Always take tibolone as your GP tells you. You can check the instructions with your pharmacist or read the leaflet in the medicine packet.
Non-urgent advice: Find your patient information leaflet
Your patient information leaflet is the leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can find a digital version of the leaflet online.
Dosage
The usual dose of tibolone is one 2.5mg tablet, taken once a day.
How to take it
Swallow your tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush it.
It's best to take it at the same time each day.
You can take it before or after food. Do not take it with food as it can affect how the medicine works.
How long to take it for
How long you take tibolone for depends on your symptoms. It's common to take it for 2 to 5 years to treat menopause symptoms. But sometimes you may need to take it for longer.
How long you take HRT for depends on the benefits and risks to you. Ask your GP for advice.
It can take up to 3 months for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to begin improving your symptoms.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take your tibolone, take it as soon as you remember. If it's more than 12 hours since your dose was due, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
Missing your dose can sometimes cause vaginal bleeding or spotting.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.
If you take too much
Taking an extra dose of continuous combined HRT is unlikely to harm you.
You may:
- feel sick (nausea), or be sick (vomit)
- have unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting
If you're worried, talk to your GP or pharmacist for advice.
Stopping tibolone
Talk to your GP if you're thinking of stopping taking tibolone. They may suggest that you reduce your dose gradually, to help prevent your menopause symptoms coming back.
If you're having problems with side effects, your GP might suggest changing your dose, or switching to another type of HRT.
If you have surgery
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking tibolone.
You will be advised to stop taking your tibolone tablets about 4 to 6 weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of a blood clot.
Ask your GP or surgeon when you can start taking tibolone again.
Alcohol and tibolone
You can drink alcohol while taking tibolone.
But it may be helpful to cut down on alcohol during menopause to reduce symptoms of flushing and improve your sleep.
Food and tibolone
You can eat and drink normally while taking tibolone.
Try to have a healthy diet, as this can help with menopause symptoms and keep you well. Cutting down on alcohol and caffeine may help reduce hot flushes.