Tibolone is used as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women. It is used to treat symptoms caused by low levels of estrogen in the body.
This medicine may also be used to prevent osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) in post-menopausal women.
Take Tibolone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Tibolone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is more than 12 hours overdue from your scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- breast cancer
- tumour that may be affected by estrogen e.g. endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb)
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- untreated endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening of the womb)
- blood disorders e.g. blood circulation or clot problems
- heart disease e.g. recent heart attack, stroke or chest pain
- liver disease or a history of liver disease wherein liver function tests have failed to return to normal
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nerve abnormalities)
as Tibolone may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Tibolone therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not take Tibolone if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- uterine fibroids (noncancerous growth of tissues in the womb)
- endometriosis (abnormal growth of tissues outside the womb)
- family or personal history of thromboembolism (blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative
- heart problems
- kidney disease
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- gallstone
- increased blood triglyceride (a type of lipid)
- migraine or severe headache
- history of endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening of the womb)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- asthma
- otosclerosis (hearing disorder due to abnormal growth of bone in the ear)
- hereditary angioedema (condition that causes swelling of the face, eyelids, ears, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, or genitals)
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy test must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine physical examination that includes breast or pelvic exam may also be needed.
Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Tibolone may cause any of the following side effects: abdominal discomfort, weight gain, muscle pain, dizziness, breast tenderness or discomfort, unusual hair growth, rash and acne.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- severe or migraine-type headache
- changes in the nipple, lumps in the breast, dimpling of the skin
- severe, persistent vaginal bleeding
- pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- shortness of breath and chest pain
- sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble with walking, speaking or seeing
- sudden increase in blood pressure
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicine e.g. warfarin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tibolone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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