Drug Action
Prasterone is biochemically and biologically identical to endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and is converted to oestrogens and androgens.
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Drug reference
Prasterone is biochemically and biologically identical to endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and is converted to oestrogens and androgens.
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Vulvar and vaginal atrophy [in postmenopausal women with moderate to severe symptoms] ▶BY VAGINA USING PESSARIES ▶Adult: 6.5 mg once daily, at bedtime. Treatment should be reassessed at least every 6 months
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Active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g. angina or myocardial infarction). acute liver disease. acute porphyrias p. 1120. history of breast cancer. history of liver disease (where liver function tests have failed to return to normal). oestrogen-dependent cancer. thrombophilic disorder. undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. untreated endometrial hyperplasia. venous thromboembolism
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Assess need for continued treatment at least every 6 months. cholelithiasis. diabetes mellitus. factors predisposing to thromboembolism. history of endometrial hyperplasia. hypertriglyceridaemia. liver disorders (discontinue if jaundice or deterioration in liver function occurs during treatment). migraine (or migraine-like headaches). prolonged exposure to unopposed oestrogens may increase risk of developing endometrial cancer. risk factors for oestrogen-dependent tumours (e.g. breast cancer in first-degree relative). symptoms of endometriosis may be exacerbated. uterine fibroids may increase in size CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION ▶Risk of endometrial cancer The increased risk of endometrial cancer depends on the dose and duration of oestrogen- only HRT. Bleeding or spotting occurring during treatment should be investigated. For oestrogen products for vaginal application, where systemic exposure to oestrogen remains within the normal postmenopausal range, it is not recommended to add a progestogen. ▶Risk of ovarian cancer Long-term use of combined HRT or oestrogen-only HRT is associated with a small increased risk of ovarian cancer. This excess risk disappears within a few years of stopping. ▶Risk of venous thromboembolism Women using combined or oestrogen-only HRT are at an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and of pulmonary embolism especially in the first year of use. In women who have predisposing factors (such as a personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, severe varicose veins, obesity, trauma, major surgery or prolonged bed-rest) it is prudent to review the need for HRT, as in some cases the risks of HRT may exceed the benefits. Travel involving prolonged immobility further increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis. ▶Risk of stroke Risk of stroke increases with age, therefore older women have a greater absolute risk of stroke. Combined HRT or oestrogen-only HRT slightly increases the risk of stroke. ▶Other conditions The product literature advises caution in other conditions including hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, otosclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Evidence for caution in these conditions is unsatisfactory and many women with these conditions may stand to benefit from HRT.
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▶Common or very common Cervical abnormalities. weight change ▶Uncommon Breast neoplasm benign. uterine polyp
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Manufacturer advises avoid use with condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps made of latex—may damage rubber.
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Manufacturer advises avoid—no information available.
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Manufacturer advises avoid—no information available.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Pessary ▶Intrarosa (Theramex HQ UK Ltd) A Prasterone 6.5 mg Intrarosa 6.5mg pessaries | 28 pessary P £15.94 DT = £15.94 e SELECTIVE OESTROGEN RECEPTOR MODULATORS
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Missed doses Manufacturer advises if a dose is more than 16 hours late, the missed dose should not be taken and the next dose should be taken at the normal time.
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6.5 mg once daily, at bedtime. Treatment should
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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