WARNING

Taking Duavee, like any medication, comes with potential risks. Some of the risks associated with Duavee include:

• Blood Clots: Duavee may increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women who smoke, are obese, or have a history of blood clots. Blood clots can lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Stroke and Heart Attack: There’s a small risk of stroke and heart attack associated with the use of Duavee, particularly in women with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
• Breast Cancer: Estrogen-containing medications like Duavee may increase the risk of breast cancer. It’s essential to discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor before starting Duavee.
• Endometrial Cancer: While Duavee contains an estrogen component, which may increase the risk of endometrial cancer, the addition of bazedoxifene helps reduce this risk. However, it’s still important to monitor for any abnormal vaginal bleeding while taking Duavee.
• Gallbladder Problems: Duavee may increase the risk of gallbladder problems, such as gallstones.
• Dementia: Women aged 65 and older who take estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin hormone therapy may be at increased risk of developing dementia.
• Other Side Effects: Duavee may also cause other side effects, including hot flashes, headache, nausea, stomach pain, joint pain, and vaginal bleeding.

It’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits of Duavee against these risks and discuss them thoroughly with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you make an informed decision based on your individual health history and needs. Additionally, it’s essential to attend regular check-ups and follow-up appointments to monitor for any adverse effects while taking Duavee.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Duavee is a medication primarily prescribed to treat symptoms of menopause in women who haven’t had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). It’s a combination drug consisting of conjugated estrogens (a form of estrogen) and bazedoxifene (a selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM). Estrogen helps relieve symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, while bazedoxifene helps protect the uterus from the effects of estrogen, reducing the risk of uterine cancer.

How should this medicine be used?

Duavee is usually taken orally once daily, with or without food. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely regarding dosage and duration of treatment. Typically, Duavee comes in tablet form, and you should swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

If you miss a dose of Duavee, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

It’s important to note that Duavee should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration necessary to achieve treatment goals. Regularly check in with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to the medication and discuss any concerns or changes in symptoms. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Duavee.

Other uses for this medicine

While Duavee is primarily prescribed for menopausal symptoms, there might be off-label uses that your doctor considers appropriate based on your individual health profile. However, it’s essential to note that using medications for off-label purposes should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when taking Duavee, here are some important points to consider:

• Medical History: Before starting Duavee, inform your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, heart disease, liver problems, or if you’ve had a hysterectomy.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Duavee is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Duavee, notify your doctor immediately. It’s also not recommended for use while breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing infant.
• Regular Check-ups: Your doctor may recommend regular check-ups, including pelvic exams, breast exams, and mammograms while you’re taking Duavee to monitor for any adverse effects or changes in your health.
• Blood Clot Risk: Duavee may increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women who are obese, smoke, or have a history of blood clots. Inform your doctor if you have any risk factors for blood clots, and seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or leg swelling.
• Cancer Risk: While Duavee contains an estrogen component, which may increase the risk of certain cancers, the addition of bazedoxifene helps reduce the risk of uterine cancer. However, it’s essential to discuss your individual risk factors for cancer with your doctor before starting Duavee.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, as Duavee may interact with certain drugs, such as blood thinners or medications that affect liver enzymes.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and guidance regarding the use of Duavee, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about the medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Duavee. However, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is generally recommended for overall well-being. If you have any concerns about your diet while taking Duavee, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Duavee, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Duavee, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects of Duavee may include:

• Hot flashes
• Headache
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Urinary tract infection
• Vaginal bleeding

Serious side effects are less common but may include:

• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Breast cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Dementia in women aged 65 and older
• Gallbladder problems

It’s essential to contact your doctor promptly if you experience any concerning side effects while taking Duavee. Additionally, if you have a history of certain conditions like blood clots, heart disease, or breast cancer, your doctor may monitor you more closely for potential side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and report any new or worsening symptoms.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal:

• • Store Duavee at room temperature away from light and moisture.
  • Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
  • Do not flush Duavee down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely dispose of Duavee.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
• Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding.

What other information should I know?

• Duavee is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Duavee, notify your doctor immediately.
• It’s also not recommended for use while breastfeeding.
• Regular check-ups and monitoring may be necessary while taking Duavee, including pelvic exams, breast exams, and mammograms.
• Avoid smoking while taking Duavee, as smoking may increase your risk of side effects such as blood clots.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as Duavee may interact with certain drugs.
• Attend all scheduled appointments with your doctor to monitor your response to the medication and discuss any concerns or changes in symptoms.

As always, follow your doctor’s instructions and guidance regarding the use of Duavee, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.