What is Active?
Activelle is a combined hormone substitute preparation in tablet form containing estradiol (a natural estrogen) and norethisterone acetate (a gestagen). It is used for the treatment of inter-annual complaints in women whose last rule bleeding is at least 12 months.
The continuous combination of both hormones means that no menstrual bleeding occurs – unlike in sequential preparations. Activelle alleviates typical annual symptoms such as heat flashes, sleep disorders and vaginal dryness.
The gestagen norethisteron protects the cervical mucosa from the growth-promoting effect of the estrogen.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Estradiol 1 mg, Norethisteronacetat 0,5 mg
Activelle equals the hormone deficiency after the change years:
Estradiol (estrogen):
- Replaces the missing body's estrogen
- Relieves vasomotor symptoms (heatwalls, night sweat)
- Improves vaginal moisture
- Protects against bone wound
Norethisterone acetate (days):
- Protects the cervical mucosa (endometrium)
- Prevents endometrium hyperplasia
- Continuous administration = no bleeding
Continuous combination therapy: Both hormones are taken every day (no cycle), therefore usually no bleeding occurs.
Who is it suitable for?
Activelle is suitable for:
- Postmenopausal women (last bleeding > 12 months)
- Medium weight to heavy annual weights
- Women with intact uterus (stag protection required)
Advantages:
- bleeding-free (continuous therapy)
- One day a tablet
- Proven combination of active substances
Not suitable:
- Perimenopausal women (yet regular bleeding)
- Women after hysterectomy (no stags necessary)
- In contraindications against HRT
Available Dosages
Active film tablets:
- 1 mg of estradiol + 0.5 mg of norethisterone acetate
- 1 tablet daily, without a break
Therapy start:
- Early 12 months after the last control bleeding
- When converting sequential HRT: after completion of the cycle
Therapy duration:
- As short as possible, regular review (at least annually)
How to Take
Intake:
- 1 tablet daily with some water
- Always at the same time
- Independent meals
- Throughout without a break
For forgotten use:
- Pick up within 12 hours
- Then continue as usual
- No double dose
Important:
- regular inspections
- Breast examination and mammography according to recommendation
Contraindications
Do not apply at:
- Breast cancer (known or suspected)
- estrogen-dependent tumors
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Active or earlier thrombosis/pulmonary embolism
- Active liver disease
- Porphyry
Preview at:
- Risk factors for thromboses
- uterus myomas
- Endometriosis
- Gallensteinleiden
- Migraine
- Diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure
Pregnant period: Contraindicated.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Breast tensions
- Headaches
- stomach pain
- Lubrication (in the beginning)
Occasionally:
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- nausea
- Blowing
- leg pain
Selten, but seriously:
- Venous thromboemboly
- Increased breast cancer risk in long-term therapy
- stroke
- bile stone diseases
** Most side effects are mild and better in the first few months.
Interactions
Reactions:
- CYP3A4 inductors (Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Rifampicin, Johanniskraut) – reduced estrogen action
- CYP3A4 inhibitors – increased estrogen levels
- thyroid hormones – dose adjustment possible
Important: Johanniskraut can significantly reduce the effectiveness of HRT!
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Active right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.