Drug Action
Dienogest is a nortestosterone derivative that has a progestogenic effect in the uterus, reducing the production of estradiol and thereby suppressing endometriotic lesions.
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Drug reference
Dienogest is a nortestosterone derivative that has a progestogenic effect in the uterus, reducing the production of estradiol and thereby suppressing endometriotic lesions.
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Endometriosis ▶BY MOUTH ▶Females of childbearing potential: 2 mg once daily, can be started on any day of cycle, dose should be taken continuously at the same time each day
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Arterial disease (past or present). cardiovascular disease (past or present). diabetes with vascular involvement. liver tumours (past or present). sex hormone-dependent malignancies (confirmed or suspected). undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. venous thromboembolism (active)
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Diabetes (progestogens can decrease glucose tolerance—monitor patient closely). history of depression . history of ectopic pregnancy. history of gestational diabetes. patients at risk of osteoporosis. patients at risk of venous thromboembolism CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION ▶Immobilisation Manufacturer advises to discontinue treatment during prolonged immobilisation. For elective surgery, treatment should be discontinued at least 4 weeks before surgery; treatment may be restarted 2 weeks after complete remobilisation.
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→Appendix 1: dienogest
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▶Common or very common Alopecia. anxiety. asthenic conditions. breast abnormalities. depression. gastrointestinal discomfort. gastrointestinal disorders. haemorrhage. headaches. hot flush. libido loss. mood altered. nausea. ovarian cyst. pain. skin reactions. sleep disorder. vomiting. vulvovaginal disorders. weight changes ▶Uncommon Anaemia. appetite increased. autonomic dysfunction. broken nails. circulatory system disorder. concentration impaired. constipation. dandruff. diarrhoea. dry eye. dyspnoea. genital discharge. hair changes. hyperhidrosis. hypotension. increased risk of infection. limb discomfort. muscle spasms. oedema. palpitations. pelvic pain. photosensitivity reaction. tinnitus ▶Frequency not known Glucose tolerance impaired. insulin resistance. menstrual cycle irregularities
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Manufacturer advises that, if contraception is required, females of childbearing potential should use non-hormonal contraception during treatment. The menstrual cycle usually returns to normal within 2 months after stopping treatment.
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Manufacturer advises avoid—present in milk in animal studies.
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Manufacturer advises avoid in severe impairment (no information available).
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Tablet ▶Zalkya (Stragen UK Ltd) Dienogest 2 mg Zalkya 2mg tablets | 28 tablet P £20.68
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Manufacturer advises patients with a history of chloasma gravidarum to avoid sunlight or UV radiation exposure during treatment. Missed doses Manufacturer advises if one or more tablets are missed, or if vomiting and/or diarrhoea occurs within 3–4 hours of taking a tablet, another tablet should be taken as soon as possible and the next dose taken at the normal time.
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