Activella and femhrt

Estrogen therapy sometimes causes high blood pressure, so be sure to get periodic checkups. In women prone to high blood lipid levels, estrogen can also cause a sharp spike in triglycerides, possibly leading to pancreatitis. Fluid retention is another possibility. If it develops, it can aggravate conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, and migraine headaches.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever been diagnosed with depression. Treatment with estrogen therapy should be discontinued if depression recurs.

If you have diabetes, watch your blood sugar levels especially carefully. There's a chance that estrogen/progestin products may make diabetes worse.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Activella

Tell the doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking. The manufacturer does not list specific drug interactions for Activella. However, it's possible that if estrogen is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining estrogen with the following:

• Acetaminophen
• Antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
• Antifungal drugs such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Anti-HIV drugs such as ritonavir
• Aspirin
• Clofibrate
• Cyclosporine
• Grapefruit juice
• Morphine
• Seizure medications such as carbamazepine, and phenobarbital
• Steroid medications such as prednisone
• Rifampin
• St. John's wort
• Temazepam
• Theophylline

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Although this medication is intended only for women who are no longer in their childbearing years, it's important to note that Activella should never be taken during pregnancy, since it can harm the developing baby. Additionally, do not use Activella if you are breastfeeding; the hormones in this medication can pass into breast milk.

Recommended dosage for Activella

ADULTS

The recommended dose is one tablet daily.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of overdose may include:
  Nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding