Indivina

What is Indivina?

Indivina Tablets are what is known as a combined HRT. Each tablet contains both the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which can be taken by post-menopausal women who have not had a natural menstrual bleed in the last 3 years to relieve symptoms after the menopause and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis or fragile bones.

What is Indivina used for?

When a woman goes through the menopause her levels of oestrogen begin to naturally decline as she stops ovulating. It is this drop that results in women being subject to unpleasant symptoms. Combined HRT such as Indivina is a very effective option for easing these symptoms, allowing you to be able to enjoy your day.

Post-menopausal symptoms include:

• Hot flushes & night sweats
• Disturbed sleep
• Reduced libido
• Difficulty remembering or concentrating
• Vaginal dryness
• Headaches
• Low mood or anxiety
• Fragile bones (osteoporosis)

How does Indivina work?

Indivina Tablets contain versions of both the female sex hormones, oestrogen (estradiol) and progesterone (medroxyprogesterone) and are available on prescription in 3 different strengths to suit your needs.

These two components effectively reduce symptoms of the menopause by increasing diminishing levels and replicating the action of oestrogen and progesterone.

Alternatives to Indivina

There are many varieties of HRT including tablets, patches and vaginal tablets, creams and gels. For full details on HRT available from The Independent Pharmacy please see our Menopause page.

If you are considering starting HRT or are thinking of changing to a new form or brand you should discuss your options with your doctor or specialist. It is not uncommon for women to try several types of HRT before finding one that works best for them.

Sources

• Indivina Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4067/pil
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/estradiol-with-medroxyprogesterone.html
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/types/
• https://patient.info/medicine/oestrogen-and-progestogen-for-hrt
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-clots
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/symptoms/

Indivina warnings

Please read the full information regarding warnings and precautions detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet before taking Indivina Tablets.

Taking a combined HRT treatment, such as Indivina, increases your chances of developing certain health conditions. Qualifying for a repeat prescription of Indivina from The Independent Pharmacy, therefore, relies upon you attending an annual check-up appointment with your GP. You should take the time to think carefully about whether HRT is the best options for you

If you experience any of the following, before or while taking Indivina, stop taking and consult your doctor immediately:

• You suspect or develop breast or endometrial cancer
• You have any unexplained vaginal bleeding or endometrial hyperplasia
• You have or have ever had a venous blood clot or have a clotting disorder
• You have had a heart attack, stroke or angina

If you have ever experienced any of the following, consult your doctor before starting Indivina and again if your condition worsens during treatment:

• You have recently stopped taking or are currently taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed (including herbal) medication.
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
• High blood pressure or very high levels of fat in your blood
• Liver, kidney or heart disorders
• Diabetes, SLE, epilepsy or asthma
• Gallstones
• Migraine or severe headaches
• Hypothyroidism
• Hereditary angioedema

Indivina and cancer

Research into the use of HRT has indicated that combined oestrogen-progestogen HRT such as Indivina may enhance your risk of developing breast cancer and may also slightly increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Your chance of developing breast cancer progresses the longer you take HRT. When HRT is stopped your risk returns to normal within 5 years. It is, therefore, recommended that you only take the lowest dose of HRT for the shortest amount of time, to manage your symptoms.

Indivina and your circulation

Taking any form of HRT, which includes Indivina, can triple your chances of experiencing blood clots and make you 1.5 times more likely to experience a stroke. If you think you are developing symptoms of a blood clot at any time call NHS 111 or are having a stroke call 999.

Indivina in pregnancy & breastfeeding

Indivina should only be taken by postmenopausal women and is not a contraceptive. If you have had a natural period in the last year or you are under 50 years old you should discuss contraception options with your doctor before taking Indivina.

If you become pregnant while taking Indivina stop taking it straight away and contact your doctor. You should also not take Indivina while breastfeeding.

How to use Indivina

• Indivina Tablets should only be taken by post-menopausal women. They are for oral use only and should be taken as directed by your doctor. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully.
• You should only take HRT for the shortest time and at the lowest dose to manage your symptoms. If you have any concerns about your current dose of Indivina you should speak to your doctor for advice.
• If you are thinking of stopping Indivina you should discuss this with your doctor, who will be able to explain the possible effects of stopping and how to manage this.
• Take 1 tablet at the same time every day without a break. Each tablet is marked with a day of the week to help you remember to take them.
• It is normal for women to experience some irregular bleeding when first starting Inivina, if this has not settled within 3 months you should speak to a doctor for advice.

Indivina ingredients

Each Indivina Tablet contains the active ingredients: Estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate.

The other ingredients are: Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, gelatin, and magnesium stearate.

Indivina side effects

In the same way as other HRT, Indivina may cause some people to experience side effects. These side effects are more common in the first few months and usually ease on their own without any treatment. If you are still experiencing the following side effects after 3 months speak to a doctor.

• Weight increase or decrease
• Swelling caused by fluid retention
• Depression, nervousness, fatigue
• Headache, dizziness
• Hot flushes, increased sweating
• Feeling sick, vomiting, stomach cramps, gas
• Breast tenderness and pain
• Vaginal discharge
• Bleeding or spotting

For full details of the side effects associated with Indivina Tablets please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.