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

Duavee Information

Duavee (conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene acetate) is a combination hormone therapy containing conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It is used in women with a uterus to treat moderate to severe symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. While estrogens replace declining hormone levels to relieve symptoms, bazedoxifene works by blocking estrogen's effects in the uterus, reducing the risk of uterine lining overgrowth (endometrial hyperplasia) without the need for a progestogen.

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include muscle spasms, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach (dyspepsia), abdominal pain, and neck or throat pain. Some patients may also experience dizziness or a yeast infection (candidiasis).

Contact your doctor if you have any of the serious side effects of Duavee including:
• Cardiovascular and Thromboembolic Events: Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), stroke, or heart attack.
• Gallbladder Disease: Increased risk of developing gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• New or worsening hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Possible changes in liver function tests or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Vision Issues: Potential for retinal vascular thrombosis (blood clots in the eye), which can cause sudden partial or complete vision loss.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden leg pain, swelling, or tenderness, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, vision changes, or a new lump in the breast. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as your menopausal symptoms or bone density loss may return or worsen.

Precautions:

Do not use Duavee if you have a known hypersensitivity to conjugated estrogens, bazedoxifene, or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablet. Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have:
o Active or past blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism).
o History of breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers.
o Impaired liver function or liver disease.
o Pregnancy.
o Recent heart attack or stroke.
o Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Duavee may interact with liver enzyme inducers (such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and St. John’s Wort). These substances can accelerate the metabolism of both estrogens (via CYP3A4) and bazedoxifene (via UGT enzymes), decreasing overall hormone exposure. This reduction can lower therapeutic effectiveness and increase the risk of uterine lining overgrowth. Duavee is contraindicated during pregnancy. Discontinue this medication immediately if you suspect pregnancy. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor immediately if you are planning to get pregnant. Estrogens are known to pass into breast milk and may reduce the quantity and quality of milk produced. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended. Because Duavee contains bazedoxifene to protect the uterus, it should not be used in combination with additional progestogens or other estrogens.

Store Duavee tablets at room temperature (20°C to 25°C). Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging inside the foil pouch to protect them from moisture and light. Crucial: Once the foil pouch is opened, the tablets must be used within 60 days; do not transfer them to regular pill organizers.

Do I need a prescription to order Duavee?

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