Livial (Tibolone)

Description

Indications

Women with a uterus use this medication to alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Tibolone, while not a hormone itself, mimics the actions of specific hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—in certain parts of the body.

Uses and Dosage

Administer this medication orally, with or without food, as per your doctor’s instructions, typically once daily with water or another beverage. Ingest the tablet whole; do not chew or crush it.

Consistently take this medication to maximize its effectiveness. To facilitate recall, take it at the same time daily. Do not exceed your prescribed dose or take the medication more frequently or for a longer duration than advised.

Keep your doctor informed if your condition doesn’t improve or if it deteriorates.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• breast tenderness
• stomach pain or pelvic pain
• unusual hair growth
• vaginal bleeding or spotting
• weight gain

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop
• lumps in the breast
• mental/mood changes
• severe stomach/abdominal pain
• yellowing eyes/skin
• dark urine
• swelling hands/ankles/feet
• increased thirst/urination
• heavy vaginal bleeding

Caution

• Prior to taking this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have or if you have other allergies. This product could contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other complications.
• Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, diabetes, cancer, blood clots, blood clotting disorders, a family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema), gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, mental/mood disorders, migraine headaches, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mineral imbalance (low or high levels of calcium in the blood), obesity, a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), uterus problems, asthma, seizures, stroke, or a certain blood disorder (porphyria).
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco, as combining tibolone with smoking further increases the risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, particularly in women older than 35.
• Inform your doctor if you have recently undergone or are planning to have surgery or if you will be immobile for an extended period (e.g., long plane flight). These conditions heighten the risk of blood clots, especially when taking tibolone. You may need to discontinue this medication temporarily or take special precautions.
• This medication may lead to blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma), which may worsen with sunlight exposure. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen along with protective clothing when outdoors.
• If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may experience vision problems or difficulty wearing contact lenses.
• Contact your eye doctor if such issues arise.
• Avoid using this medication during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy, inform your doctor promptly.
• It is unclear whether this medication passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended.

Form and Strength

Livial is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Livial tablet:
  • 2.5 mg
• tibolone tablet:
  • 2.5 mg

FAQ

How quickly does Livial work?

Improvement of symptoms generally occurs within a few weeks, but optimal results are obtained when therapy is continued for at least 3 months.

When is the best time to take Livial?

You may take Livial at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time of day, each day.

Resources

1. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/l/Livialtab.pdf
2. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/tibolone/side-effects-of-tibolone/
3. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB09070
4. https://patient.info/medicine/tibolone-tablets-livial
5. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/tibolone-oral