What is the menopause?1
The menopause occurs when menstrual periods stop completely. During menopause the ovaries reduce production of oestrogen and progesterone. Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier.
Menopause can cause symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods and these can impact on daily life. There are some medicines that can help to replace the missing hormones and reduce the symptoms of menopause.
What is Gepretix (progesterone) 100mg soft capsule and why have I been prescribed it?2
Gepretix (progesterone) 100mg soft capsule, known as Gepretix (pronounced ge-pret-icks), contains a progesterone, identical to the hormone produced naturally in the body. Your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you to help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. It is also known as a hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
This product is suitable for postmenopausal women with a uterus (womb) and should be taken in combination with an oestrogen.
This medication is not a contraceptive.
Why is Gepretix taken in combination with oestrogen?2
If HRT contained only oestrogen, the lining of the uterus could build up and this could cause problems.
By taking a progesterone as well, the lining of the uterus sheds and prevents this problem happening. Taking oestrogen-only HRT could increase the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb lining). The progestogen in Gepretix protects you from this extra risk. Taking products containing oestrogen, and progesterone is known as combined HRT.
How do I take this product?2
Gepretix comes in a pack of 30 capsules and should be taken in combination with an oestrogen.
There are two ways to take this medicine and your doctor will advise which way is best for you.
Two capsules can be swallowed each day at bedtime for twelve days in the last half of each therapeutic cycle (beginning on Day 15 of the cycle and ending on Day 26). You may experience a withdrawal bleed the following week. This is normal and happens as progesterone causes the lining of the womb to be shed.
Alternatively, your healthcare professional may recommend that you swallow one capsule each day at bedtime from day 1 to day 25 of your menstrual cycle. Using this method may result in less withdrawal bleeding.
How to take Gepretix
Take this medicine by mouth
Swallow each capsule whole with a glass of
water
This medication may make you feel sleepy and
so is best taken at bedtime
Do not take this medication with food
Take this medication at the
same time you take your oestrogen
Do not take this product if you are allergic
to peanuts or soya
If you experience any problems with your withdrawal bleed, please share your concerns with your healthcare professional. They may be able to change the way you take your medication.
What should I do if I forget to take a capsule?2
If you forget a capsule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next one, skip the missed capsule. You do not need to double-up to make up for a forgotten capsule.
Is this medication suitable for vegetarians?2
This product contains gelatin and so may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
I have an allergy to peanuts and/or soya. Can I still take this medication?2
Gepretix includes a very small amount of soya bean lecithin. If you have an allergy to peanuts or soya, you should not take this medication.
Please speak to your healthcare professional about other options available to you.
Will I experience any side effects when taking this medication?2
Like all medicines, these capsules may cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects have been reported and may happen with Gepretix taken orally (frequency not known and cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Stomach pain
- Nausea (sickness in the stomach)
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Vaginal bleeding
- Intense itching (pruritus)
Please refer to the patient leaflet contained in your box of medication for the list of possible side effects.
Where can I learn more about Gepretix?2
You can learn more about this medicine by talking with your GP, nurse or healthcare professional or by consulting the patient information leaflet, included in your box of medication.
When should I see my GP again?2
Regular appointments with your GP, nurse or healthcare professional are recommended to review your HRT treatment. This is an opportunity to describe how you feel your body has been responding to your treatment and for the clinician to check how well it is working. Your healthcare professional will want to see you for check-ups regularly after you have started this medication (at least once per year).
If you experience any problems with your treatment you should consult your healthcare professional straight away.
