Kliofem tablets are a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prescribed to women after menopause to replace the oestrogen no longer produced by the body. This relieves menopause symptoms and restores the oestrogen’s protective effect against cardiovascular disease.

Kliofem is a continuous combined HRT used to treat postmenopausal women who have not had their natural period for at least 12 months. It should be taken daily.

Kliofem is only intended for women who have not had a hysterectomy. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy, should seek an HRT that does not contain progestogen.

If you have fibroids in the uterus, gallstones, migraine, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, otosclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), triglycerides, increased risk of developing clots, high blood pressure, growth of the womb lining, fluid retention due to kidney or cardiac problems, inform your GP about before starting Kliofem. This medicine is not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Kliofem is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and contains two female hormones, estradiol (a synthetic form of oestrogen) and norethisterone acetate (a synthetic form of progesterone). These hormones behave similarly to the natural hormones produced by the female body.

During menopause, the amount of oestrogen produced by a woman’s body declines. This can result in symptoms such as a hot face, chest or neck. Doctors prescribe Kliofem to alleviate these symptoms if they begin to interfere with daily activities and routine.

After menopause, many women are diagnosed with osteoporosis. The condition is marked by weak bones and an increased risk of fractures. Kliofem helps prevent osteoporosis after menopause.

How does Kliofem work?

Women's ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen before menopause, and oestrogen levels in the blood decline as a result. These declining levels can cause distressing symptoms, such as irregular periods, night sweats, hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness or itching.

Oestrogen in the form of estradiol can be given as a supplement to replace the falling hormonal levels in the body and help reduce symptoms. This is known as hormone replacement therapy. HRT is usually only required for short-term relief from menopausal symptoms. You should review your use at least once a year with your doctor.

Women who have not had a hysterectomy need a progestogen as part of their HRT. This is because in women with an intact uterus, oestrogen stimulates the growth of endometrium (uterine lining), which can increase the chance of endometrial cancer occurring if the growth goes unrestricted. Progestogen opposes oestrogen’s effect on endometrium and reduces the risk of cancer though does not eliminate it entirely. This is known as combined HRT.

HRT is also used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Declining levels of oestrogen during menopause can affect the bones, causing them to become thinner and more prone to breaks. Oestrogen supplements help prevent bone loss and fractures that may occur in women in the years after menopause.

Women at risk for fractures after menopause include those who have had an early menopause, those who have had recent prolonged corticosteroid therapy (e.g. prednisolone), those who have a small, thin frame and smokers.

Read our Kliofem reviews to find out how effective other users have found this medication.

Has Kliofem been discontinued?

Kliofem has not been discontinued. Kliofem is a combined HRT treatment that is not affected by the nationwide HRT product shortages currently impacting women in the UK.

There is no shortage of Kliofem, but if you are using a Kliofem alternative you may have been informed by your GP or pharmacist that the product you normally use is out of stock or unavailable. This is due to ongoing manufacturing delays and supply issues that are causing shortages of HRT products. These HRT products (which includes Kliofem alternative

Evorel Conti patches are expected to have limited or no availability until the end of 2020.

Although Evorel products and some Elleste products are currently out of stock, The Independent Pharmacy offers alternative HRT medications such as Kliofem, Kliovance, and Livial.

If you have any questions about HRT shortages, your GP or pharmacist should be able to provide guidance on suitable alternatives.

If you are currently prescribed Kliofem or the HRT shortage is affecting you and you would like a suitable alternative to Kliofem, you can start a free online consultation with The Independent Pharmacy. It’s quick and easy to do: just answer a few questions and one of our qualified prescribers can issue your treatment for next day delivery.

Non-medicinal alternatives for the symptoms of menopause

For Night Sweats and Hot Flushes

Using A fan
Cool Showers
Wearing light clothing

Vaginal Dryness

Lubricants

Other Alternatives

Healthy diet and regular exercise
Stopping Smoking

*Prescription medicines are supplied subject to a medical consultation at the discretion of a doctor.

Read the leaflet enclosed with your medication carefully before starting a course of Kliofem tablets.

One tablet should be taken each day, at around the same time, either before or after eating. Take the tablets continuously, without a break between packs.

Side effects can include:

Very common side effects, may affect more than 1 in 10 people:

vaginal bleeding
breast tenderness or pain

Common side effects, may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

headache
weight gain caused by water retention
vaginal inflammation
migraine, new or worse than before
fungal vaginal infection
depression, new or worse than before
nausea
abdominal pain, swelling or discomfort
breast enlargement or swelling
leg cramps
back pain
Uterine fibroid aggravation, occurrence or recurrence
swollen arms and legs
weight gain

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in a different way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For more detail read our full guide on Kliofem side effects.

Active ingredients:

Estradiol 2 mg (as estradiol hemihydrate) and norethisterone acetate 1 mg.

Inactive ingredients:

lactose monohydrate, maize starch, talc, hydroxypropylcellulose and magnesium stearate.

The film-coating contains: hypromellose, triacetin and talc.

Important information about some of the ingredients in Kliofem

If you have an intolerance to some sugars, you should be aware that Kliofem contains lactose monohydrate contact your doctor before taking Kliofem.

Read the following warnings carefully to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Treatment with HRT carries risks which you should consider before deciding to start it or to continue taking it.

There is limited experience in treating women with premature menopause. If you have premature menopause, the risks of using HRT may be different for you, so it’s best to talk to your doctor first.

Before starting or restarting HRT, your doctor will ask about your and your family’s medical history. You may need to have a physical examination of your breasts and/or an internal examination, if necessary.

Once you have started on Kliofem you should see your doctor at least once a year. At these check-ups, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of continuing with Kliofem.

Schedule regular breast screenings, as recommended by your doctor.

Do not take Kliofem if any of the following applies to you:

If you have, have had or suspect that you have breast cancer
If you have, have had or suspect that you have cancer of the uterus lining (endometrial cancer), or any other oestrogen- dependent cancer
If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding
If you have excessive thickening of the uterus lining that is untreated
If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein such as in the legs or the lungs.
If you have a blood clotting disorder
If you have had a angina, heart attack, or stroke
If you have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
If you have a rare, hereditary blood problem called porphyria
If you are allergic to any of the other ingredients of Kliofem.

Before you start treatment, inform your doctor if you have or have had any of the following conditions since they may return or worsen during treatment with Kliofem:

Fibroids inside your uterus
Endometriosis or a history of excessive growth of the uterus lining
Elevated risk of developing blood clots
Elevated risk of developing an oestrogen-sensitive cancer
A liver disorder
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Gallstones
Migraine or severe headaches
Systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE
Epilepsy
Asthma
Otosclerosis
A very high level of triglycerides in your blood.
Fluid retention as part of cardiac or kidney problems
If you take medication for an underactive thyroid gland, your doctor will test you during your treatment with HRT to ensure that your hormone levels remain acceptable
A hereditary condition causing recurrent episodes of severe swelling or if you have experienced rapid swelling of the hands, face, lips, feet, eyes, throat, tongue, or digestive tract
Lactose intolerance.

Stop taking Kliofem and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

Any of the conditions mentioned in the ‘Warnings’ section
Signs of jaundice. This may signal liver disease
A significant rise in your blood pressure. Symptoms include headache, tiredness, dizziness.
Headaches which happen for the first time that resemble migraines
If you become pregnant
If you notice signs of a blood clot, such as:
Painful swelling and redness in the legs
Pain in the chest which comes on suddenly
Difficulty in breathing

Note: Kliofem is not a contraceptive. If it has been less than a year since your last menstrual period or you are under 50 years old, you may still need additional contraception. Consult your doctor for advice.

HRT and cancer

Excessive thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) and cancer of the lining of uterus (endometrial cancer). Taking an HRT with oestrogen only will increase your risk of developing excessive thickening of endometrium and endometrial endometrium.

The progestagen in Kliofem® protects you from this extra risk.

On average, in women who have not had a hysterectomy and do not take HRT, 0.5% will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer between the ages of 50 and 65.

For women aged 50 to 65 who have not had a hysterectomy and who take oestrogen-only HRT, between 1% and 1.6% will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer, depending on the dose and the length of treatment.

Breast cancer

Evidence suggests that taking combined oestrogen-progestagen and possibly oestrogen-only HRT increase patients’ risk of developing breast cancer. This risk depends on how long you take HRT. However, the risk returns to normal a few years after stopping treatment.

On average, of women aged 50 to 79, 9 to 17 women in 1,000 women who are not taking HRT will be diagnosed with breast cancer over a 5-year period. There will be 13 to 23 cases in 1,00 women aged 50 to 79 who take oestrogen-progestagen HRT for over 5 years.

Check your breasts regularly. Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes such as:

dimpling of the skin
changes in the nipple
lumps you can see or feel.

Additionally, you are advised to schedule regular mammogram screenings During the screening, inform the nurse or healthcare professional about your use of HRT, as this medication may increase the density of your breasts and affect the mammogram’s outcome. Where breast has increased density, mammography may not detect all lumps.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is rare, however the use of oestrogen-only or combined oestrogen-progestagen HRT has been associated with a slight increase in the risk of ovarian cancer.

The risk varies with age. For example, about 2 women in 2,000 aged 50 to 54 who are not taking HRT will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer over a 5-year period. For women who have been taking HRT for 5 years, there will be about 3 cases per 2,000 users.

HRT’s effect on heart and circulation

Blood clots

The risk of developing blood clots in the veins is higher in HRT users than in non-users, especially during the first year of taking the medication.

Blood clots can be serious, and if a clot enters the lungs, it can cause chest pain, breathlessness, fainting or even death.

You are more likely to develop a blood clot in your veins as you age and if any of the following applies to you:

You are unable to walk for an extended period of time due to major surgery, injury or illness.
If any of your close relatives has had a blood clot in the leg, lung or another organ
You are overweight (BMI > 30 kg/m2)
You have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
You have a blood clotting problem that requires long-term treatment with a medication used to prevent blood clots
You have cancer

Talk to your doctor if you have any of these conditions prior to taking Kliofem.

For signs of a blood clot, see Stop taking Kliofem® and see a doctor immediately.

On average, 4 to 7 women in 1,000 in their 50s who are not taking HRT, would be expected to get a blood clot in a vein over a 5-year period.

For women in their 50s who have been taking oestrogen-progestagen HRT for over 5 years, there are 9 to 12 cases in 1,000 users.

Heart disease (heart attack)

Women over the age of 60 who take oestrogen-progestagen HRT have a slightly higher risk of developing heart disease than those not taking HRT. There is no evidence that HRT will prevent a heart attack.

Stroke

The risk of getting stroke is about 1.5 times higher for HRT users than non-users. The number of extra cases of stroke linked to HRT use will increase with age.

On average, 8 in 1,000 women in their 50s who are not taking HRT are likely to have a stroke over a 5-year period. For women in their 50s who are taking HRT, there will be 11 cases of stroke in 1,000 users over 5 years.

Other conditions

Irregular bleeding

You may experience irregular bleeding or spotting during the first 3-6 months of taking Kliofem. However, if the irregular bleeding:

continues after the first 6 months,
begins after you have been taking Kliofem for over 6 months
continues after you have stopped Kliofem

If you experience any of the above contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Memory loss

HRT will not prevent memory loss. There is some evidence of memory loss in women who start using HRT after the age of 65. Consult your doctor for advice.

Using other medications

Some medicines may interfere with Kliofem. This might lead to irregular bleeding and applies to the following medications:

Medications for epilepsy
Medications for tuberculosis
Medications for HIV infection (
Medications for hepatitis C infections
remedies containing St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Some medicines increase the effects of Kilofem these include:

Medicines containing ketoconazole.

You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take or have recently taken any other medications, including over-the-counter, herbal medications or other natural products.

Taking Kliofem with food and drink

Kliofem tablets can be taken with or without food and drink.

Laboratory tests

If you need to take a blood test, tell your doctor or the laboratory staff that you are taking Kliofem, since it can affect the results of some tests.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: If you become pregnant speak to your doctor. Kilofem is to be used in postmenopausal women only.

Breastfeeding: do not take Kliofem if you are breast-feeding.

Driving and operating machinery

Kliofem has no studied effect on a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery.

Delivery & Shipping Information

Please note that due to the current situation with COVID-19, Royal Mail are experiencing some delays. This may mean that your order takes longer to arrive than you would normally expect. We are working hard to ensure that, where possible, all orders placed before 15:00 are still dispatched the same working day.

UK Orders

We offer FREE standard tracked delivery on orders over £40.

The following delivery options are available:

Standard Tracked Delivery - 3 - 5 day delivery - £2.95
Express Tracked Delivery - 1 - 3 day delivery - £4.45
DPD Next Day - 1 - 2 working days - £6.95
Special Delivery (Guaranteed before 21:00) - £8.95
Saturday Guaranteed before 21:00 - £10.45

Important Delivery Information

All our orders are sent out using Royal Mail (unless stated). We always aim to dispatch all Royal Mail orders received before 15:00 the same working day. Any orders received after 15:00 or over the weekend will be dispatched the next working day. Orders will not be dispatched on weekends or bank holidays.

All orders are subject to approval by our team of doctors and pharmacists. Your delivery date in the checkout is subject to your consultation being approved by our healthcare team.

All orders can be fully tracked from your dispatch email and in your account.

We ensure all parcels are in plain packaging for discreet delivery of your medicines and pharmacy goods. Where possible, we will attempt to size all parcels to fit through your letterbox in tamper-proof packaging. By placing an order on our website, you confirm that it is safe and appropriate for a package containing medicines to be posted through your letterbox, if the carrier is able to do so. You should notify our customer support team if it is not safe for the package to be posted through the letterbox, for example due to animals or small children.

Deliveries containing pharmacy-only or prescription medicines may require a signature on receipt.

Delivery is free for all NHS prescriptions.

Royal Mail

Royal Mail are the most widely recognised mail delivery company in the UK. Being on the UK’s 29 million doorsteps six days a week means they offer unparalleled price and convenience. The Independent Pharmacy uses Royal Mail’s Tracked 48, Tracked 24, and Special Delivery Guaranteed parcel services to offer reliable, fully-tracked delivery at very competitive prices. Your Royal Mail parcel will arrive with your normal daily delivery of post.

Please note: Royal Mail do not deliver on Sundays or Bank Holidays - this should be taken into account when ordering.

If you are not home to accept your delivery, a card should be left by the Royal Mail representative. This card will provide details of where you can collect the order or how to arrange re-delivery.

Should you be unable to collect your missed delivery or arrange for your medication to be redelivered by Royal Mail, the pharmacy can resend your medication to the same, or a different address provided it has been returned to us and this happens within a 30 day window.

Once a package has been shipped with Royal Mail we advise that you are bound to the terms and conditions of their use together with the terms and conditions contained herein.

You have the right to cancel your order up to the point when your treatment is dispatched. The pharmacist must destroy any medication within 30 days of it being returned, even un-opened boxes, so we are not able to offer refunds once your treatment has been dispatched.

DPD

DPD Local is the most innovative parcel carrier around. Thanks to their industry-leading Predict service, they provide parcel recipients with a one hour delivery window, notified by email, so you don't have to wait in all day. What's more, it enables receivers to watch the progress of their delivery on a real-time map, all the way down to a final 15 minute time-slot.

As well as keeping customers informed at every stage of the journey, DPD believe in maximising choice and convenience. That's why DPD provide access to a suite of options both on the day of delivery and the night before, allowing customers to take delivery of their goods in a way that suits. If you wish to reschedule, you can:

Select an alternative delivery date
Opt for delivery to a nominated neighbour
Have the parcel left in a specified safe place
Collect the parcel from your local DPD Pickup Shop
Upgrade delivery to By 12

Please note: DPD do not deliver on Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays - this should be taken into account when ordering.

Once a package has been shipped with DPD we advise that you are bound to the terms and conditions of their use together with the terms and conditions contained herein.

Forwarding houses

We are unable to ship orders to mailing or forwarding houses for onwards shipping to locations outside of the UK.

BFPO Postcodes

Unfortunately we are unable to deliver medicines to BFPO postcodes.

Remote Areas

Please be aware that Royal Mail Guaranteed services are not available to all customers in the UK, especially those that live in remote postcodes. Royal Mail advise customers of the following:

We deliver by 17:30 the next working day in the following postcode areas:
AB30 - 39, 41 - 45, 51 - 56
GY9 Alderney (Channel Islands)
HS1, 3 - 9
IV21 - 28, 40 - 49, 51 - 56
KA27, 28
KW1 - 3, 5 - 15
KW16 Stromness Town only
PA20 (0&9)
PA28 - 38, 41 - 49, 76, 77
PH15, 17 - 26, 31 - 40, 49, 50
ZE1

We deliver within two working days by 17:30 to the following postcodes areas:
GY1 Herm (Channel Islands)
GY9 Sark (Channel Islands)
GY10
HS2
PA60 - 75, 78
ZE2, 3

We deliver within three working days by 17:30 to the following postcode areas:
KW16 - non-Town
KW17
PH30, 41 - 44

Please note: This applies to our 'Special Delivery' and 'Saturday Guaranteed' services.