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Home > Drug Category > Menopausal Hormone Therapy > Activella and Equivalent

Activella Information

Activella is a combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing an estrogen and a progestin. It is used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats. It is also used to treat thinning of the vaginal tissues and for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women with an intact uterus. It works by replacing declining estrogen levels with estradiol. At the same time, norethindrone acetate protects the uterine lining by counteracting estrogen-stimulated growth.

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include breast pain or tenderness, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. You may also experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting, vaginal yeast infections, back pain, and upper respiratory tract infections.

Contact your doctor if you have any of the serious side effects of Activella, including:
• Cardiovascular Disorders: Increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism), stroke, and heart attack.
• Dementia: Possible increased risk of probable dementia in women 65 years of age or older.
• Gallbladder Disease: Increased risk of developing gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
• Hypercalcemia: May occur in women with breast cancer and bone metastases.
• Malignant Neoplasms: Increased risk of invasive breast cancer and, if used incorrectly, endometrial cancer.
• Vision Issues: Potential for retinal vascular thrombosis or vision changes.

Stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately if you experience vision loss, new breast lumps, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden leg pain or swelling, or a sudden severe headache. Do not discontinue this medication abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider; stopping therapy suddenly can cause a rapid return of menopausal symptoms or irregular bleeding.

Precautions:

Do not use Activella if you have a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to estradiol, norethindrone acetate, or any of its inactive ingredients. Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have:
o Active or past blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism).
o History of heart attack or stroke.
o Known or suspected pregnancy.
o Known, suspected, or history of breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers.
o Liver disease or impaired liver function.
o Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Activella may interact with liver enzyme inducers such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, rifampin, and St. John’s Wort, which can decrease hormone levels. It may also affect the requirements for thyroid replacement therapy or interfere with certain anticoagulants.

Do not use Activella during pregnancy. Stop using the medication immediately if pregnancy occurs. It is recommended to speak to your doctor immediately if you are planning to get pregnant. Estrogens and progestins are secreted in human breast milk and may reduce the quantity and quality of milk produced. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended.

Activella is specifically intended for women with a uterus; women who have had a hysterectomy should typically use estrogen-only therapy. Store tablets at room temperature (20°C to 25°C). Keep the medication in a dry place protected from light, and ensure the dispenser is kept tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Activella?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Activella.