Fibroids are the most common form of non-cancerous, benign (not harmful) growth in women of reproductive age that grow in the muscles of the uterus (womb). Most of them 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 hormones.
Esmya® is used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids by changing the activity of progesterone.
A single course of Esmya® can be used in women who are about to have surgery for their fibroids. It can be used for more than one course only in women who should not have surgery.
Example: Your 1st course begin in first week of your menstrual bleed in February and last for 3 months (February-April). Break and wait for your next menstrual bleed to occur sometime in May. Your 2nd course will begin on the first week of your menstrual bleed in June. This course will last for up to 3 months. (June-August)
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. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
Esmya® is likely to make some hormonal contraceptives less effective. Women taking Esmya® a treatment for uterine fibroids are advised to use non-hormonal contraception (e.g barrier-method such as a condom) as a precaution to prevent pregnancy.
Avoid taking grapefruit,or grapefruit juice as they may interact with your medication and
increase the risk of side-effects.
Consult your doctor about any symptoms that becomes bothersome.
Esmya® has very rarely been reported to cause liver injury. In order to prevent rare but serious liver injury:
The symptoms of liver injury include one or more of the following:
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimers
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity, and Watsons), and the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last Updated on December 2019
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