Angeliq

Angeliq contains a combination of drospirenone and estradiol. Drospirenone is a female hormone that helps regulate ovulation and menstruation.
Estradiol is a female hormone involved in development and maintenance of the female reproductive system.
Angeliq is used to treat the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes or vaginal changes (itching, burning, dryness, urination problems). Angeliq is also used to prevent thinning of the bones (osteoporosis). Angeliq is also used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The symptoms of PMDD include depression, anxiety, persistent anger or irritability, trouble concentrating, sleep or appetite changes, and feeling out of control. PMDD also includes physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, headache, joint or muscle pain, bloating, and weight gain.
PMDD is not the same condition as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Angeliq is not meant to treat PMS.
Angeliq may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Angeliq
Angeliq can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Drospirenone may raise potassium levels in your blood. Other medical conditions can also affect potassium levels. Before using Angeliq, tell your doctor about all of your current and past medical conditions, and about all the medicines you use. Stop using Angeliq and call your doctor at once if you feel short of breath, have sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance.
Call your doctor right away if you have a breast lump, unusual vaginal bleeding, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Before taking Angeliq
Drospirenone may raise potassium levels in your blood. Other medical conditions can also affect potassium levels. Before using Angeliq, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
a history of liver disease;
a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) during a pregnancy or while using birth control pills;
kidney disease;
adrenal insufficiency;
hemophilia or other bleeding disorder;
a history of stroke or blood clot;
unusual vaginal bleeding; or
any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Side effects:

• chest pain;
• shortness of breath;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• unusual vaginal bleeding