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Cipflox (Ciprofloxacin 750mg)
Cipflox general information
What is Cipflox used for?
Cipflox tablets 750mg are an antibiotic medication used to treat uncomplicated and complicated bacterial infections in adults, caused by a wide range of susceptible bacteria in various parts of the body. Cipflox tablets 750mg are used to treat pneumonia (community acquired as outpatients), caused by various bacteria, but should not be the antibiotic of first choice for pneumonia caused by Pneumococcus. Cipflox tablets 750mg are also use to treat infections of the skin and soft tissue, such as impetigo and cellulitis; also of the bones and joints, which can be very painful; and infections of the abdominal cavity such as peritonitis. Cipflox tablets 750mg are also used to treat infections of the urogenital system, including adnexitis (infection and inflammation of the ovary and the fallopian tubes), prostatitis (infection and inflammation of the prostate), gonorrhoea, infections of the efferent urinary tract like cystitis and pyelonephritis (infection and inflammation of the kidney). Cipflox tablets 750mg are used to treat sepsis, which is a serious and life-threatening condition that occurs as a result of the body’s response to an infection. It is caused by chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection, which can result in damage to tissues and organs. Cipflox tablets 750mg may also be used after inhalation of anthrax spores, as post exposure prophylaxis to reduce risk of pulmonary disease. Cipflox tablets 750mg are also used to treat acute pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa; also complicated urinary tract infections or pyelonephritis due to E.coli in children over the age of 5 years.
How does Cipflox work?
Cipflox tablets 750mg contain the antibiotic ciprofloxacin that belongs to the fluoroquinolones group of antibiotics and is a synthetic broad spectrum antibiotic with antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria including, Klebsiella, Haemophilus, Enterobacter, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Legionella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Listeria and Chlamydia. Ciprofloxacin in Cipflox tablets 750mg works by inhibiting several bacterial enzymes (bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase) needed for the bacteria to replicate and repair its DNA. This action of ciprofloxacin in Cipflox tablets 750mg kills the bacteria by blocking its growth and preventing the spread of infection. Cipflox tablets 750mg do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.
What does Cipflox contain?
Cipflox tablets 750mg contain the active ingredient ciprofloxacin, a synthetic broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. They also contain microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, pregelatinised maize starch, crospovidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, polydextrose, hypromellose, glycerol triacetate, macrogol.
Treating bacterial infection with Cipflox
Cipflox tablets 750mg contain ciprofloxacin a synthetic broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic that used to treat uncomplicated and complicated bacterial infections in adults, caused by a wide range of susceptible bacteria in various parts of the body. Infections that Cipflox tablets 750mg are suitable for include, pneumonia; infections of the skin, soft tissue bones and joints; infections of the urogenital system; infections of the abdominal cavity; sepsis and to reduce risk of pulmonary disease following inhalation of anthrax spores. Cipflox tablets 750mg are also used to treat acute pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis and complicated urinary tract infections in children over the age of 5 years. Ciprofloxacin in Cipflox tablets 750mg works by inhibiting several bacterial enzymes needed for the bacteria to replicate and repair its DNA. This action of ciprofloxacin in Cipflox tablets 750mg kills the bacteria by blocking its growth and preventing the spread of infection.
What are the side effects of Cipflox?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Cipflox tablets 750mg include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, headache, altered taste, arthralgia (joint pain). Very rarely taking Cipflox tablets 750mg is associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture with increased risk if you are over the age of 60 years, taking systemic steroids or have received a kidney, heart or lung transplant.
When should Cipflox not be used?
You should not use Cipflox tablets 750mg if you:
- are allergic to ciprofloxacin or any ingredients in Cipflox
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have kidney or liver disease
- history of tendon disease/disorder related to quinolone treatment
- have epilepsy or a history of convulsion
- have a history of stroke, heart attack or heart failure, without discussion with your doctor
- have myasthenia gravis
- are taking medicines that interact with Cipflox, including the muscle relaxant tizanidine for cystic fibrosis, anti-arrhythmics like amiodarone, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptylene, macrolides antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, antipsychotics like olanzapine,, mineral supplements, sucralfate, omeprazole or antacids for ulcers and reflux, probenecid for gout, theophylline for asthma, caffeine and methylxanthines (found in some medicines and in drinks such as coffee, tea, cola), phenytoin for seizures, some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, anticoagulants like warfarin, oral antidiabetic medications like glibenclamide, methotrexate for cancer treatment, the antiemetic metoclopramide, the antidepressant duloxetine, ropinirole for Parkinson’s disease, clozapine for schizophrenia, sildenafil for erectile dysfunction
What medications interact with Cipflox?
Several medications interact with Cipflox tablets 750mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Cipflox or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction or increase side effects with Cipflox: the muscle relaxant tizanidine for cystic fibrosis, anti-arrhythmics like amiodarone, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptylene, macrolides antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, antipsychotics like olanzapine, theophylline for asthma, some NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the immunosuppressant cyclosporine,
- Drugs that affect Cipflox: mineral supplements, sucralfate, omeprazole or antacids for ulcers and reflux, probenecid for gout, the antiemetic metoclopramide
- Drugs that are affected by Cipflox: the muscle relaxant tizanidine for cystic fibrosis, theophylline for asthma, caffeine and methylxanthines (found in some medicines and in drinks such as coffee, tea, cola), phenytoin for seizures, anticoagulants like warfarin, oral antidiabetic medications like glibenclamide, methotrexate for cancer treatment, the antidepressant duloxetine, ropinirole for Parkinson’s disease, clozapine for schizophrenia, sildenafil for erectile dysfunction
How should Cipflox be taken?
You should take your Cipflox tablets 750mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food. The dose you take and how often, depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations, which for most infections is usually one tablet twice daily for 7 to 14 days, but the dose or length of time you need to take your Cipflox tablets 750mg for may be increased depending on the severity of your infection and your response to treatment. You should not consume dairy products that are high in calcium (milk and yoghurt) or calcium-fortified orange juice, unless they are part of a meal as this may affect the absorption of ciprofloxacin. Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight or UV-light as this can cause photosensitisation (sunburn-like skin reactions). You should continue to take your Cipflox tablets 750mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.
How long should you take Cipflox?
You should continue to take your Cipflox tablets 750mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.
Missed dose of Cipflox
If you miss a dose of Cipflox tablets 750mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Cipflox be stored?
You should store your Cipflox tablets 750mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Nilstat Oral Drops (Nystatin)
Nilstat Oral Drops general information
What is Nilstat Oral Drops used for?
Nilstat Oral Drops are used to treat infections of the mouth and oral cavity caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. Infection with Candida (candidiasis) is also known as oral thrush and appears as patches of creamy/white spots in the mouth, usually the tongue or cheeks, but can spread to the gums and back of the throat. The infection can cause discomfort and bleed if disturbed such as when brushing your teeth. Candida is normally present in the mouth in small amounts and is kept from spreading by other microorganisms. However, if Candida grows unchecked and increases in numbers sufficient to tip the healthy balance between yeast and bacteria, this can cause infection. Some conditions like diabetes, impaired immune system, such as those imunocompromised by HIV infection can disturb this balance; also some medications like antibiotics and corticosteroids. Wearing ill-fitting dentures can also increase the risk of Candida infection. Nilstat Oral Drops are used as a topical treatment to kill the Candida yeast that causes infection in the mouth, relieving symptoms and preventing spread of infection.
How does Nilstat Oral Drops work?
Nilstat Oral Drops contain nystatin, an antifungal that works by binding to ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells. This weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing a change in permeability and allowing the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the infection. Nilstat Oral Drops do not absorb into the blood in sufficient amounts to be effective anywhere else in the body.
What does Nilstat Oral Drops contain?
Nilstat Oral Drops contain the active ingredient nystatin (100,000 units/mL), which is an antifungal used to treat Intestinal candidiasis. They also contain propyl hydroxybenzoate, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium calciumedetate, methyl hydroxybenzoate, purified water, bentonite, quinoline yellow CI 47005, cherry flavour F-1242.
Treating oral thrush with Nilstat Oral Drops
Nilstat Oral Drops contain nystatin, an antifungal used to treat infections of the mouth and oral cavity caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans, also known as oral thrush. Candida is normally present in the mouth in small amounts and is kept from spreading by a healthy balance between yeast and bacteria. However, some conditions like diabetes and impaired immune system, such as those imunocompromised by HIV infection can disturb this balance; also some medications like antibiotics and corticosteroids. This allows Candida to grow unchecked and result in an infection, which appears as patches of creamy/white spots in the mouth, usually the tongue or cheeks, but can spread to the gums and back of the throat. Wearing ill-fitting dentures can also increase the risk of Candida infection. Nilstat Oral Drops work by binding to ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells. This weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing a change in permeability and allowing the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the infection, including discomfort and bleeding.
What are the side effects of Nilstat Oral Drops?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Nilstat Oral Drops are gastrointestinal distress including diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
When should Nilstat Oral Drops not be used?
You should not use Nilstat Oral Drops if you:
- are allergic to nystatin or any ingredients in Nilstat Oral Drops
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
How should Nilstat Oral Drops be taken?
You should take your Nilstat Oral Drops using the syringe provided four times daily. Shake the bottle and then fill the 1mL syringe with Nilstat Oral Drops. Drop the full amount in the syringe into your mouth or under your tongue. Leave in the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing and ensure all areas of the infection are covered. Wash the syringe and repeat after 3 hours. You should continue taking your Nilstat Oral Drops daily until the contents of the bottle have been used up otherwise the infection may not be fully cleared up and may return.
How long should you take Nilstat Oral Drops?
You should continue taking your Nilstat Oral Drops daily until the contents of the bottle have been used up otherwise the infection may not be fully cleared up and may return.
Missed dose of Nilstat Oral Drops
If you miss a dose of Nilstat Oral Drops take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Nilstat Oral Drops be stored?
You should store your Nilstat Oral Drops below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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Newven (Desvenlafaxine 100mg)
Newven general information
What is Newven used for?
Newven tablets 100mg are used to treat major depression and symptoms of depressive illness, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide. Newven tablets 100mg are also used to treat other mood disorders that affect daily activities and relationships with others including, social anxiety disorder (Social Phobia), panic disorder (panic attacks) and generalised anxiety disorder. Newven tablets 100mg help manage the emotional and physical symptoms of depression to help improve ability to function at work, in family and social life and in leisure activities.
How does Newven work?
Newven tablets 100mg contain desvenlafaxine which is the active metabolite of venlafaxine, an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) but is structurally and chemically different to other antidepressants. Desvenlafaxine in Newven tablets 100mg acts in the brain to correct the chemical imbalance caused by a lack of certain neurotransmitters (brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate) that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders, particularly a lack of serotonin, which controls many body activities, including regulating mood. Desvenlafaxine is a potent inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, and also weakly inhibits dopamine reuptake, which means that it blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse (the gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent from one nerve cell to another). If the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) is blocked, this means that there is more neurotransmitter remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), which allows nerve cells to communicate with each other for longer. The action of Newven tablets 100mg helps relieve symptoms of depression and other mood disorders by increasing the amount of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, which in turn increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood. Newven tablets 100mg are formulated so that desvenlafaxine is released slowly into the digestive system for extended-release of the medication, to allow for a single dose per day.
What does Newven contain?
Newven tablets 100mg contain the active ingredient desvenlafaxine, an antidepressant belonging to the Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) that are used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
Treating depression with Newven
Newven tablets 100mg contain desvenlafaxine which is the active metabolite of venlafaxine, an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). Newven tablets 100mg are used to treat symptoms of depression, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating and recurrent thoughts of suicide. One of the major causes of depression is thought to be an imbalance of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that allows nerve cells to communicate), particularly a lack of serotonin that controls mood. Desvenlafaxine in Newven tablets 100mg works by specifically blocking the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other. By preventing the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) there is more neurotransmitter remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), so that nerve cells can communicate with each other for longer which increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood changes, relieving symptoms of depression.
What are the side effects of Newven?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Newven tablets 100mg include: decreased or loss of appetite, dry mouth, diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, sleeplessness, fatigue, drowsiness, increased sweating, vasodilation (hot flashes), hypertension (increase in blood pressure), sexual problems.
When should Newven not be used?
You should not use Newven tablets 100mg if you:
- are allergic to desvenlafaxine or any ingredients in Newven
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have liver disease
- have a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease
- are taking any monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine) as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Newven or within 14 days
- are taking medicines that interact with Newven monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, other antidepressants, the analgesic tramadol, tryptophan, or phentermine (weight-reducing medicines), sumatriptan for migraine, the antipsychotic pimozide, herbal remedies containing St. John´s Wort, bupropion, for nicotine dependence, the antifungal ketoconazole, the antibiotic erythromycin, clozapine for schizophrenia
- are taking medication that affects blood clotting as these may increase risk of bleeding if taken with Newven
What medications interact with Newven?
Several medications interact with Newven tablets 100mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Newven or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Newven: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine and tranylcypromine for depression, medication that affects blood clotting like warfarin
- Drugs that affect Newven: the analgesic tramadol, tryptophan, or phentermine (weight-reducing medicines), sumatriptan for migraine, St John's wort, a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders, cimetidine for reflux and ulcers, antifungal ketoconazole, the antibiotic erythromycin
- Drugs that are affected by Newven: the antidepressants lithium and Imipramine, clozapine for schizophrenia, the anticoagulant warfarin
How should Newven be taken?
You should take your Newven tablets 100mg with a glass of water, swallowed whole with or without food You should take your Newven tablets 100mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food once a day, at the same time each day. Your doctor may increase your dose, depending on what you are being treated for. You should continue take your Newven tablets 100mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations, usually for several weeks or months and you should continue your medication even if you feel well.
How long should you take Newven?
You should continue take your Newven tablets 100mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations, usually for several weeks or months and you should continue your medication even if you feel well.
Missed dose of Newven
If you miss a dose of Newven tablets 100mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Newven be stored?
You should store your Newven tablets 100mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.
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AR Estradiol Valerate 20mg/ml
AR Estradiol Valerate general information
What is AR Estradiol Valerate used for?
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life and represents the end of her childbearing years and the beginning of her next phase of life. As menopause approaches, estrogen production starts to slow down, and eventually, no more is produced by the ovaries. Menstruation ceases, and this lack of estrogen can cause severe problems for some women. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help relieve symptoms of menopause. AR Estradiol Valerate 20mg/mL is an injectable form of HRT. It is recommended for HRT in combination with progesterone, because of the health risk of estrogen-only HRT. You should only use AR Estradiol Valerate alone if you have had a hysterectomy; or are also taking progesterone.
Estrogen is the female hormone produced by the ovaries that transforms the girl into the woman and plays a central role in all stages of female reproduction, along with other female hormones like progesterone. Estrogen stimulates the development of female sexual characteristics, including breast development and body shape. It regulates the menstrual cycle, triggers ovulation, and stimulates the thickening of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and thickening of vaginal tissue and its secretions. It also plays other essential roles, including regulating lipid metabolism and supporting bone density throughout the fertile years of a woman’s life. As menopause approaches, estrogen production starts to slow down. Eventually, no more is produced by the ovaries, so that menstruation ceases.
Symptoms of menopause
Symptoms associated with low estrogen in menopause include hot flashes caused by sudden dilating of surface blood vessels; when this happens at night, they cause night sweats. Vaginal thinning and dryness, known as atrophic vaginitis, can cause discomfort or pain with sex and recurrent urine infections. Other signs of menopause are headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration, and loss of energy.
Loss of bone density is another problem related to the loss of estrogen. It can lead to osteoporosis, which makes the bones brittle so that they fracture more easily. AR Estradiol Valerate relieves symptoms of menopause. It also helps prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis), reducing the risk of fracture.
Transgender hormone therapy
Estrogen is an essential component in transgender hormone therapy for male to female gender reassignment. AR Estradiol Valerate helps stimulate the development of female sexual characteristics. This promotes the feminisation process, such as breast development, and inducing metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.
How does AR Estradiol Valerate work?
AR Estradiol Valerate contains estradiol valerate 20mg/mL. It is used for hormone replacement therapy to substitute for lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women and relieve symptoms of menopause.
Estradiol valerate is a synthetic form of naturally occurring estradiol, the primary and most active form of the female sex hormone estrogen. Estradiol is biologically similar to the natural hormone. Other types of estrogen that exist post-menopause include estrone. This form of estrogen is produced by conversion from androgens (predominantly a male hormone but found in small amounts in women) in other tissues like fat cells. Estone does not have much activity, which is why a lack of estradiol is responsible for most menopausal symptoms.
Estradiol in AR Estradiol Valerate works by passing through the cell membrane and binding to specific receptors inside the cells of its target tissues, including the ovaries, uterus, bone, and breast tissue. Estrogen attaches to its receptor then interacts directly with the DNA to promote the expression (activation) of specific genes that make proteins needed for estrogen-dependent processes in those tissues. These include breast cell growth, improved lubrication of vaginal cells, and increased bone density.
AR Estradiol Valerate is formulated for intramuscular injection in an oily solution that slows down absorption. A single injection of AR Estradiol Valerate is absorbed slowly over several weeks and works for longer, with a prolonged action time
What does AR Estradiol Valerate contain?
AR Estradiol Valerate contains the active ingredient estradiol valerate 20mg/mL that is used for hormone replacement therapy to substitute for lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women. It also contains 224mg/mL benzyl benzoate, 20mg/mL benzyl alcohol, castor oil.
What are the side effects of AR Estradiol Valerate?
Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone. Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking AR Estradiol Valerate, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician.
Common side effects when taking AR Estradiol Valerate include breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, breakthrough bleeding, and spotting.
When should AR Estradiol Valerate not be used?
Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking AR Estradiol Valerate 20mg/mLso that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it. There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for AR Estradiol Valerate you should consider the following before taking AR Estradiol Valerate :
- Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking AR Estradiol Valerate?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you have any problems with your liver or had a liver disease?
- Have you had an estrogen-dependent cancer, including cancer of the breast or endometrium?
- Have you had any condition caused by a blood clot such as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)?
- Do you have a heart condition like angina, and have you ever had cardiovascular disease, including a heart attack or stroke or uncontrolled high blood pressure?
- Have you had abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause?
What medications interact with AR Estradiol Valerate?
Some medicines interact with AR Estradiol Valerate 20mg/mL and may affect the way it works, or are affected by AR Estradiol Valerate or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician. These may include anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepine, barbiturates, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, antibiotics like penicillin.
If other medications may interact with AR Estradiol Valerate, your doctor will discuss these with you.
How should AR Estradiol Valerate be taken and for how long?
You should take your AR Estradiol Valerate using a clean, dry needle and syringe. Draw up 1mL Estradiol Valerate and inject deep into the upper, outer area of the gluteal muscle. The usual dose is one injection every four weeks, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. You should continue to take Estradiol Valerate Injection injections as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months
Missed dose of AR Estradiol Valerate
If you miss a dose of AR Estradiol Valerate 20mg/mL, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should AR Estradiol Valerate be stored?
You should store your AR Estradiol Valerate 20mg/mL below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.
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AR Estradiol Valerate 40mg/ml
AR Estradiol Valerate general information
What is AR Estradiol Valerate used for?
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life and represents the end of her childbearing years and the beginning of her next phase of life. As menopause approaches, estrogen production starts to slow down, and eventually, no more is produced by the ovaries. Menstruation ceases, and this lack of estrogen can cause severe problems for some women. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help relieve symptoms of menopause. AR Estradiol Valerate 40mg/mL is an injectable form of HRT. It is recommended for HRT in combination with progesterone, because of the health risk of estrogen-only HRT. You should only use AR Estradiol Valerate alone if you have had a hysterectomy; or are also taking progesterone.
Estrogen is the female hormone produced by the ovaries that transforms the girl into the woman and plays a central role in all stages of female reproduction, along with other female hormones like progesterone. Estrogen stimulates the development of female sexual characteristics, including breast development and body shape. It regulates the menstrual cycle, triggers ovulation, and stimulates the thickening of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and thickening of vaginal tissue and its secretions. It also plays other essential roles, including regulating lipid metabolism and supporting bone density throughout the fertile years of a woman’s life. As menopause approaches, estrogen production starts to slow down. Eventually, no more is produced by the ovaries, so that menstruation ceases.
Symptoms of menopause
Symptoms associated with low estrogen in menopause include hot flashes caused by sudden dilating of surface blood vessels; when this happens at night, they cause night sweats. Vaginal thinning and dryness, known as atrophic vaginitis, can cause discomfort or pain with sex and recurrent urine infections. Other signs of menopause are headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration, and loss of energy.
Loss of bone density is another problem related to the loss of estrogen. It can lead to osteoporosis, which makes the bones brittle so that they fracture more easily. AR Estradiol Valerate relieves symptoms of menopause. It also helps prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis), reducing the risk of fracture.
Transgender hormone therapy
Estrogen is an essential component in transgender hormone therapy for male to female gender reassignment. AR Estradiol Valerate helps stimulate the development of female sexual characteristics. This promotes the feminisation process, such as breast development, and inducing metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.
How does AR Estradiol Valerate work?
AR Estradiol Valerate contains estradiol valerate 40mg/mL. It is used for hormone replacement therapy to substitute for lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women and relieve symptoms of menopause.
Estradiol valerate is a synthetic form of naturally occurring estradiol, the primary and most active form of the female sex hormone estrogen. Estradiol is biologically similar to the natural hormone. Other types of estrogen that exist post-menopause include estrone. This form of estrogen is produced by conversion from androgens (predominantly a male hormone but found in small amounts in women) in other tissues like fat cells. Estone does not have much activity, which is why a lack of estradiol is responsible for most menopausal symptoms.
Estradiol in AR Estradiol Valerate works by passing through the cell membrane and binding to specific receptors inside the cells of its target tissues, including the ovaries, uterus, bone, and breast tissue. Estrogen attaches to its receptor then interacts directly with the DNA to promote the expression (activation) of specific genes that make proteins needed for estrogen-dependent processes in those tissues. These include breast cell growth, improved lubrication of vaginal cells, and increased bone density.
AR Estradiol Valerate is formulated for intramuscular injection in an oily solution that slows down absorption. A single injection of AR Estradiol Valerate is absorbed slowly over several weeks and works for longer, with a prolonged action time
What does AR Estradiol Valerate contain?
AR Estradiol Valerate contains the active ingredient estradiol valerate 40mg/mL that is used for hormone replacement therapy to substitute for lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women. It also contains 224mg/mL benzyl benzoate, 40mg/mL benzyl alcohol, castor oil.
What are the side effects of AR Estradiol Valerate?
Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone. Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking AR Estradiol Valerate, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician.
Common side effects when taking AR Estradiol Valerate include breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, breakthrough bleeding, and spotting.
When should AR Estradiol Valerate not be used?
Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking AR Estradiol Valerate 40mg/mLso that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it. There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for AR Estradiol Valerate you should consider the following before taking AR Estradiol Valerate :
- Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking AR Estradiol Valerate?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you have any problems with your liver or had a liver disease?
- Have you had an estrogen-dependent cancer, including cancer of the breast or endometrium?
- Have you had any condition caused by a blood clot such as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)?
- Do you have a heart condition like angina, and have you ever had cardiovascular disease, including a heart attack or stroke or uncontrolled high blood pressure?
- Have you had abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause?
What medications interact with AR Estradiol Valerate?
Some medicines interact with AR Estradiol Valerate 40mg/mL and may affect the way it works, or are affected by AR Estradiol Valerate or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician. These may include anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepine, barbiturates, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, antibiotics like penicillin.
If other medications may interact with AR Estradiol Valerate, your doctor will discuss these with you.
How should AR Estradiol Valerate be taken and for how long?
You should take your AR Estradiol Valerate using a clean, dry needle and syringe. Draw up 1mL Estradiol Valerate and inject deep into the upper, outer area of the gluteal muscle. The usual dose is one injection every four weeks, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. You should continue to take Estradiol Valerate Injection injections as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months
Missed dose of AR Estradiol Valerate
If you miss a dose of AR Estradiol Valerate 40mg/mL, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should AR Estradiol Valerate be stored?
You should store your AR Estradiol Valerate 40mg/mL below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.
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