Livial contains the active ingredient tibolone, a synthetic steroid medicine used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Livial is normally used by women where the levels of oestrogen are low. It mimics the activity of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone in the body.
Livial is often used by women considered to be at risk of developing fractures due to osteoporosis.
How to use this product
Normal dosage is 1 tablet per day. Women experiencing a natural menopause should not start treatment with this medicine until twelve months after their last natural menstrual bleed. This is because the medicine may cause irregular menstrual bleeding if it is started sooner than this.
Side effects
Some side effects that have been registered by women using Livial are: depression, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, visual disturbances, oedema, weight changes, vaginal bleeding, pain in the muscles and joints, rash or itching, seborrhoeic dermatitis, headache, dizziness, growth of facial hair.
Precautions
This medicine should not be used by women with a history of: cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic disorders, inflammation of the veins associated with blood clots, hormone dependent cancer, severe liver disease, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this medicine.
Drug Interactions
The following medications may cause Livial to be less effective: Rifamycins such as rifabutin and rifampicin. Antiepileptic medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone. Barbiturates such as amobarbital.
Persons with diabetes may need to increase their dose of their antidiabetic medicine while taking Livial.
