Angeliq (Estradiol/Drospirenone)

What is Angeliq?

Angeliq is a combination drug containing drospirenone and estradiol (which are female hormones).

What is Angeliq used for?

Angeliq is used for the treatment of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal changes like burning, itching, dryness and urination problems. It also helps prevent osteoporosis and cure symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which include depression, anxiety, sleep or appetite changes, breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain.

How does Angeliq work?

One of the ingredients of this drug, drospirenone, works by regulating the menstruation and ovulation process, and the other ingredient, estradiol, works by maintaining the female reproductive system. It also helps it grow and develop.

How to use Angeliq

Angeliq should be taken in the manner prescribed by your doctor. Thus, carefully follow all instructions given on the prescription label.

Angeliq should be taken with a full glass of water. Prefer taking the medicine at the same time every day.

Angeliq warnings and precautions

Pregnant and lactating women are strictly advised not to take Angeliq. Use effective birth control treatments while you are on the Angeliq dosing schedule. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, intimate your doctor right away.

Also, inform your doctor, beforehand, if you have or had been suffering from any liver, kidney, heart, or blood disorder; jaundice; diabetes; migraine; depression; asthma; epilepsy; uterine fibroids; gallbladder disease; adrenal insufficiency; or any kind of breast, uterine or hormone-dependent cancer.

Be careful that the doses are neither taken in larger amounts than prescribed nor for a longer duration. The drug may increase your blood potassium levels, thus, avoid taking potassium heavy diet or other drugs that can raise potassium levels in your blood, such as heparin, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), diuretics, ACE inhibitors, medications for blood pressure, etc.

Angeliq should be stored at room temperature, afar from heat and moisture.

What do I do if I have missed a Angeliq dose?

If you have missed your Angeliq dose, you should take it as soon as you remember, but if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your dosing schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Angeliq overdose?

If you have taken an Angeliq overdose, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Angeliq interactions

Inform your doctor beforehand if you are already consuming any other medicines like vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Also, tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription medicines that you are taking, especially blood thinners, insulin, or diabetes medicines taken orally. These might interact with Angeliq and cause harm to the patient.

Angeliq side effects

Some major side effects of Angeliq include shallow breathing, numbness or weakness especially on one side of the body, severe headache, confusion, and vision, speech or balance problems. One must immediately call the doctor if any of these symptoms are seen.

Also, one can undergo a breast lump, strange vaginal bleeding, or jaundice after taking Angeliq. Report all such symptoms to your doctor right away.

This medication can sometimes also lead to pain in chest or stomach, nausea, vomiting, swelling in hands and feet, varying menstrual periods, migraine, and vaginal yeast infections. Though these are the minor side effects of Angeliq, one should prefer to consult the doctor if such signs persist.