What is Angeliq?

Generic Name: drospirenone and estradiol (dro SPY re nown, ESS tra dy ol)
Brand Names: Angeliq

What is Angeliq?

Angeliq contains a combination of drospirenone and estradiol. Drospirenone is a female hormone that helps regulate ovulation and menstruation.

Estradiol is a female hormone involved in development and maintenance of the female reproductive system.

Angeliq is used to treat the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes or vaginal changes (itching, burning, dryness, urination problems). Angeliq is also used to prevent thinning of the bones (osteoporosis).

Angeliq is also used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The symptoms of PMDD include depression, anxiety, persistent anger or irritability, trouble concentrating, sleep or appetite changes, and feeling out of control. PMDD also includes physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, headache, joint or muscle pain, bloating, and weight gain.

PMDD is not the same condition as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Angeliq is not meant to treat PMS.

Angeliq may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Angeliq

Angeliq can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Drospirenone may raise potassium levels in your blood. Other medical conditions can also affect potassium levels. Before using Angeliq, tell your doctor about all of your current and past medical conditions, and about all the medicines you use. Stop using Angeliq and call your doctor at once if you feel short of breath, have sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance.

Call your doctor right away if you have a breast lump, unusual vaginal bleeding, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Before taking Angeliq

Drospirenone may raise potassium levels in your blood. Other medical conditions can also affect potassium levels. Before using Angeliq, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:

• a history of liver disease;
• a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) during a pregnancy or while using birth control pills;
• kidney disease;
• adrenal insufficiency;
• hemophilia or other bleeding disorder;
• a history of stroke or blood clot;
• unusual vaginal bleeding; or
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Certain medicines can also affect potassium levels. Tell your doctor if you use any of the following drugs:

• heparin;
• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), indomethacin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene);
• a diuretic ("water pill") such as spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), amiloride (Midamor), or eplerenone (Inspra);
• a potassium supplement such as Klor-Con, K-Dur, K-Tab;
• an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), enalapril (Vasotec); or
• blood pressure medicine such as candesartan (Atacand), losartan (Cozaar), telmisartan (Micardis).

If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be able to use Angeliq, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment:

• high blood pressure, angina, heart disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides;
• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma;
• epilepsy;
• migraines, depression;
• diabetes;
• gallbladder disease;
• uterine fibroids; or
• you have had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).

FDA pregnancy category X. Angeliq can cause birth defects. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Angeliq may affect breast milk. Do not take Angeliq without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Angeliq pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Taking the combination of drospirenone and estradiol may reduce this risk. Talk with your doctor about your individual situation, and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

How should I take Angeliq?

Take Angeliq exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take Angeliq for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Try to take Angeliq at the same time each day.

Store Angeliq at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Angeliq dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take Angeliq at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much Angeliq.

An overdose of Angeliq is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking Angeliq

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking Angeliq unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Angeliq side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Angeliq and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain;
• shortness of breath;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• stomach pain, swelling, or tenderness;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• breast lump.

Continue using Angeliq and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• nausea and vomiting;
• breast tenderness or enlargement;
• swelling of your hands or feet;
• darkened skin, especially on your face;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• headache, migraine, dizziness, or fainting;
• problems with contact lenses;
• depression;
• vaginal yeast infections; or
• enlargement of uterine fibroids.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

See also: Angeliq side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Angeliq?

Before taking Angeliq, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• insulin or diabetes medicine taken by mouth, including glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others; or
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use dropirenone and estradiol.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Angeliq. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.