Details

Tibolone is used to mimic the activity of the naturally occurring female sex hormones oestrogen and progestogen in the body. It helps to restore the natural balance of these hormones. It is a female sex hormone, sometimes known as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Tibolone is broken down in the body to make hormones and it then has an effect similar to combined HRT (a type of HRT containing the female hormones oestrogen and progestogen). It is used to relieve symptoms that start to occur when the female body no longer produces certain hormones such as oestrogen. This may occur after the menopause, also known as the change of life, or after surgery to remove the ovaries. Tibolone may also be used to stop your bones from becoming brittle. Benefits of being on this drug can include replacement of lost hormones leading to an improvement in a number of symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, dryness or irritation of the vagina and reduced sex drive. Tibolone can also reduce the likelihood of your bones becomes brittle and breaking by preventing the bone disease osteoporosis.

Typical Uses

Tibolone is used in the treatment of oestrogen deficiency symptoms in postmenopausal women. It is also used in the prevention of osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of the bone) in postmenopausal women or in women whose ovaries have been surgically removed or have stopped functioning, who are at high risk of future fractures who cannot take other medicinal products.

Side Effects

Common tibolone may include stomach problems, breast pain, weight changes, vaginal bleeding or spotting, facial hair growth, swelling of hands or feet, headache, migraine, feeling depressed, skin problems, eyesight problem, irritation of the vagina, vaginal infection, increased vaginal secretions, acne, loss of memory, etc.

Drug Interactions

Tibolone may interact with rifampicin, carbamazepine, primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, midazolam, drugs that thin the blood such as warfarin.

Mechanism of action

Tibolone belongs to class of medicines called synthetic steroids. It substitutes oestrogen whose production is stopped in postmenopausal period. Replacement of oestrogen alleviates menopausal symptoms, and also prevents bone loss following menopause or ovarian removal.

Pregnancy Category : D