Activella (estradiol and norethindrone) is an oral medication that contains forms of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Activella used to treat symptoms of menopause and prevent osteoporosis in menopausal women.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take once daily, with or without food.
• Try to take at the same time each day.
• Self-examine your breasts on a monthly basis and have an annual mammogram while taking Activella.
• Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.

Do not use Activella if you’ve had a hysterectomy, heart attack, stroke, blood clot, or certain cancers (breast, uterine, cervial).

Long-term use can increase your risk of developing breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.

Activella can increase your risk of stroke, blood clots, and heart attack. These risks are increased in women who smoke, are overweight, and those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Before taking Activella, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Heart, liver, kidney, or gallbladder disease
• Seizures
• Asthma
• Migraines
• Lupus
• Porphyria
• Thyroid problems
• High blood calcium
• Angioedema

Common side effects of Activella include:

• Changes in menstrual periods, vaginal itching or discharge
• Breast pain
• Nausea, bloating, vomiting, cramps
• Headache
• Thinning hair
• Swelling and weight gain

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Heart attack symptoms – spreading chest pain or pressure, nausea, sweating
• Signs of a blood clot – shortness of breath, stabbing chest pain, coughing blood, sudden vision loss, pain or warmth in legs
• High blood calcium – nausea, constipation, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, reduced energy, weakness, bone pain
• Breast lump
• Jaundice
• Swollen, tender abdomen
• Signs of stroke – numbness or weakness, slurred speech, severe headache, vision and balance problems

How long should I take Activella for?

You should take hormone therapies like Activella for the shortest amount of time possible. Your doctor will re-evaluate your needs every few months, and may consider switching you to a topical form of estrogen therapy.