Livial

What is Livial?

Livial is a synthetic steroid used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat the symptoms of the menopause and reduce the risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) in postmenopausal women.

When ingested, the active component (tibolone) is metabolised into compounds which mimic the natural sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. This helps to restore the hormonal imbalance within the body and relieve symptoms of the menopause.

Livial can be prescribed for post-menopausal women who are at risk of developing osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and for whom other treatments for the condition can not be given.

You can buy Livial tablets for menopause online from Prescription Doctor. To begin your order, please complete our online medical form, which will be reviewed by one of our prescribers.

If your order is approved before 3pm on a weekday, our pharmacy can dispatch your item the same day via discreet next-day delivery.

What is menopause?

The menopause is when the hormones in a woman’s body become unbalanced, which causes various changes. Ovulation and periods slow down before stopping altogether.

What are the symptoms of the menopause?

Symptoms of the menopause include:

• Hot flushes
• Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in sex drive (libido)

These symptoms typically begin between the ages of 45 and 55 and last for approximately 4 years.

If these symptoms interfere with a woman’s lifestyle, HRT can be prescribed to relieve the symptoms and bring hormonal balance back to the body, while reducing the risk of associated health conditions such as endometrial cancer and osteoporosis.

How to take Livial?

Before taking Livial, it is essential to consult with your GP to ensure the treatment is suitable for you.

Livial tablets can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.

What should I do if I forget to take Livial when I should?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

If 12 hours have passed since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and take the next tablet as normal. Do not take more medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Always take Livial as prescribed by the doctor.

Side effects and cautions of Livial

Before taking Livial, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Who should not take Livial?

Livial should not be used by women who:

• Are allergic to any of the ingredients of Livial
• Are pregnant
• Have a blood condition called porphyria
• Have a condition caused by a blood clot (e.g heart attack, stroke, angina)
• Have not experienced the menopause
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have untreated endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterus lining)
• Have, or had, a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• Have, or had, cancer of the breast and/or endometrium (lining of the womb)
• Have, or had liver disease

Side effects of Livial

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Before taking your medication, it is important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet enclosed within the packaging of your treatment.

Possible side effects of Livial may include:

• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• Excessive growth of the endometrium
• Excessive hair growth on the face and body
• Itching skin
• Stomach ache
• Swelling of the extremities (water retention)
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal irritation and itching
• Vaginal thrush
• Weight changes

This is not a full list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Livial, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately stop taking Livial and seek medical advice from a healthcare professional:

• A sharp rise in your blood pressure
• Migraine (if not experienced before)
• Signs of a blood clot (painful swelling and redness in the legs, sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing)
• Yellowing of the skin and eyeballs (jaundice)

Allergies

Do not take Livial if you are allergic to tibolone or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

If you experience an allergic reaction after taking Livial, stop taking the tablets and seek emergency medical attention. Go to your nearest accident and emergency department right away. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you, so that doctors treating you know exactly what you have taken.

Other safety information

Always read the included patient information leaflet before starting to take Livial.

If you have any questions or concerns about the information in this patient information leaflet, please consult your doctor or a pharmacist.

Do not take Livial past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never dispose of medicines via household or water waste, as this can damage the environment. Ask your local pharmacy to dispose of any unwanted or expired medication for you.

Always store Livial tablets out of sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicines with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.