APO Tibolone is a tablet containing tibolone which is a progestogen that has properties like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is used in females more than 12 months after their last period. It is less effective than standard hormonal replacement therapy for most menopausal symptoms but may be beneficial if there is low libido.
It has been shown to protect bones and is used to treat milder symptoms of menopause eg flushes, vaginal dryness, bladder problems, sleep problems, irritability and depression. It can be safety used in females with a uterus.
How to use APO Tibolone
You take the tablet by mouth with a glass of water at around the same time every day.
Risks of using HRT
Some females using HRT will be diagnosed with breast cancer slightly more often than those not using HRT. The studies showing this were using old style formulations in certain groups of females and the risk is very small. There is no increased risk of dying from breast cancer nor any increased risk of dying from any cause (all cause mortality).
It is not clear whether this is caused by the HRT. It may be that the women were examined more often because they were on HRT, or that early cancers grew more quickly.
Studies show that about one extra case of breast cancer in 1000 women is diagnosed when women use combined HRT – oestrogen AND progesterone (old style non-body-identical formulations of progesterone). Studies show that women using oestrogen alone (without progesterone) have lower rates of breast cancer diagnosis – also about one less diagnosis in 1000 women.
The research regarding breast safety and APO Tibolone has been contradictory but the risk is probably slightly lower than using combined HRT.
Excessive thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer) has been reportedĀ in women using APO-Tibolone. The risk of cancer of the lining of the womb increases with the duration of use. See your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding (although this is common and of no concern in the first few months).
APO Tibolone may increase the risk of stroke in women over 60 years.
Please talk to your doctor about how these risks weigh up against the benefits for you personally.
Reasons not to start APO Tibolone
Allergies to APO Tibolone
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Severe liver disease
You are pregnant or breast feeding
Speak with your doctor about any risks because you have…
Blood clots
Cancer
Migraines
Heart attack or stroke
Side effects of APO Tibolone
Side effects are uncommon and you may not experience any. Most are not serious and will settle over a few months.
Headache, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, swollen feet and itching.
Breast tenderness is uncommon.
Slight bleeding or spotting in the first 3 months.
Stop taking APO Tibolone and seek medical advice if…
The skin or eyes are becoming yellow
Persisting vaginal bleeding
Pain in your calves or chest, sudden shortness of breath indicating possible clots*
Severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, changes in vision, speech, numbness, weakness of an arm or leg*
* go to emergency as these need immediate assessment.
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