Estradiol
Fem 7 and FemSete 50 are different trade names for the same medicine.
Fem 7 is a transdermal system, a patch containing estradiol as the active substance. The estradiol in Fem 7 is 17β (beta) estradiol, a hormone identical to natural estradiol. Estradiol belongs to the group of sex hormones, estrogens, and is mainly produced in the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle. In smaller amounts, estrogens are also produced in the corpus luteum, placenta, and adrenal glands. After menopause (when menstruation completely stops), ovarian function decreases, and the body produces only a small amount of estradiol. The lack of estrogens is the cause of various disorders in many women: hot flashes, sleep disturbances, thinning of the mucous membrane of the uterus and other tissues of the urogenital system, and osteoporosis. Fem 7 is available as a transdermal system, a patch. This means that the estrogen that the body needs to supplement is slowly delivered to the body through the skin using a self-adhesive patch. The estradiol in this patch alleviates the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. It can also be used to prevent osteoporosis (reduced bone strength) if the patient cannot take other medicines for this purpose. Experience with the use of the medicine in women over 65 years of age is limited.
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Before starting to use Fem 7, the patient should discuss it with their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Medical examination / control examinations Before starting or re-introducing hormone replacement therapy, the doctor will conduct a thorough medical interview, including a family interview. The physical examination (including examination of the pelvic organs and breasts) should take into account the data from the interview and contraindications and warnings regarding the use of HRT. During treatment, the doctor will perform periodic control examinations, the frequency and type of which should be adapted to the needs of the individual patient. HRT should be used for as long as the benefits of its use outweigh the risks. If the patient notices changes in their breasts corresponding to breast lumps (see "Breast cancer" below), they should report it to their doctor, who may refer them for a mammogram. Conditions requiring special control If any of the following situations or conditions occur, have occurred in the past, or have significantly worsened during pregnancy or previous hormone replacement therapy, the patient's health should be closely monitored by a doctor. It should be considered that the listed disorders may recur or worsen during the use of Fem 7. This applies in particular to diseases such as:
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Indications for immediate discontinuation of treatment. Treatment should be discontinued immediately if any of the conditions listed in the "When not to use Fem 7" section occur or if:
Safety of HRT
Besides the benefits, HRT is associated with certain risks that the patient should consider when deciding on this type of treatment or its continuation.
Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine mucous membrane)
Long-term administration of estrogens alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer. The addition of progestogen significantly reduces this risk.
Comparison:
Comparing women with an intact uterus who do not use HRT- in about 5 out of 1,000of them, the doctor will diagnose endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65.
In the case of women using HRT with only estrogens, this number will be 2 to 12 times higher, depending on the dose and duration of HRT.
Adding progestogen to HRT with only estrogens significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.
If the patient experiencesintermenstrual bleeding or spotting, it is usually not a cause for concern, especially during the first few months of HRT use.
If, however, bleeding or spotting:
Breast cancer
Data confirm that taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of combined estrogen and progestogen or only estrogen increases the risk of breast cancer. The additional risk depends on how long the patient uses HRT. This additional risk becomes apparent after 3 years of HRT use. After stopping HRT, the additional risk will decrease over time, but the risk may persist for 10 years or longer if HRT lasted more than 5 years.
The risk of breast cancer is also higher:
Comparison:
In the case of women between the ages of 50 and 54 who do not use HRT, breast cancer will be diagnosed in about 13 to 17 out of 1,000 womenover a period of 5 years.
In the case of women aged 50 who start 5-year estrogen-only HRT, the number of cases will be 16-17 per 1,000 patients(i.e., 0 to 3 additional cases).
In the case of women aged 50 who start 5-year estrogen-progestogen HRT, the number of cases will be 21 per 1,000 patients(i.e., 4 to 8 additional cases).
In the case of women between the ages of 50 and 59 who do not use HRT, breast cancer will be diagnosed in about 27 out of 1,000 womenover a period of 10 years.
In the case of women aged 50 who start 10-year estrogen-only HRT, the number of cases will be 34 per 1,000 patients(i.e., 7 additional cases).
In the case of women aged 50 who start 10-year estrogen-progestogen HRT, the number of cases will be 48 per 1,000 patients(i.e., 21 additional cases).
If the patient noticesany changes in the breasts, such as:
HRT is associated with a higher risk of venous thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis), especially in the first year of HRT use.
These blood clots are not always life-threatening if, however, one of them moves to the lungs, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, collapse, and even death. This condition is called pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are examples of venous thromboembolic disease(VTE).
Blood clots are more likely to occur:
If any of these conditions occur in the patient, they should consult their doctor about whether it is possible to start HRT.
Comparison:
In women between the ages of 50 and 59 who do not use HRT, the number of blood clot cases over 5 years is estimated to be 4 to 7 per 1,000 women. In women between the ages of 50 and 59 using estrogen-progestogen HRT, the number of blood clot cases over 5 years will be 9 to 12 per 1,000 women(i.e., 5 additional cases). In women between the ages of 50 and 59 with a hysterectomy using only estrogen HRT, the number of blood clot cases over 5 years will be 5 to 8 per 1,000 women(i.e., 1 additional case).
If the patient experiences:
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If the patient is scheduled for surgery, they should inform their doctor. It may be necessary to discontinue HRT 4 to 6 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. The doctor will inform the patient when they can resume HRT.
Ischemic heart disease
HRT is not recommended for women with current or recent heart disease.
If the patient has ever had heart disease, they should consult their doctor about whether it is possible to use HRT.
HRT does not support the prevention of heart disease.
Studies with one type of HRT (conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone) have shown that the risk of heart disease may be slightly higher during the first year of treatment. In the case of other HRTs, it is likely that the risk will be similar, but this is not certain.
If the patient experiences:
Stroke
Recent studies suggest that HRT slightly increases the risk of stroke. Other factors that may increase the risk of stroke include:
If the patient has any of the above factors that increase the risk of stroke, or if the patient has had a stroke in the past, they should consult their doctor about whether they can use HRT.
Comparison:
In women between the ages of 50 and 59 who do not use HRT, about 8 out of 1,000 womenwill experience a stroke over 5 years. In women between the ages of 50 and 59 using HRT, the number of stroke cases over 5 years will be 11 cases per 1,000 women(i.e., 3 additional cases).
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is rare - much rarer than breast cancer. The use of HRT containing only estrogens or a combination of estrogens and progestogens is associated with a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer.
The risk of ovarian cancer depends on age. For example, in women between the ages of 50 and 54 who do not use HRT, ovarian cancer will be diagnosed over 5 years in about 2 out of 2,000 women. In women who have taken HRT for 5 years, it will occur in about 3 out of 2,000 women(i.e., about 1 additional case).
Other disorders
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Estrogens can cause fluid retention, so patients with heart or kidney disorders should be closely monitored. Patients with end-stage renal failure should be closely monitored, as it can be expected that the concentration of the active substances of Fem 7 will increase in the bloodstream.
Patients with previously occurring hypertriglyceridemia should be closely monitored during estrogen therapy or other hormone replacement therapy, as rare cases have been reported where increased triglyceride levels in the blood led to pancreatitis when using estrogen therapy.
Estrogens affect the levels of other hormones and proteins.
HRT does not improve cognitive function (memory loss, perception disorders, attention). There is evidence of an increased risk of dementia in women who started HRT at the age of 65 or older.
The metabolism of estrogens and progestogens may be increased during concurrent use of substances that induce the activity of enzymes that metabolize drugs (mainly cytochrome P-450 enzymes), such as antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine) and anti-infective drugs (rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz).
Ritonavir and nelfinavir, although known as strong enzyme inhibitors, have enzyme-inducing properties when used concomitantly with steroid hormones.
Herbal products containing St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may induce estrogen metabolism.
When administered transdermally, the so-called "first-pass effect" in the liver does not occur, so substances that induce enzymes have a smaller effect on estrogens and progestogens administered in this way than on hormones taken orally.
Clinically, accelerated metabolism of estrogens and progestogens may lead to a weakening of their action and disturbances in the menstrual bleeding profile.
Warning!This also applies to medicines taken recently.
Hormone replacement therapy may affect the action of other medicines:
The patient should tell their doctor about all medicines they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines they plan to take. The doctor will provide the patient with appropriate instructions.
If a blood test is necessary, the patient should inform their doctor or laboratory staff that they are taking Fem 7, as this medicine may affect the results of some tests.
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
Fem 7 is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If the patient becomes pregnant during treatment with Fem 7, the medicine should be discontinued immediately.
Most epidemiological studies to date on accidental exposure of the fetus to estrogens have not shown harmful effects on the embryo and fetus.
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Breastfeeding
Fem 7 is not indicated for use during breastfeeding.
No effects of Fem 7 on the ability to drive and use machines have been reported.
This medicine should always be used as directed by the doctor. In case of doubt, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage for adults
In women who have had a hysterectomy and are not using hormone replacement therapy or are switching from another product to HRT, the use of Fem 7 can be started at any time.
In women with an intact uterus who are not using hormone replacement therapy, the use of Fem 7 can be started at any time.
In women with an intact uterus using sequential HRT, the use of Fem 7 can be started after the end of the previous treatment cycle.
Method of administration
The procedure is illustrated by the following figures.
The patch consists of a thin, transparent foil, octagonal in shape, connected to a two-part, stronger protective foil.
The octagonal part of the patch is the actual, active patch. The inner adhesive side contains the hormone estradiol, which is continuously released into the skin.
Each Fem 7 patch is packaged in a separate, tightly closed sachet.
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Each patch should be used for 7 days.
HRT should be continued for as long as the benefits of alleviating menopausal symptoms outweigh the risks associated with HRT use.
Due to the route of administration, significant overdose of estradiol when using Fem 7 is unlikely, and the effects of overdose can be immediately eliminated by removing the patch.
Overdose symptoms are mainly: breast tenderness, swelling, nausea, and vaginal bleeding.
In case of overdose, the dose of the medicine should be reduced accordingly.
Also, in the case of missing a patch change after 7 days, it should be replaced immediately, and the next patch change should be performed on the scheduled day, at the usual time.
A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed patch.
The duration of the entire treatment is determined by the doctor. The need for continued treatment should be regularly assessed (e.g., every 6 months). In case of early termination of treatment or if side effects occur, the patient should consult their doctor.
In case of any further doubts regarding the use of this medicine, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Fem 7 can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following side effects are possible during hormone replacement therapy in the menopause:
Very common side effects (which may occur in more than 1 in 10 patients):
Common side effects (which may occur in less than 1 in 10 patients):
Uncommon side effects (which may occur in less than 1 in 100 patients):
Rare side effects (which may occur in less than 1 in 1,000 patients):
If any of these symptoms occur, the patient should inform their doctor, who will adjust the dosage of the medicine.
If side effects occur, including any side effects not listed in the leaflet, the patient should tell their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products
Jerozolimskie Avenue 181C
02-222 Warsaw
Phone: +48 22 49 21 301
Fax: +48 22 49 21 309
Website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
By reporting side effects, more information can be collected on the safety of the medicine.
The active substance of Fem 7 is estradiol (in the form of estradiol hemihydrate).
1 transdermal system, patch contains:
active substance:
estradiol (in the form of estradiol hemihydrate 1.5 mg).
The active surface area of the system is 15 cm².
The estradiol release rate is 50 μg/24 h for 7 days.
other ingredients are:
Adhesive layer: styrene-isoprene copolymer, glycerin esters of hydrogenated rosin acids.
Outer protective layer: poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).
Protective layer (to be removed): poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) coated with silicone.
Fem 7 is an octagonal, transparent, elastic transdermal system, a patch with rounded edges, placed on a removable protective foil larger than the system.
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4 transdermal systems, patches, and 12 transdermal systems, patches.
For more detailed information, please contact the marketing authorization holder or parallel importer.
Theramex Ireland Limited, 3rd Floor, Kilmore House, Park Lane, Spencer Dock, D01 YE64 - Dublin 1, Ireland
LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG, Lohmannstr. 2, 56626 Andernach, Germany
Delfarma Sp. z o.o., ul. Św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus 111, 91-222 Łódź
Delfarma Sp. z o.o., ul. Św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus 111, 91-222 Łódź
Portuguese marketing authorization number: 2638682
2638781
[Information about the trademark]
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