What is Duavive?
Duavive is a combination medication that includes both conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene acetate.
Duavive is indicated for use as a treatment for severe vasomotor symptoms that are associated with menopause, in women that still have an intact uterus.
It’s important to remember that Duavive shouldn’t be taken with a progestin, additional estrogens, or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Duavive, please review the product monograph.
How does Duavive work?
As women enter the menopausal transition, and move into menopause/postmenopause, their bodies begin producing less natural estrogen.
Duavive replaces some of those missing hormones. In turn, this helps relieve vasomotor symptoms that are associated with reduced estrogen levels.
Duavive also contains bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, which also helps reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (an overgrowth of the lining of the uterus).
It’s important to note that Duavive is only indicated for use by women with an intact uterus.
What is Duavive used to treat?
Duavive is used to treat women with an intact womb (uterus), who are experiencing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.
It’s very important to note that Duavive shouldn’t be used by people who have had their uterus removed.
Also, Duavive shouldn’t be taken with progestin, additional estrogen, or any additional selective estrogen receptor modulators (i.e., raloxifene).
How do you take Duavive?
Duavive tablets are to be taken once daily, orally. Pills can be taken with or without food, and should be swallowed whole. Never chew, break, or dissolve Duavive tablets for use.
Although it doesn’t matter what time of day you take your Duavive dosage, it’s a good idea to take it at the same time each day.
This will help the hormone levels remain as stable as possible in your system.
How long does Duavive last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Duavive?
For most people taking Duavive, side effects will be minor and/or temporary. However, there are some side effects that can occur when taking Duavive, such as:
- Heartburn
- Gas or bloating
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Dizziness or motion sickness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Muscle pain or spasms
- Non-cardiac chest pain
- Pain when urinating or a urinary tract infection
- Incontinence
- Vaginal infection
- Cramps or spotting
- Fever
- Cold-like symptoms
- Sinus headaches
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Dry skin, itchiness, or rash
- Reduced sense of touch/sensation
- Ear discomfort or hearing loss
- Eye pain, swelling, or vision changes
- Nosebleeds
- Toothaches, or mouth/gum discomfort or sores
- Changes in taste of foods
If any of these symptoms become severe or start to impact your quality of life, be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner at Felix. They may be able to suggest an alternative medication that will work better for you.
MHT is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms and has been shown to prevent bone loss.
In menopausal women who start appropriately-dosed MHT prior to age 60 OR within 10 years of their last period, the health benefits outweigh the risks.
Risks of MHT are considered very rare (~1 case per 1000 to 10,000 women on MHT per year) and may include:
- risks of stroke or blood clots in legs or lungs with oral estrogen (much lower risk with estrogen gel or patch)
- risks of dementia in women older than 65 years,
- risk of breast cancer (less than ~1 case per 1000 women on MHT per year)
These conditions are all rare, but they highlight the importance of having a full discussion with your healthcare practitioner; especially if you’re experiencing moderate to severe side effects.
Individualization is key, and your MHT treatment plan should be reassessed (at least) once a year to monitor your health, as well as ensure that you are on the correct dosage and formulation.
Your practitioner can help you find balance between treating your symptoms safely, and avoiding increased risks.
Who shouldn't take Duavive?
There are certain people that shouldn’t use Duavive tablets, including:
- People under 18
- People over 75
- People with known or a history of blood clots
- People with a hypersensitivity to estrogens, bazedoxifene, or any of the other ingredients in Duavive
- People with unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding
- People who have or have had breast cancer
- People who have or have had hormone-dependent cancer
- People with current or that have had estrogen-related liver problems
- People with endometrial hyperplasia
- People with blood disorders that increase the risks of blood clots (i.e., protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
- People that are or may be pregnant
- People that are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- People with vision issues related to blood vessel disease of the eye
In addition to these people, there are some others that should be extra cautious about taking Duavive tablets. Be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner first if you:
- Have a history of allergies or intolerances to other medications
- Have a personal history of breast disease, breast biopsies, or a family history of breast cancer
- Have or have had certain cancers, like uterine or breast cancer
- Have a personal history of heart disease, heart attacks, or stroke
- Have a history of high triglycerides or high cholesterol
- Have liver disease, liver tumours, or jaundice
- Have a history of uterine fibroids or endometriosis
- Have a history of migraines
- Have a history of high blood pressure
- Have a history of kidney disease, asthma, or epilepsy
- Have a history of bone disease
- Have diabetes
- Have porphyria (a blood pigment disease)
- Have had a hysterectomy
- Have lupus
- Have hearing loss due to otosclerosis
- Have hereditary angioedema
- Have experienced episodes of rapid swelling of your hands, feet, face, lips, eyes, tongue, throat, or digestive tract
