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Taking it with other medicines - Continuous combined HRT

There are some medicines that may affect how continuous combined HRT tablets work because they can sometimes cause irregular bleeding.

HRT can also affect how some medicines work by making them less effective. For example, some HRT can cause epilepsy to be less well controlled.

Tell your GP or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including:

  • epilepsy medicines
  • medicines for tuberculosis
  • medicines for HIV and Hepatitis C
  • some antibiotics and antifungal medicines
  • some medicines for heart problems or high blood pressure

HRT skin patches are less likely to be affected by other medicines.

Mixing continuous combined HRT with herbal remedies

St John's wort may stop HRT tablets from working as well. HRT patches will be less affected by this.

It's not possible to say that other herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with HRT. They're generally not tested for the effect they can have on other medicines.

Any herbal product may affect other medicines you're taking. It's important to check with your GP or pharmacist before starting to take them.

Alternatives to HRT

Medicine safety

Tell your GP or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines. This includes herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements that you buy over the counter.

Page last reviewed: 1 June 2025
Next review due: 1 June 2028