Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Dienogest is used to reduce the painful symptoms of both endometriosis and the lesions. It decreases the amount of estrogen, a type of female hormone, and helps slow the growth of the tissue outside the womb.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the one lining the inside of the womb, known as the endometrium, can be found outside the womb itself or on other nearby organs such as the pelvic wall ovaries, bladder and bowel.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

• You should stop taking other hormonal medications before starting this medication.

• You should take this medication after food.

• You may start taking this medication on any day of the menstrual cycle.

• You should take one tablet daily without break, preferably at the same time every day, regardless of menstrual bleeding.

• When a pack is finished, the next pack should be started without any break.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

If you vomit or have diarrhoea within 3 – 4 hours after taking a tablet, the tablet may not be absorbed. This is considered a missed dose and you should take another tablet.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication

• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

• You are taking hormonal contraceptives (tablet, patch, intrauterine device(IUD))

• You have a history of or current medical conditions such as liver problems, stroke, heart disease, migraine headaches, epilepsy, diabetes or cancer

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Menstrual irregularities.
  If bleeding is heavy and continuous over time, it may lead to anaemia (low number of red blood cells)
   
• Headache, Back pain
  • You may take Paracetamol to relieve headaches and back pain (if not allergic to Paracetamol)
• Breast tenderness
• Hot flushes
  • Wear loose fitting clothes or go to areas with air-conditioning
• Mood changes
  • Take medication at the same time every day to avoid large changes in the hormone levels in your body.
• Acne
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free facial cleansers. Avoid picking or squeezing pimples.
• Stomach discomfort (e.g. nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
  • Take the medication after food to reduce these side effects.
• Weight gain
  • Choose to have smaller but more frequent meals and select healthier snacks

Inform your doctor if these side effects become severe and bothersome.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue

• Difficulty in breathing

• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

This medication may cause blood clots to form. However, this is rare and the doctor would have evaluated and weighed its benefits over risks before prescribing the medication for you.

The symptoms of blood clot include one or more of the following:

• Any unusual sudden cough, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

• Severe pain in the chest which may reach the left arm

• Severe pain in legs or swelling in either of your legs

• Weakness or numbness in any part of your body

• Change in your speech, including slurring of words

• Change in your senses of hearing, smell or taste

• Vision changes such as loss of vision/ blurred vision

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

This medication may affect bone strength, especially in those aged 12 – 18 years old. However, this is rare and the doctor would have evaluated and weighed its benefits over risks before prescribing the medication for you. The doctor may also prescribe additional supplements such as calcium and Vitamin D to help improve bone strength.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

• Some medications might interact with this medication. These include antibiotics, antifungals and St John’s wort. Check with your healthcare professional if you want to take any other medicines, supplements or herbal products.

• If you see another healthcare professional, inform him that you are taking this medication before he prescribes any other medications.

• Avoid taking grapefruit when you are taking this medication as grapefruit may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side effects.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin

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