dydrogesterone and DGD are 5–7 and 14–17 hours, respectively. Unlike progesterone, dydrogesterone is not excreted in the urine in the form of pregnanediol. Thus, it remains possible to analyze the formation of endogenous progesterone based on the measurement of pregnanediol excretion.

Femoston conti 1/5 tablets ppo No. 28

Compound

Active ingredients: estradiol - 1 mg, dydrogesterone - 5 mg. Excipients: lactose monohydrate - 114.7 mg, hypromellose (HPMC 2910) - 2.8 mg, corn starch - 14.4 mg, colloidal silicon dioxide - 1.4 mg, magnesium stearate - 0.7 mg.

Pharmacokinetics

Estradiol

Suction

The absorption of estradiol depends on the particle size; micronized estradiol is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution

Estrogen can be found in both bound and free states. About 98-99% of a dose of estradiol is bound to plasma proteins, of which 30-52% is bound to albumin and about 46-69% is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).

When taking Femoston® conti daily, the concentration of estradiol in the blood plasma reaches a constant value after about 5 days. Typically, this indicator is achieved within 8-11 days after the start of therapy.

Estrogens are excreted in breast milk.

Metabolism

Estradiol is actively metabolized in the liver. The main unconjugated and conjugated metabolites are estrone and estrone sulfate, which have estrogenic activity. Estrone sulfate may undergo enterohepatic recirculation.

Removal

Estrone and estradiol are excreted in a state conjugated with glucuronic acid mainly by the kidneys. T1/2 is 10-16 hours.

Dydrogesterone

Suction

After oral administration, it is quickly absorbed and completely metabolized. Tmax values for dydrogesterone vary from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. The absolute bioavailability of dydrogesterone is 28%.

Distribution

More than 90% of dydrogesterone and 20α-dihydrodydrogesterone (DHD) are bound to plasma proteins.

The drug is characterized by linear pharmacokinetics with single and repeated oral administration in the dose range from 2/5 mg to 10 mg. A comparison of the kinetics of single and multiple doses shows that the pharmacokinetic properties of dydrogesterone and DHD do not change when taking multiple doses.

Css of dydrogesterone is achieved 3 days after treatment.

Metabolism

The main metabolite of dydrogesterone is DHD. Cmax of DHD in blood plasma is achieved approximately 1.5 hours after taking the drug. The concentration of DHD in the blood plasma significantly exceeds the initial concentration of dydrogesterone; the ratios of the AUC and Cmax values of DHD to dydrogesterone are about 40 and 25, respectively.

A common characteristic feature of all dydrogesterone metabolites is the preservation of the 4,6-dien-3-one configuration of the original substance and the absence of 17α-hydroxylation, which determines the absence of estrogenic and androgenic activity.

Removal

T1/2 is 5-7 hours for dydrogesterone, 14-17 hours for DGD. Dydrogesterone is completely eliminated after 72 hours. On average, 63% of the dose taken is excreted by the kidneys. Total plasma clearance - 6.4 l/min. DHD is detected in urine primarily as a glucuronic acid conjugate.

Indications for use

hormone replacement therapy for disorders caused by estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women (no earlier than 12 months after the last menstruation);
prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women at high risk of fractures with intolerance or contraindications to the use of other medications.

Contraindications

diagnosed or suspected breast cancer;
diagnosed or suspected estrogen-dependent malignancies (for example, endometrial cancer);
diagnosed or suspected progestogen-dependent neoplasms (for example, meningioma);
bleeding from the vagina of unknown etiology;
untreated endometrial hyperplasia;
thrombosis (arterial and venous) and thromboembolism currently or in history (including thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis; pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disorders);
multiple or pronounced factors of arterial or venous thrombosis, angina pectoris, prolonged immobilization, severe forms of obesity (BMI more than 30 kg/m2), diseases of the cerebral vessels or coronary arteries, transient ischemic attacks, complicated lesions of the valvular apparatus of the heart, atrial fibrillation;
identified hereditary or acquired predisposition to arterial or venous thrombosis/thromboembolism (for example, hyperhomocysteinemia, antithrombin III deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant);
acute or chronic liver diseases currently or in history (before normalization of liver function tests), incl. malignant liver tumors;
porphyria;
pregnancy;
breastfeeding period;
galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose/galactose malabsorption syndrome;
hypersensitivity to dydrogesterone, estradiol and/or to any excipient in the drug.

The use of Femoston® conti should be discontinued if the following conditions occur:

jaundice and/or liver dysfunction;
uncontrolled arterial hypertension;
migraine-like headache that first appeared during the use of drugs for HRT.

Carefully

The use of drugs for HRT, incl. Femoston® conti requires precautions in the presence of any of the following diseases/conditions and risk factors::

uterine leiomyoma, endometriosis;
the presence of risk factors for the occurrence of estrogen-dependent tumors (for example, 1st degree relatives with breast cancer);
arterial hypertension;
benign liver tumors;
diabetes mellitus, both in the presence of vascular complications and in cases of their absence;
cholelithiasis;
migraine or severe headache;
systemic lupus erythematosus;
history of endometrial hyperplasia;
epilepsy;
bronchial asthma;
otosclerosis.

Use of the drug with caution is required:

in patients with chronic heart failure and/or renal failure;
if there are risk factors for the development of thrombosis or thromboembolism in a family history - thrombosis or thromboembolic complications in first-degree relatives aged less than 50 years (such patients should be screened, having previously been notified that screening can only identify a part of thrombophilic disorders) .

Directions for use and doses

The drug is taken orally daily for 28 days, continuously, 1 tablet/day (preferably at the same time of day), regardless of meals.

Treatment should continue without interruption, and the next treatment cycle should begin immediately after the end of the 28-day cycle.

To initiate and maintain HRT treatment for estrogen deficiency disorders, the combination of dydrogesterone + estradiol should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest period of time. Depending on the clinical response, the dose can be further adjusted.

When switching from another continuous sequential or cyclic regimen of taking the drug, you should finish the current cycle and then switch to Femoston® conti.

Women who have not previously received HRT, or when switching from another continuous combined HRT regimen, should start taking Femoston® conti on any day.

If the patient misses the next dose, the tablet must be taken within 12 hours after the usual dosing time. If more than 12 hours have passed, the missed tablet should not be taken; the next day you should take the tablet at the usual time. Skipping a dose may increase the likelihood of breakthrough uterine bleeding or spotting.

Storage conditions

The drug should be stored out of the reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.

Best before date

3 years. Do not use after the expiration date.

special instructions

The drug is prescribed only in the presence of symptoms that adversely affect the quality of life. All patients receiving HRT at least once a year require a benefit/risk assessment. Therapy should be continued until the benefits of taking the drug outweigh the risk of adverse reactions.

Experience with the drug in women over 65 years of age is limited.

Information about the risks associated with HRT in cases of premature menopause is limited. Due to the lower absolute risk in younger women, their benefit/risk ratio may be more favorable than in older women.

Medical examination

Before starting or resuming taking Femoston® conti, it is necessary to collect a complete medical and family history and conduct a general and gynecological examination (including mammary glands) of the patient in order to identify possible contraindications and conditions requiring precautions. While taking Femoston® conti, it is recommended to conduct periodic examinations, the frequency and nature of which are determined individually, but not less than once every 6 months. It is advisable to perform mammography for additional examination of the mammary glands. Women should be informed about those possible changes in the mammary glands that need to be reported to their doctor.

The use of estrogens may affect the results of the following laboratory tests: determination of glucose tolerance, study of thyroid and liver functions.

Hyperplasia and endometrial cancer

The risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia and cancer when using drugs containing only estrogen depends on the dose and duration of treatment and increases from 2 to 12 times compared with patients not receiving therapy; the risk may remain elevated for 10 years after stopping therapy.

In women with a preserved uterus, the use of HRT drugs containing only estrogen is not recommended due to the increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Cyclic use of progestogen (at least 12 days of a 28-day cycle), or use of a continuous combined HRT regimen in women with a preserved uterus, prevents the increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer associated with estrogen use.

For the purpose of timely diagnosis, it is advisable to conduct ultrasound (US) screening and, if necessary, conduct a histological (cytological) examination.

Bloody vaginal discharge

In the first months of taking the drug, there may be bleeding and/or scanty spotting from the vagina. If such bleeding appears some time after the start of therapy or continues after cessation of treatment, its cause should be determined. An endometrial biopsy may be performed to rule out malignancy.

Venous thromboembolism

HRT is associated with a 1.3-3-fold risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), i.e. deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The development of this phenomenon is most likely during the first year of HRT.

If there is a family history of thrombosis/thromboembolism in first-degree relatives under the age of 50 years, as well as a history of recurrent miscarriage, it is necessary to conduct a hemostasis study (during screening, only some disorders of the blood coagulation system are detected). If the patient is taking anticoagulants, it is necessary to carefully assess the benefit/risk ratio when using Femoston® conti. Until a thorough assessment of the factors for the possible development of thromboembolism or the initiation of anticoagulant therapy is completed, Femoston® conti is not prescribed.

If a thrombophilic condition is detected in a family member and/or in the case of the seriousness or severity of the defect (for example, antithrombin III deficiency, protein S or C deficiency, as well as a combination of defects), Femoston® conti is contraindicated.

Since patients with diagnosed thrombophilic conditions have an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism, the use of Femoston® conti, which increases this risk, is contraindicated.

In most cases, risk factors for developing VTE include: estrogen use, older age, major surgery, prolonged immobilization, obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2), pregnancy or the postpartum period, systemic lupus erythematosus and cancer. There is no consensus on the possible role of varicose veins in the development of VTE.

To prevent VTE after surgery, prophylactic measures should be considered in all postoperative patients.

In case of prolonged immobilization after surgery, it is recommended to stop taking Femoston® conti 4-6 weeks before, and treatment should not be resumed until the woman has completely recovered mobility.

If VTE develops after initiation of therapy, the drug should be discontinued and patients should be informed that they should contact their physician immediately if any of the symptoms indicating possible thrombosis or thromboembolism occur (eg, tenderness or swelling of the lower extremities, sudden chest pain, shortness of breath).

Mammary cancer

In women who have been receiving HRT for a long time containing only estrogen or combined (estrogen + progestogen) drugs, the incidence of breast cancer diagnosis increases, which returns to the original level within 5 years after cessation of therapy.

The increase in risk depends on the duration of HRT use. In women taking combined HRT drugs for more than 5 years, the risk of developing breast cancer can increase up to 2 times.

Combination therapy with estrogen and progestogen. The results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial (Women's Health Initiative (WHI)) and epidemiological studies showed an increased risk of developing breast cancer in women taking combined drugs for HRT (estrogen + progestogen). This increase becomes noticeable after approximately three years of therapy.

Estrogen-only therapy. According to the WHI study, there was no increased risk of breast cancer in women with a previous hysterectomy who received estrogen-only HRT.

Most observational studies showed a small increase in the risk of breast cancer, although this risk was markedly lower in women taking combined estrogen and progestogen therapy.

The increase in risk becomes noticeable after several years of using HRT drugs, and after stopping therapy it returns to the original level within several (maximum five) years.

While taking HRT medications, there may be an increase in the density of breast tissue during mammography, which can make it difficult to diagnose breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is much less common than breast cancer. Epidemiological data from a large meta-analysis suggest a small increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer for women receiving combined or estrogen-only HRT.

These studies (increased risk) become more obvious when therapy lasts more than 5 years, and after discontinuation, the risk gradually decreases over time. The results of a number of other studies, incl. WHI indicate that combined HRT is associated with a similar or slightly lower risk of ovarian cancer.

Risk of ischemic stroke

Combination therapy with estrogen and progestogen or therapy with estrogen alone is associated with a 1.5-fold increase in the relative risk of ischemic stroke. The risk of hemorrhagic stroke does not increase when receiving HRT.

The relative risk does not depend on age, time of menopause, or duration of therapy. However, the baseline risk is highly dependent on age, so the overall risk of stroke in women taking HRT will increase with age.

Coronary heart disease (CHD)

Randomized controlled clinical trials provided no evidence of a protective effect of HRT against myocardial infarction in women with or without CAD who received combined estrogen and progestogen HRT or estrogen alone.

Combination therapy with estrogen and progestogen. The relative risk of coronary heart disease during the use of combined estrogen and progestogen HRT is slightly increased. Because the absolute risk of CAD is highly dependent on age, the number of additional cases of CAD due to combined HRT use in healthy premenopausal women is very small, but increases with age. The risk is slightly higher in women over 60 years of age.

Estrogen-only therapy. Based on data from randomized controlled trials, there was no increased risk of coronary artery disease in women with a previous hysterectomy who received estrogen monotherapy.

Other states

Estrogens can cause fluid retention, which may adversely affect patients with impaired renal or cardiac function. This group of patients should be under medical supervision.

Patients with hypertriglyceridemia while taking HRT medications should also be under medical supervision, because There are reports of very rare cases of significant increases in the concentration of triglycerides in the blood plasma, which contributes to the development of pancreatitis.

Estrogens increase the concentration of thyroxine-binding globulin, which leads to an overall increase in the concentration of circulating thyroid hormones (measured by determination of iodine bound to plasma proteins), the concentration of thyroxine (T4) - chromatographic or radioimmunoassay, or triiodothyronine (T3) - radioimmunoassay. The labeled triiodothyronine uptake test shows an increased concentration of thyroxine-binding globulin. The concentrations of free hormones T3 and T4 usually do not change. Plasma concentrations of other binding proteins (eg, transcortin and sex hormone-binding globulin) may also be increased, resulting in increased concentrations of circulating glucocorticoids and sex hormones.

The concentrations of free or biologically active hormones do not change. It is possible to increase the concentration of other plasma proteins (angiotensinogen/renin system, α-1-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin).

The use of HRT does not improve cognitive function. There are reports of an increased risk of developing dementia in women who start using HRT (combined or estrogen-containing only) after 65 years.

Femoston® conti is not a contraceptive.

Description

Antimenopausal agent (estrogen + progestogen).

Dosage form

Orange-pink, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets, engraved “379” on one side; cross-sectional appearance of the tablets: white, rough surface.

Use in children

Contraindicated in children.

Action

Estradiol

, which is part of the drug Femoston® conti, is identical to endogenous human estradiol, which is the most active estrogen.

Estradiol compensates for the deficiency of estrogen in the female body in women at menopausal age and reduces menopausal symptoms during the first weeks of treatment.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with Femoston® conti prevents bone loss in the postmenopausal period or after oophorectomy.

Dydrogesterone

- a progestogen that is effective when taken orally and has activity similar to parenterally administered progesterone.

When carrying out HRT, the inclusion of dydrogesterone ensures complete secretory transformation of the endometrium, thereby reducing the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, increased under the influence of estrogen.

Side effects

In clinical studies, the most common symptoms reported in patients treated with the estradiol/dydrogesterone combination were headache, abdominal pain, breast tenderness/tenderness, and back pain.

In clinical studies (n=4929), the following undesirable effects were observed with the incidence indicated below (number of reported cases/number of patients): very common (≥1/10); often (from ≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (from ≥1/1000 to <1/100), rare (from ≥1/10000 to <1/1000).

Infectious and parasitic diseases: often - vaginal candidiasis; infrequently - cystitis.

Benign, malignant and unspecified neoplasms: uncommon - increase in the size of fibroids.

From the blood and lymphatic system: rarely - hemolytic anemia*.

On the part of the immune system: rarely - hypersensitivity to the active and auxiliary substances in the drug.

Mental disorders: often - depression, nervousness; infrequently - changes in libido.

From the nervous system: very often - headache; often - migraine, dizziness; rarely - meningioma*.

On the part of the organ of vision: rarely - increased corneal curvature*, intolerance to contact lenses*.

From the cardiovascular system: uncommon - venous thromboembolism*, arterial hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, varicose veins; rarely - stroke*.

From the digestive system: very often - abdominal pain; often - nausea, vomiting, flatulence; infrequently - dyspepsia.

From the liver and biliary tract: uncommon - impaired liver function (sometimes in combination with jaundice, asthenia or malaise and abdominal pain), gallbladder disease.

From the skin and subcutaneous tissues: often - allergic skin reactions (including skin rash, urticaria, itching); rarely - angioedema, erythema nodosum*, vascular purpura; chloasma or melasma, which may persist after stopping the drug*.

From the musculoskeletal system: very often - back pain.

From the genital organs and mammary glands: very often - tension/pain in the mammary glands; often - menstrual irregularities (including spotting in postmenopause, metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, oligo-/amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea), pain in the lower abdomen, changes in vaginal secretion; uncommon - breast enlargement, premenstrual syndrome.

General disorders and disorders at the injection site: often - asthenic conditions (weakness, malaise, fatigue), peripheral edema.

Laboratory and instrumental data: often - increase in body weight; infrequently - weight loss.

*Adverse effects reported spontaneously but not observed in clinical studies.

Other adverse reactions caused by the use of a combination of estrogen and progestogen (including estradiol + dydrogesterone)

Benign, malignant and unspecified neoplasms: estrogen-dependent benign and malignant neoplasms, incl. endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer; increase in the size of meningioma.

From the immune system: systemic lupus erythematosus.

Metabolism: hypertriglyceridemia.

From the nervous system: the likelihood of developing dementia, chorea, provoking epilepsy attacks.

Vascular disorders: arterial thromboembolism.

From the digestive system: pancreatitis (in patients with hypertriglyceridemia).

From the skin and subcutaneous tissues: erythema multiforme.

From the kidneys and urinary tract: urinary incontinence.

From the genital organs and mammary gland: fibrocystic mastopathy, cervical erosion.

Congenital and hereditary disorders: worsening of the course of concomitant porphyria.

Laboratory and instrumental data: increased concentration of thyroid hormones in blood plasma

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of Femoston® conti during pregnancy and breastfeeding is contraindicated.

If pregnancy occurs while taking the drug, you should immediately stop using it.

The drug Femoston® conti is not used in women of reproductive age.

Interaction

Decreased effectiveness of estrogen and progestogen

The metabolism of estrogen and progestogen can be enhanced when taken simultaneously with drugs that induce microsomal liver enzymes of the cytochrome P450 system (isoenzymes CYP2B6, 3A4, 3A5, 3A7): anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) and antimicrobial drugs (rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz) .

Herbal preparations containing St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) may enhance the metabolism of estrogen and progestogen through the CYP3A4 isoenzyme.

Ritonavir and nelfinavir, although known as strong inhibitors of CYP3A4, A5, A7, when used simultaneously with sex hormones, can enhance their metabolism.

Increased metabolism of estrogens and gestagens can be clinically manifested by a decrease in the effect of the drug and a change in the intensity of bleeding from the vagina.

The effect of estrogens on the metabolism of other drugs

Estrogens can affect the metabolism of other drugs through competitive binding to enzymes (CYP450) involved in their breakdown. This must be taken into account for drugs with a narrow therapeutic action, such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine A (CYP3A4, 3A3), fentanyl (CYP3A4) and theophylline (CYP1A2), because this type of interaction can lead to an increase in the plasma concentration of the above drugs to a toxic level. This may require careful monitoring of medications over a long period of time and possibly a reduction in the dose of tacrolimus, fentanyl, cyclosporine A and theophylline.

No studies have been conducted to study interactions with other drugs.

Overdose

Estradiol and dydrogesterone are substances with low toxicity.

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, breast tension, dizziness, abdominal pain, drowsiness/weakness, withdrawal bleeding may occur.

Treatment: symptomatic therapy.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery

Care should be taken when operating vehicles and machinery, taking into account the risk of adverse reactions from the nervous system.

Use of the drug Femoston

To initiate and maintain treatment of postmenopausal symptoms, the minimum effective dose should be prescribed for the minimum period of time. Femoston is taken daily in the first 14 days of a 28-day cycle, 1 tablet containing 1 or 2 mg of estradiol, and in the remaining 14 days - daily, 1 tablet containing 1 mg of estradiol and 10 mg of dydrogesterone or 2 mg of estradiol and 10 mg of dydrogesterone. After the end of the 28-day cycle, a new cycle should begin. Treatment must be continuous. The tablets should be taken in the order indicated on the package. Treatment of postmenopausal symptoms Usually begins with taking the drug Femoston, containing 1 mg of estradiol and 10 mg of dydrogesterone. Depending on the clinical effect, the dose is then selected individually. If the severity of symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency does not decrease, the dose can be increased by prescribing a drug that contains 2 mg of estradiol and 10 mg of dydrogesterone. Prevention of osteoporosis When hormone replacement therapy is used, it is necessary to take into account individual tolerance to treatment and that the expected effect of the drug on bone tissue is dose-dependent. Femoston Conti 1 tablet 1 time per day daily, without breaks, regardless of meals. Prevention of osteoporosis When hormone replacement therapy is used, it is necessary to take into account individual tolerance to treatment and that the expected effect of the drug on bone tissue is dose-dependent.

Contraindications to the use of Femoston

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug; diagnosed or suspected breast cancer, endometrial carcinoma and other hormone-dependent tumors diagnosed or suspected; vaginal bleeding of unknown etiology; untreated endometrial hyperplasia; history of acute deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or idiopathic venous thromboembolism; arterial thromboembolism, including recent ones (for example, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction); acute and chronic liver diseases, as well as their history in the absence of normalization of functional state indicators; porphyria; established or suspected pregnancy.

Side effects of the drug Femoston

Common (1–10%): headache, migraine, nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, leg cramps, breast pain, breakthrough bleeding, spotting, pelvic pain, asthenia, weight loss or gain. Uncommon (≤1%): vaginal candidiasis, increased size of uterine fibroids, depression, changes in libido, irritability, dizziness, venous thromboembolism, gallbladder disease, allergic skin reactions, rash, urticaria, itching, back pain, changes in cervical erosion and amount of cervical secretion, dysmenorrhea, peripheral edema. Rarely (≤0.1%): intolerance to contact lenses, increased corneal curvature, liver dysfunction, which may be accompanied by asthenia, malaise, jaundice and abdominal pain, breast enlargement, premenstrual-like syndrome. Very rare (≤0.01%): hemolytic anemia, hypersensitivity reactions, chorea, myocardial infarction, stroke, vomiting, chloasma and melasma, which may persist after drug discontinuation, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, vascular purpura, angioedema, deterioration with porphyria. Breast cancer According to the results of a large number of epidemiological studies and one randomized, placebo-controlled trial (Women Health Initiative - WHI), the overall risk of breast cancer increases with the duration of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women who receive this treatment, or who have undergone HRT in the recent past. For estrogen-only HRT, the relative risk (RR) estimate from a re-analysis of data from 51 epidemiological studies (in which estrogen-only HRT was given to more than 80% of all HRT cases) and the Million Women Study (MWS) epidemiological study is similar at 1.35 (95% confidence interval - CI: 1.21-1.49) and 1.30 (95% CI: 1.21-1.40), respectively. Regarding combined HRT (estrogen plus progestogen), several epidemiological studies have reported a higher overall risk of breast cancer than estrogen monotherapy. The MWS study demonstrated that, compared with patients who had never received HRT, use of different types of combined (progestogen plus estrogen) HRT was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer (RR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1 .88-2.12) than with estrogen alone (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21-1.40) or tibolone (RR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.25-1. 68). In the WHI study, the risk in all patients was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.01-1.54) after 5.6 years of combined (progestogen plus estrogen) HRT (conjugated equine estrogens - CLE and methylprogesterone acetate - MPA) in comparison with placebo. The absolute risks calculated in the MWS and WHI studies are presented below: Based on the average incidence of breast cancer in developed countries, the MWS study found that approximately 32 out of 1000 women over 50 years of age can be expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer up to 64 who are not receiving HRT; per 1000 women who have recently received or are receiving HRT, the number of additional cases during the corresponding period would represent for those receiving estrogen replacement therapy only 0 to 3 (best estimate = 1.5) if used for 5 years; from 3 to 7 (best score = 5) when used for 10 years; for those receiving combined (estrogen plus progestogen) HRT 5 to 7 (best estimate = 6) when used for 5 years; 18 to 20 (best estimate = 19) when used for 10 years. The WHI study found that after 5.6 years of follow-up in women aged 50 to 79 years, combined estrogen-progestogen HRT (CPE and MPA) would result in an additional 8 cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed per 10,000 woman-years. According to study statistics, it was found that: per 1000 women in the placebo group, approximately 16 cases of invasive breast cancer would be diagnosed after 5 years; per 1000 women who received combined estrogen + progestogen HRT (CLE and MPA), the number of additional cases will be from 0 to 9 (best estimate = 4) when used for 5 years. The number of additional cases of breast cancer in women who use HRT is similar to that of women who start HRT, regardless of their age at start of use (45 to 65 years). Other adverse reactions reported in association with estrogen/progestogen therapy:

estrogen-dependent neoplasms, both benign and malignant, for example, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer;
venous thromboembolism, that is, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities or pelvis and pulmonary embolism, is more common among women who receive HRT than among those who do not;
arterial thromboembolism;
an increase in the size of neoplasms caused by progestogen (for example, meningioma);
dementia.

Endometrial cancer In women with an intact uterus, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer increases with the duration of estrogen monotherapy. According to epidemiological studies, the best estimate of risk is that in women who do not take HRT, endometrial cancer can be expected to be diagnosed in approximately 5 in 1000 cases at ages 50 and 65 years. Depending on the duration of treatment and dose of estrogen, the risk of developing endometrial cancer among those taking estrogen alone is 2 to 12 times greater than among those not taking it. Adding a progestogen to estrogen monotherapy significantly reduces this increased risk.

Femoston 1/10 film-coated tablets 28 pcs. in Barnaul

Estradiol 1 mg tablets: round, biconvex, white film-coated, embossed “S” above the “6” on one side and embossed “379” on the other.

Tablets 1 mg estradiol / 10 mg dydrogesterone: round, biconvex, gray film-coated, embossed “S” above the “6” on one side and embossed “379” on the other.

The tablet core is white.

After oral administration, micronized estradiol is easily absorbed. Metabolized in the liver to estrone and estrone sulfate, which also undergoes hepatic biotransformation. Glucuronides of estrone and estradiol are excreted primarily in the urine.

Dydrogesterone after oral administration is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Metabolized completely. The main metabolite is 20-dihydrodydrogesterone, present in urine mainly in the form of a glucuronic acid conjugate. Complete elimination of dydrogesterone occurs after 72 hours.

Estradiol is an estrogen that is part of the drug Femoston®, identical to endogenous human estradiol. Estradiol replenishes the deficiency of estrogen in the female body after menopause and provides effective treatment of psycho-emotional and vegetative menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, increased sweating, sleep disturbances, increased nervous excitability, dizziness, headache, involution of the skin and mucous membranes, especially the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system (dryness and irritation of the vaginal mucosa, pain during sexual intercourse). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with Femoston® prevents bone loss in the postmenopausal period caused by estrogen deficiency. Taking Femoston® leads to a change in the lipid profile towards a decrease in the level of total cholesterol and LDL and an increase in HDL.

Dydrogesterone is a progestogen, effective when taken orally, which completely ensures the onset of the secretion phase in the endometrium, thereby reducing the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia and/or carcinogenesis, which increases against the background of estrogens. Dydrogesterone does not have estrogenic, androgenic, anabolic or glucocorticosteroid activity.

The combination of 1 mg estradiol with dydrogesterone is a modern low-dose HRT regimen.

Before prescribing or restarting HRT, it is necessary to obtain a complete medical and family history and conduct a general and gynecological examination to identify possible contraindications and conditions requiring precautions. During treatment with the drug, it is recommended to periodically examine women (the frequency and nature of the studies are determined individually). In addition, it is advisable to conduct breast examination and/or mammography in accordance with accepted standards, taking into account clinical indications. The use of estrogens may affect the results of the following laboratory tests: glucose tolerance testing, thyroid and liver function tests.

Generally recognized risk factors for thrombosis and thromboembolism while taking HRT are a history of thromboembolic complications, severe forms of obesity (body mass index more than 30 kg/m2) and systemic lupus erythematosus. There is no generally accepted opinion regarding the role of varicose veins in the development of thromboembolism.

The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities may temporarily increase with prolonged immobilization, major trauma, or surgery. In cases where prolonged immobilization is necessary after surgery, temporary cessation of HRT should be considered 4–6 weeks before surgery.

When deciding on HRT in patients with recurrent deep vein thrombosis or thromboembolism receiving anticoagulant treatment, the benefits and risks of HRT must be carefully assessed.

If thrombosis develops after starting HRT, the drug should be discontinued. The patient should be informed of the need to consult a doctor if the following symptoms occur: painful swelling of the lower extremities, sudden loss of consciousness, dyspnea, blurred vision.

There is data demonstrating a slight increase in the detection rate of breast cancer in women who received HRT for a long time (more than 10 years). The likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with the duration of treatment and returns to normal 5 years after stopping HRT.

Patients who have previously received HRT using only estrogen drugs should be especially carefully examined before starting treatment in order to identify possible endometrial hyperstimulation. Breakthrough uterine bleeding and mild menstrual-like bleeding may occur in the first months of treatment with the drug. If, despite dose adjustment, such bleeding does not stop, the drug should be discontinued until the cause of the bleeding is determined. If bleeding recurs after a period of amenorrhea or continues after discontinuation of treatment, its etiology should be determined. This may require an endometrial biopsy.

Femoston® is not a contraceptive. Perimenopausal patients are advised to use non-hormonal contraceptives.

It does not affect the ability to drive a car or use other mechanisms.

Special instructions for the use of Femoston

Hormone replacement therapy should only be started if there are symptoms that adversely affect quality of life. In all cases, a careful risk-benefit analysis should be carried out at least annually, and treatment should only be continued if the benefit outweighs the risk. Before prescribing hormone replacement therapy or its resumption, it is necessary to conduct a thorough general and gynecological examination of the patient, study her individual and family history to identify possible contraindications and risk factors. During the treatment period, regular examinations are recommended, the frequency and scope of which are determined individually, with mandatory examination of the mammary glands and/or mammography, modified if necessary. Diseases for which monitoring of the patient’s condition is necessary: uterine fibroids or endometriosis; history of thromboembolic disease or the presence of risk factors for thromboembolism (see below); the presence of risk factors for the occurrence of estrogen-dependent tumors, for example, the first degree of hereditary predisposition to breast cancer; AH (arterial hypertension); liver diseases (for example, liver adenoma); diabetes mellitus with or without vascular complications; cholelithiasis; migraine or (severe) headache; systemic lupus erythematosus; history of endometrial hyperplasia (see below); epilepsy; BA; otosclerosis. You should stop using the drug : if a contraindication to use is identified, as well as if jaundice or liver dysfunction develops, a significant increase in blood pressure, the appearance (for the first time) of a migraine-type headache, or pregnancy. Endometrial hyperplasia. When treated only with estrogen drugs for a long time, the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia and cancer increases. Adding a progestogen to treatment for at least 12 days of the cycle in women with a preserved uterus significantly reduces this risk. Bleeding. Sometimes, in the first months of treatment, breakthrough uterine bleeding or spotting may occur. If they occur after some time during treatment or are noted after discontinuation of the drug, it is necessary to find out their cause (endometrial biopsy to exclude malignant neoplasms). Venous thromboembolism. Hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), that is, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The occurrence of this condition is most likely during the first year of treatment. Risk factors for the development of VTE are a history of thromboembolism in the patient or her family members, severe obesity (body mass index 30 kg/m2) and systemic lupus erythematosus. If there is a history of thromboembolism, as well as with repeated spontaneous abortions, it is necessary to conduct an examination to exclude a tendency to thrombus formation. Until a thorough evaluation of thrombophilia factors is completed or anticoagulant therapy is initiated, the use of hormone replacement therapy in such patients should be considered contraindicated. In women taking anticoagulants, it is necessary to conduct a careful analysis of the risk/benefit ratio of using hormone replacement therapy. The risk of thromboembolism increases with prolonged immobilization, significant trauma, or extensive surgery. As for all patients in the postoperative period, special attention should be paid to preventive measures to prevent thromboembolic complications after surgery. If prolonged immobilization is planned after surgery, such as abdominal surgery or lower extremity orthopedic surgery, temporary cessation of hormone replacement therapy should be considered 4–6 weeks before surgery. Treatment should not be resumed until the woman’s motor activity is completely restored. If VTE develops after initiation of therapy, the drug must be discontinued. Patients should be warned to seek immediate medical attention if potential symptoms of thromboembolism (eg, painful swelling of the leg, sudden chest pain, shortness of breath) occur. Disease of the coronary arteries of the heart. In randomized controlled trials, there was no evidence of a positive effect on the cardiovascular system with continuous combination therapy of conjugated estrogens and MPA. Two large clinical trials, WHI and HERS (Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study), demonstrated a possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease during the first year of treatment and a lack of overall benefit. For other drugs used for HRT, there is only limited data from randomized controlled trials examining effects on cardiovascular disease or mortality. Therefore, it is unknown whether these results also apply to other HRT drugs. Stroke. In a large randomized clinical trial (WHI study), the secondary outcome was that the risk of ischemic stroke increased in healthy women during continuous combination therapy with conjugated estrogens and MPA. For women who do not receive HRT, the incidence of stroke over a 5-year period is estimated to be approximately 3 per 1000 women aged 50–59 years and 11 per 1000 women aged 60–69 years. It is estimated that for women who take conjugated estrogens and MPA for 5 years, the number of additional cases will occur in the range of 0 to 3 (best estimate = 1) per 1000 patients aged 50–59 years and from 1 to 9 (best estimate = 4) per 1000 patients aged 60–69 years. It is not known whether the increased risk of stroke also applies to other HRT drugs. Ovarian cancer. Long-term (at least 5–10 years) use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy in women with a hysterectomy has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. It is not known whether the risk will differ between long-term use of combined HRT and drugs that contain only estrogens. Other states. Estrogens may cause fluid retention, and patients with cardiac or renal impairment should be closely monitored. The condition of patients with end-stage renal failure requires constant monitoring, since it is possible that the level of circulating active ingredients of Femoston may increase. Women with hypertriglyceridemia should be closely monitored during hormone replacement therapy, as isolated cases of significant increases in plasma TG levels have been observed during estrogen treatment, leading to the development of pancreatitis. Estrogens increase the level of thyroxine-binding globulin, resulting in an increase in the concentration of circulating total thyroid hormones, which is determined by the level of protein-bound iodine, thyroxine (by column analysis or radioimmunoassay), or triiodothyronine (by radioimmunoassay). Triiodironine uptake is reduced, indicating increased levels of thyroxine-binding globulin. The concentrations of free triiodothyronine and thyroxine do not change. Serum levels of other binding proteins, corticosteroid binding globulin and sex hormone binding globulin, may be increased, resulting in increased concentrations of circulating corticosteroids and sex hormones, respectively. The concentrations of free or biologically active hormones do not change. Concentrations of other plasma proteins (angiotensinogen/renin substrate, alpha-I antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin) may increase. There is no convincing evidence of improvement in cognitive function. The WHI study found evidence of an increased risk of dementia in women receiving continuous combination estrogen and progesterone therapy after the age of 65 years. It remains unknown whether this also applies to younger postmenopausal women or other hormone replacement therapy drugs. Patients with rare hereditary diseases - galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome - should not take this drug. Experience in treating women over 65 years of age is limited. Use during pregnancy and lactation. Femoston is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs during treatment with Femoston, the drug should be stopped immediately. Femoston is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Children. Due to insufficient data on the safety and effectiveness of Femoston in children under 18 years of age, the drug is not recommended for this age group of patients. The drug Femoston does not affect the ability to drive vehicles or operate machines and mechanisms.

special instructions

The drug is prescribed only in the presence of symptoms that adversely affect the quality of life.
All patients receiving HRT are required to assess the benefit/risk ratio at least once a year. Therapy should be continued until the benefits of taking the drug outweigh the risk of side effects.

Experience with the drug in women over 65 years of age is limited.

Information about the risks associated with HRT in cases of premature menopause is limited.

Due to the lower absolute risk in younger women, their benefit/risk ratio may favor HRT compared with older women.

Medical examination

Before prescribing or resuming therapy with Femoston® conti, it is necessary to collect a complete medical and family history and conduct a general and gynecological examination (including the mammary glands) of the patient in order to identify possible contraindications and conditions requiring precautions. During treatment with Femoston® conti, it is recommended to conduct periodic examinations, the frequency and nature of which are determined individually, but not less than once every 6 months. It is advisable to perform mammography for additional examination of the mammary glands. Women should be informed about those possible changes in the mammary glands that need to be reported to their doctor.

The use of estrogens may affect the results of the following laboratory tests: determination of glucose tolerance, study of thyroid and liver functions.

Endometrial hyperplasia

The risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia and cancer when patients use only estrogens depends on the dose and duration of treatment and increases from 2 to 12 times compared with patients not receiving therapy; the risk may remain elevated for 10 years after stopping therapy.

In women with a preserved uterus, HRT with estrogens alone is not recommended due to the increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Cyclic use of progestogen (at least 12 days of a 28-day cycle), or use of a continuous combined HRT regimen in women with a preserved uterus, may prevent the estrogen-increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.

In women, the use of combined HRT for 5 years did not lead to an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

For the purpose of timely diagnosis, it is advisable to conduct ultrasound (US) screening and, if necessary, conduct a histological (cytological) examination.

Bloody vaginal discharge

In the first months of treatment with the drug, breakthrough bleeding and/or scanty spotting from the vagina may occur. If such bleeding appears some time after the start of therapy or continues after cessation of treatment, its cause should be determined. An endometrial biopsy may be performed to rule out malignancy.

Venous thromboembolism

If there are thromboembolic complications in first-degree relatives at a young age, as well as with a history of recurrent miscarriage, it is necessary to conduct a hemostasis study (during screening, only some disorders of the blood coagulation system are detected).

If the patient is taking anticoagulants, it is necessary to carefully consider the prescription of Femoston® conti from the point of view of the benefit/risk ratio. Until a thorough assessment of the factors for the possible development of thromboembolism or the initiation of anticoagulant therapy is completed, Femoston® conti is not prescribed.

If a thrombophilic condition is detected in a family member and/or in case of seriousness or severity of the defect (for example, deficiency of antithrombin III, protein S or C, as well as a combination of defects), Femoston® conti is contraindicated.

Since patients with diagnosed thrombophilic conditions have an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism, the use of Femoston® conti, which increases this risk, is contraindicated.

In most cases, risk factors for developing VTE include: estrogen use, older age, major surgery, prolonged immobilization, obesity (body mass index > 30 kg/m2), pregnancy or the postpartum period, systemic lupus erythematosus and cancer. There is no consensus on the possible role of varicose veins in the development of VTE.

To prevent VTE after surgery, prophylactic measures should be considered in all postoperative patients.

If VTE develops after initiation of therapy, the drug should be discontinued and patients should be informed that they should contact their physician immediately if they experience any potential thromboembolic symptoms (eg, tenderness or swelling of the lower extremities, sudden pain in the chest, shortness of breath).

Mammary cancer

In women receiving long-term HRT using estrogen alone or in combination with estrogen and progestogen, the incidence of breast cancer diagnosis increases, which returns to the original level within 5 years after cessation of therapy.

The increase in risk depends on the duration of HRT use. In women taking combined HRT for more than 5 years, the risk of developing breast cancer can increase up to 2 times.

Combination therapy with estrogen and progestogen

Results from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (Women's Health Initiative (WHI)) and epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking combined estrogen and progestogen HRT. This increase becomes noticeable after approximately three years of therapy.

Estrogen-only therapy

According to the WHI study, there was no increased risk of breast cancer in women with a previous hysterectomy who received estrogen-only HRT.

Most observational studies showed a small increase in the risk of breast cancer, but the risk was markedly lower in women taking combined estrogen and progestogen therapy.

The increase in risk becomes noticeable after several years of using HRT drugs, and after stopping therapy it returns to the original level within several (maximum five) years.

While taking HRT medications, there may be an increase in the density of breast tissue during mammography, which can make it difficult to diagnose breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is much less common than breast cancer. Epidemiological data obtained from a large meta-analysis suggest a small increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer for women receiving HRT as estrogen monotherapy or combination therapy with estrogens and progestogens.

These studies (increased risk) become more apparent when therapy lasts more than five years, and after discontinuation, the risk gradually decreases over time. Findings from a number of other studies, including the WHI, indicate that combined HRT is associated with a similar or slightly lower risk of ovarian cancer.

Risk of ischemic stroke

Coronary heart disease (CHD)

Combination therapy with estrogen and progestogen

The relative risk of coronary heart disease during the use of combined estrogen and progestogen HRT is slightly increased. Because the absolute risk of CAD is highly dependent on age, the number of additional cases of CAD due to combined HRT use in healthy premenopausal women is very small, but increases with age. The risk is slightly higher in women over 60 years of age.

Estrogen-only therapy

Based on data from randomized controlled trials, there was no increased risk of coronary artery disease in women with a previous hysterectomy who received estrogen monotherapy.

Other states

Estrogens can cause fluid retention, which may adversely affect patients with impaired renal or cardiac function. This group of patients should be under medical supervision.

Estrogens increase the concentration of thyroxine-binding globulin, which leads to an overall increase in the concentration of circulating thyroid hormones, as measured by determination of plasma protein-bound iodine, thyroxine (T4) concentration - chromatographic or radioimmunoassay, or triiodothyronine (T3) - radioimmunoassay. A labeled triiodothyronine uptake test shows elevated levels of thyroxine-binding globulin. The concentrations of free hormones T3 and T4 usually do not change.

Plasma concentrations of other binding proteins (eg, transcortin and sex hormone-binding globulin) may also be increased, resulting in increased concentrations of circulating corticosteroids and sex hormones.

The concentrations of free or biologically active hormones do not change.

It is possible to increase the concentration of other plasma proteins (angiotensinogen/renin system, α-1-antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin).

The use of HRT does not improve cognitive function. There are reports of an increased risk of developing dementia in women who start using HRT (combined or estrogen-containing only) after 65 years.

Femoston® conti is not a contraceptive.

Interactions of the drug Femoston

The metabolism of estrogens can be enhanced when used simultaneously with substances that activate enzymes (cytochrome P450 systems) that are involved in the metabolism of drugs. These substances include anticonvulsants (eg, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin) and antimicrobials (eg, rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirens). Ritonavir and nelvinavir, when used simultaneously with steroid hormones, activate the above enzymes. Herbal preparations, the component of which is St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), increase the metabolism of estrogens and progestogens, which can lead to a weakening of their effect and a change in the profile of uterine bleeding. There is no information on the interaction of dydrogesterone with other drugs.