What is Duavee?

Duavee (Conjugated Estrogens/Bazedoxifene) This medication is a combination product containing conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene (an estrogen agonist/antagonist). It is used by women with a uterus to help reduce symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness) and to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. Conjugated estrogens are female hormones which help to decrease menopausal symptoms caused by the body making less estrogen. Bazedoxifene is not a hormone, but works by acting like estrogen (as a selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM) in some parts of the body. The bazedoxifene in this medication helps to preserve bone mass and reduces the risk of cancer of the uterus which can be caused by using estrogen. If you are using this medication to treat symptoms only in and around the vagina, consider using products applied directly inside the vagina instead of medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. You may take it with food or right after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or crush.
• Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often or for a longer time than directed.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, diabetes, cancer (especially breast cancer, cancer of the uterus/ovaries), blood clots, blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), family medical history (especially of breast lumps, cancer, blood clots), family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema), gallbladder disease, heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), high blood pressure, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, mental/mood disorders (such as dementia, depression), migraine headaches, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mineral imbalance (low or high level of calcium in the blood), obesity, a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), uterus problems (such as fibroids, endometriosis), asthma, seizures, stroke, a certain blood disorder (porphyria).

Also be aware that:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco. Estrogens combined with smoking further increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, especially in women older than 35.
• Tell your doctor if you just had or will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (such as a long plane flight). These conditions increase your risk of getting blood clots, especially if you are taking an estrogen product. You may need to stop this medication for a time or take special precautions.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
• If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur.
• This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Estrogens pass into breast milk and may reduce the quality and amount of breast milk produced. It is unknown if bazedoxifene passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes may occur.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Lumps in the breast, mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss), persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, swelling hands/ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, sudden heavy bleeding).
• Blood clots (such as heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain, confusion, coughing up blood, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, slurred speech, sudden dizziness/fainting, sudden/severe headache, sudden vision changes (such as partial/complete blindness), tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, weakness on one side of the body.
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Duavee?

A: Do not take progestins or any other estrogen while you are taking Duavee.