Trisequens

Trisequens is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called hormone therapy (HT) to treat women with menopausal symptoms. Trisequens tablets contain estradiol (oestrogen) and norethisterone (progestogen), which restore hormonal balance in the body and reduce menopausal symptoms. Trisequens is a prescription-only medicine.

Trisequens is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called hormone therapy (HT) to treat women with menopausal symptoms. Trisequens tablets contain estradiol (oestrogen) and norethisterone (progestogen), which restore hormonal balance in the body and reduce menopausal symptoms. Trisequens is a prescription-only medicine.

Trisequens helps relieve physical and psychological symptoms caused by menopause. Around the age of 45, the ovaries start producing less and less oestrogen, and overall oestrogen levels decline as a result. Declining levels of oestrogen can cause distressing symptoms such as:

• Hot flushes;
• Vaginal discomfort;
• Night sweats;
• Sleeping difficulties;
• Mood swings, anxiety or depression.

The oestrogen (in this case in the form of estradiol) in Trisequens HRT replaces falling oestrogen levels in the body and helps reduce these uncomfortable symptoms. As oestrogen stimulates the growth of the womb lining, Trisequens also contains a progestogen (in this case in the form of norethisterone) to oppose the oestrogen’s effect on the womb lining. Trisequens HRT is more suitable for women with an intact womb who are still having (irregular) periods, because it produces a monthly withdrawal bleed.

Each blister pack of Trisequens consists of three types of tablets (28 in total):

• The blue tablets taken on the first 12 days of each Trisequens cycle contain only estradiol;
• The white tablets taken for the next 10 days of each cycle (day 13 to 22) contain both estradiol and norethisterone;
• The red tablets taken from day 23 to 28 contain just estradiol.

Trisequens tablets are taken back-to-back without a tablet-free interval. The tablets should be taken at the same time each day with some water, with or without food. A withdrawal bleed usually occurs in the last week of each cycle. Trisequens tablets come in convenient calendar packs. Consult the package leaflet for instructions on how to take the tablets.

The usual dose for treating adult women is one tablet once a day. Always follow the prescription exactly – never take more or less than the doctor recommends.

HRT may cause side effects, and the following are some that are known to be associated with Trisequens tablets:

• Breast tenderness or soreness;
• Headache or migraine;
• Nausea;
• Breakthrough bleeding (spotting);
• Fluid retention;
• Loss of libido (sex drive);
• Mood swings.

Consult a doctor if the side effects are persistent or severe. See the package leaflet for a full list of side effects, including rare yet serious side effects.

Trisequens HRT is not suitable for everyone and should not be used if you have:

• An allergy to estradiol, norethisterone or any other ingredient in this medicine;
• A history of thrombosis or liver disease;
• Active breast cancer or a history of breast or other hormone-related cancer;
• A blood disease or kidney disorder, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause or an overgrowth of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia).

Make sure that you tell the doctor if you have a health condition that is not listed above or are currently taking medication as they will be able to advise on possible drug interactions.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Trisequens tablets do not protect against pregnancy. If you are still capable of becoming pregnant, you should use some form of contraception.

This medicine does not interact with alcohol or affect your ability to drive safely.