subject: 3 Key Facts You Need To Know About Activella [print this page] 3 Key Facts You Need To Know About Activella
Activella (estradiol/norethindrone) is a prescription drug that contains estrogen and progesterone hormones, which is used for treating menopausal conditions. This biological condition includes burning, dryness or itching in or around the vagina. The drug is also effective in reducing hot flashes during menopause. Activella is also known to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. During and after menopause the estrogen levels in women drop significantly, as the ovaries lose the capacity to produce it. This results in significant weakening of the bones, often leading to osteoporosis. Estradiol and norethindrone, the active components of the drug, replace the lack of estrogen in the body and prevent menopause-related bone changes. Side Effects of Activella The drug comes in tablet form and needs to be taken once every day, for a month. It can be consumed with or without food. However, if the medication upsets your stomach, it is advisable to take it with food. Some common side effects of Activella are breast tenderness/pain, headache and postmenopausal bleeding. In rare cases, the drug may cause the following serious symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Red and swollen leg
Pain or swelling in the abdomen
A lump in a breast
Severe headache and dizziness
Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, genital bleeding, liver dysfunction and thromboembolic disorders are advised to not take this drug. Moreover, you must consult your doctor if you have the following conditions:
High blood pressure
High levels of cholesterol
Asthma
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Activella and Pregnancy Activella has been given a Pregnancy Category X rating by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The implication of this rating is that the drug should not be taken during pregnancy as it may result in serious problems, such as miscarriages or birth defects. However, some studies suggest that this drug has no palpable effect during pregnancy. As the risks are not completely understood, it is advisable to avoid the medication during pregnancy. Activella and Breastfeeding Studies have revealed that the estrogen and progestin hormones in the drug pass through to the breast milk in low volumes. However, these amounts are too little to result in any significant or lasting problems in the breastfeeding infants. The bigger issue is that the estrogen hormones present in Activella tend to lower the production and even quality of breast milk. In fact, estradiol (the active component of this drug) is used to suppress lactation in women who prefer not to breastfeed.
