Evorel Conti is a form of hormone replacement therapy used to help women overcome the symptoms of menopause. The female ovaries gradually produce lower quantities of oestrogen over time as a woman gets older. As these hormone levels decline, this can lead to symptoms like hot flushes, irregular periods, mood swings, and other unpleasant symptoms in women. Evorel Conti and other substances used to replace oestrogen are intended as a way of supplementing and replacing the falling amounts of oestrogen in the body.
Evorel Conti
What are Evorel Conti patches?
Evorel Conti patches are a form of hormone replacement therapy used to help women overcome the symptoms of the menopause. The female ovaries gradually produce lower quantities of oestrogen over time as a woman gets older. As these hormone levels decline, this can lead to symptoms like hot flushes, irregular periods, mood swings, and more in women.
What are Evorel Conti patches used for?
Evorel Conti patches and other substances used to replace oestrogen are intended as a way of supplementing and replacing the falling amounts of oestrogen in the body. However, a progestogen such as norethisterone is necessary for HRT for any women who have not had a hysterectomy. The reason for this is that in women with an intact womb, the presence of excessive oestrogen can increase the risk of certain cancers by increasing the thickness of the womb lining. The combination of progesterone and oestrogen is much safer than using oestrogen alone but there is still a risk of cancer with any HRT treatment.
How to use Evorel Conti patches tablets to treat the symptoms of menopause
Evorel Conti is a form of hormone replacement therapy that is designed for continuous use. You use a single patch applied to the skin at all times with no break. The patches contain a combination of progesterone and oestrogen so that you receive the same amount of hormones consistently. Usually, patches are changed twice per week.
Unlike some other forms of hormone replacement therapy, Evorel Conti does not cause a monthly withdrawal bleed. It is typically used in women who have already stopped having regular periods. Usually, doctors will prescribe Evorel Conti to women who haven’t had a period for at least 18 months. Because the reduced levels of oestrogen in the female body can also affect the ongoing strength of the bones, this substance may also be used as a way to prevent fractures and bone loss issues that can occur in women as they get older.
When taking any form of hormone replacement therapy, make sure that you follow the instructions given by your doctor very carefully. Your Evorel Conti will come with a patient information leaflet that includes plenty of details to follow on how to use your medication. If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. In most cases, Evorel Conti patches are applied once, twice a week to a clean and dry area of skin. Most doctors recommend placing Evorel Conti patches on the hip or buttocks. The patch will need to be worn continuously for periods of four days then replaced. You should apply Evorel Conti patches to slightly different areas of skin to avoid irritation. If possible, wait a week before applying another patch to the same site.
Powders, lotions and creams should not be applied to the skin before or after using Evorel Conti patches. Additionally, it’s important not to expose the patches to sunlight, or place them too close to the breasts or under your waistband. You will be able to bathe and shower without removing your patch. If your patch falls off for any reason, replace it with a new one. Make sure that you wait for the skin to cool down after a shower or bath before applying a patch. If you forget to apply your Evorel Conti patch on the day you would normally use it, change the patch as soon as you remember. Carry on as usual following your patch change.
What is the correct dosage for Evorel Conti patches?
Patches are usually given in a single dose. You will be told to apply at least one patch a week, although some women will need to change their patches more often. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your dosage. HRT is also available in other forms, such as oral tablets, gel and vaginal creams.
Does Evorel Conti have any side effects?
Like any other medication, there is a possibility that you could suffer some side effects when taking Evorel Conti. If you are using these patches and you notice any persistent or ongoing side effects, stop using Evorel Conti and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Side effects include:
- Premenstrual pain and symptoms;
- Itching at redness at the application site;
- Menstrual spotting or bleeding;
- Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain;
- Indigestion, flatulence and bloating;
- Vaginal thrush;
- Breast enlargement, tenderness or pain;
- Migraine or headache;
- Changes in sex drive;
- Mood changes, including anxiety or depression;
- Weight changes and fluid retention;
- Cramps;
- Rises in blood pressure.
In rare cases, you may notice more serious side effects, including disturbances in liver function and jaundice. There is also an increased risk of gallbladder disease and inflammation of the pancreas. It is possible for Evorel Conti to increase your risk of blood clots and you may notice irregular patches of brown coloured skin with regular use.
Allergic reactions with Evorel Conti are very uncommon, however, you should seek emergency medical help if you notice any issues such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face, neck, hands, tongue, or mouth, and itching. You should also keep in mind that this list of side effects is not complete. If you notice any potential side effects, speak to your doctor immediately. When should you not use Evorel Conti patches?
Many women will be able to use Evorel Conti safely. However, some women may not be able to use this treatment, including women with a known or past history of breast cancer. Any woman with a history of cancer that can be stimulated by hormones like oestrogen should also avoid using this medication. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a family history of any cancers.
Women with untreated thickening of the womb lining should not take Evorel Conti, nor should any woman with a heightened risk of blood clots, or blood clots anywhere in their body. If you have experienced a stroke or a heart attack in the past, speak to your doctor about this before using Evorel Conti. Additionally, avoid using Evorel Conti if you have vaginal bleeding where the cause is unknown. Women who suffer from angina pectoris, liver disease, and inherited blood clot disorders like porphyrias may not be able to use Evorel Conti. Additionally, it is not recommended that you use this medication if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Speak to your doctor about your medical history and the medical history of your family before using Evorel Conti. It is important to ensure that your doctor is aware of any conditions associated with blood clots, cancers, or any other condition that may be affected by the sex hormones in the female body such as oestrogen. Your doctor will consider your history carefully when choosing whether to prescribe Evorel Conti.
Does Evorel Conti interact with any other medications?
If you are aware of any allergies that you have to Evorel Conti or the ingredients used in this medication, tell your doctor and do not use your patches. You will also need to speak to your doctor about any other medicines you might be taking before you begin using Evorel Conti. This includes drugs that you can buy over the counter and medicines that you have on prescription. Tell your doctor about any supplements or herbal remedies that you might be taking, including St John’s Wort, as these can affect the performance of Evorel Conti. Additionally, because this substance interacts with a lot of different medications, your doctor must be aware you are using Evorel Conti before you start taking any new medicines. This will ensure that future combinations are safe.
Some women who have diabetes will need to make adjustments to their dose of medication or insulin when using Evorel Conti or using patches. Your doctor will often ask you to monitor your blood sugar levels more carefully when using hormone replacement therapies. This will allow you to determine if a change of treatment is necessary. This medicine can also interact negatively with medicines used to reduce high blood pressure. Your blood pressure will need to be checked by a doctor regularly to ensure that it is safe for you to continue to take Evorel Conti in some women, Evorel Conti can reduce the effects of diuretic medicines. Additionally, this drug can also reduce the amount of antiepileptic medications like lamotrigine in your blood. This might increase your risk of returning seizures.
Where can you buy Evorel Conti patches?
You can buy Evorel Conti patches in different forms, including patches and gels, both online and offline. However, it is important to speak to your doctor before you buy Evorel Conti. You should avoid any place that attempts to sell you Evorel Conti without one.
Can you get Evorel Conti without a prescription?
Evorel Conti will not be suitable for every woman who wants help managing menopausal symptoms. There are many contraindications with other medications to consider, as well as possible side effects. To keep your risk to a minimum, it’s important to speak to a doctor and get a prescription for Evorel Conti. Evorel Conti is available on the NHS and you will need a prescription for it.
References
Drugs.com, Last updated December 2018, online, Evorel Side Effects [Accessed on the 19th of June 2019], Available on: https://www.drugs.com/sfx/evorel-side-effects.html
Janssen-Cilag Ltd, Jun 2016, Evorel Conti, Online, [Accessed on the 19th of June 2019], Available on: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10929