bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens

What is the most important information I should know about bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens?

You should not use this medicine if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, if you will have major surgery, or if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens is for short-term use at the lowest dose needed to treat your condition.

What is bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens?

Bazedoxifene blocks estrogen from reaching certain cells in the uterine lining, to protect against overgrowth of uterine tissue.

Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of estrogen hormones.

Bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens is a combination medicine used short-term in women after menopause to treat moderate to severe hot flashes, and to prevent osteoporosis. This medicine is used in women who have NOT had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).

Bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens?

• unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
• liver disease;
• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• an increased risk of having blood clots due to a heart problem or a hereditary blood disorder; or
• a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Do not use other estrogen products while you are taking bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Women who are 75 or older should not take bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a hysterectomy;
• heart disease;
• liver problems, or jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones;
• kidney disease;
• gallbladder disease;
• asthma;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• migraines;
• lupus;
• endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;
• hereditary angioedema;
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
• a thyroid disorder; or
• high levels of calcium in your blood.

How should I take bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens is for short-term use at the lowest dose needed to treat your condition.

You may take this medicine with or without food, at the same time each day.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms.

If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens.

Your doctor may have you take extra calcium or vitamin D while you are taking bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens. Take only the amount that your doctor has prescribed.

Write down the date you open a Duavee foil pouch. Use the medicine within 60 days after opening the pouch.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens?

What are the possible side effects of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens?

• heart attack symptoms --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot --sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;
• sudden vision loss;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior;
• unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain;
• a lump in your breast; or
• low calcium level --muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes).

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness;
• nausea, stomach pain or discomfort, diarrhea;
• muscle spasm; or
• throat pain, neck pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens.