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Fibroids are the most common form of non-cancerous, benign growth in women of reproductive age that grow in the muscles of the uterus. The majority are very small and do not cause symptoms at all. However, when they become very large, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and discomfort. The causes of uterine fibroids are not yet fully understood, however, they seem to be stimulated by the female hormone, progesterone. Esmya® is used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids by modifying the activity of progesterone. It is usually used before an operation of the fibroids or for long term treatment of your fibroids to reduce their size, to stop or reduce bleeding.
Fibroids are the most common form of non-cancerous, benign growth in women of reproductive age that grow in the muscles of the uterus. The majority are very small and do not cause symptoms at all. However, when they become very large, they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and discomfort. The causes of uterine fibroids are not yet fully understood, however, they seem to be stimulated by the female hormone, progesterone.
Side effects may occur when taking Esmya®, but the majority of these tend to resolve spontaneously. Common side effects include:
Consult your doctor about any symptoms that becomes bothersome.
If you miss a dose by less than 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a dose by more than 12 hours, skip the missed tablet. Resume the next dose and take only a single tablet as usual at the regular timing. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
Esmya® leads to a significant reduction in menstrual blood loss within the first 10 days of treatment. If excessive bleeding persists, you should inform your doctor. Menstrual periods will generally return within 4 weeks after the end of the treatment course.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines or herbal supplements as they may interact with this medication and cause undesirable effects. You should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while on treatment with Esmya®.
Esmya® is likely to make some hormonal contraceptives less effective. Women taking Esmya® as treatment for uterine fibroids are advised to use non-hormonal contraception (e.g barrier-method) as a precaution to prevent pregnancy.
Updated on Sunday, December 1, 2019
This article is contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
