What is Duavee?
Duavee is a combination of bazedoxifene-conjugated estrogens. Bazedoxifene prevents estrogen from reaching specific cells in the uterine wall, protecting against an overgrowth of uterine tissues. Estrogen is a female hormone of sex produced by the ovaries. Conjugated estrogen is a mixture of estrogen hormones. Duavee can be used as a short-term treatment for women who have experienced menopause. It is also used to treat mild to moderate hot flushes and to prevent osteoporosis. Duavee can be used by women who have not had a hysterectomy.
Warnings
Duavee should not be used if you have undiagnosed vaginal blood, liver disease, bleeding disorders, or are going to have major surgery. You also shouldn't use it if you have had a stroke or heart attack, a blood clot, or cancer in the breast, uterus, cervix, or vagina. Estrogens shouldn't be used to treat heart disease, stroke, or dementia. Estrogens can increase your chances of developing a condition that may lead to cancerous uterine tissue. Do not ignore any abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Duavee should only be used for a short time at the lowest dosage needed to treat your condition. You should not take other estrogens when you are taking this medication.
Before you take this drug
Duavee should not be used if:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by a physician;
- Liver disease
- A history of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
- An increased risk of blood clots as a result of a heart condition or hereditary blood disorder.
- A history of cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, or vagina
Duavee should not be used with other estrogenic products. This medicine increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. This medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack if it is used by someone with high blood pressure or diabetes. Duavee shouldn't be used to treat heart disease, stroke, or dementia because it can actually increase the risk. Duavee is not recommended for women over 75 years old.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- A hysterectomy is performed.
- Heart disease
- If you have liver disease or jaundice, it could be caused by pregnancy, taking hormones, or even being pregnant.
- Kidney disease
- Gallbladder Disease
- Asthma;
- Epilepsy
- Migraines;
- Lupus;
- Endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;
- Hereditary agioedema
- Porphyria
- A thyroid disorder
- High levels of calcium in the blood
Duavee can increase your risk for cancers of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Speak to your doctor about the risk. The only women who should take this medicine are those who cannot get pregnant. Bazedoxifene, conjugated estrogens, and other drugs can cause harm to an unborn child. If you are pregnant, do not use it. Instead, use effective birth control. Inform your doctor immediately if you suspect you are pregnant. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Duavee?
Duavee should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Follow the directions on the label. Duavee should only be used for a short time at the lowest dosage needed to treat your condition. Take this medication at the same time every day, with or without food. Do not chew or crush the tablet. You should have your doctor check on you regularly to see if this treatment is still appropriate. Monthly self-examination of your breasts is recommended, as well as regular mammograms. You may have to temporarily stop taking this medication if you are going to be bedridden for an extended period of time. You should let any doctor or surgeon that treats you know you're taking this medication. You may be prescribed extra calcium or vitamin D by your doctor while taking Duavee. Only take the prescribed amount.
Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Each tablet should be kept in the blister pack until it is time to take it. This medicine should not be stored in a pillbox.Note the date that you opened a Duavee pouch. The medicine must be used within 60 days of opening the foil pouch.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for osteoporosis:
Initial Dose: Bazedoxifene-conjugated estrogens should be administered orally at 20 mg-0.45 mg in an orally disintegrating tablet daily for as short a duration as is appropriate to meet treatment goals and risks for each individual patient. ot (Treatable Conditions of Bazedoxifene Conjugated Estrogens for Breast Health ). (TTBCB). (TTCBCB). (The Canadian Women's Pharmaceutical Company Limited ). (CTPC). (Canadian Pharmaceutical Company).
Approved Uses for This Product Include: Treating Moderate-to-Severe Vasomotor Symptoms Related to Menopause
Osteoporosis after menopause: prevention and treatment
Adult dosage for postmenopausal symptoms:
Initial Dose: Bazedoxifene-conjugated estrogens should be administered orally at 20 mg-0.45 mg in an orally disintegrating tablet daily for as short a duration as is appropriate to meet treatment goals and risks for each individual patient. ot (Treatable Conditions of Bazedoxifene Conjugated Estrogens for Breast Health ). (TTBCB). (TTCBCB). (The Canadian Women's Pharmaceutical Company Limited ). (CTPC). (Canadian Pharmaceutical Company).
Approved Uses for This Product Include: Treating Moderate-to-Severe Vasomotor Symptoms Related to Menopause
Osteoporosis after menopause: prevention and treatment
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Duavee should not be taken with progestins or any other estrogen.
Side effect of Duavee
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact emergency medical assistance.
If you experience:
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain, pressure or pain that spreads to your shoulder or jaw, nausea, and sweating.
- Signs and symptoms of stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, or headaches (especially one side), slurred or shaky speech, or problems with vision, balance, or coordination;
- Signs of blood clot: sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing blood as symptoms; pain/warmth on one or both legs as signs;
- Sudden vision loss;
- Rapid weight gain and swelling
- Jaundice refers to an abnormal yellowing of skin and eyes.
- Memory problems, confusion, and unusual behavior
- Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
- A lump on your breast
- Low calcium level: muscle contractions or spasms, numbness, or tingling (around the mouth, fingers, and toes).
Duavee may cause side effects such as:
- Dizziness;
- Diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain.
- Muscle spasm
- Neck pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, increasing side effects or making them less effective. There are many drugs that can interact with conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
