Gepretix 100mg Soft Capsules

What is Gepretix and what is it used for?

Gepretix 100mg soft capsules contain the hormone progesterone. It can be taken alongside the hormone oestrogen as a combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Taking HRT can ease the unpleasant symptoms of the menopause for some women, such as hot flushes, low mood and vaginal dryness. HRT can also be taken by women experiencing signs of perimenopause.

Gepretix is suitable for women with an intact uterus or womb when taken with oestrogens (i.e. combined HRT), such as Elleste Solo, Zumenon, or patches such as Evorel and Estradot. It is not a form of contraception.

Utrogestan 100mg capsules are for oral use only. An alternative to these is Utrogestan 200mg vaginal capsules which are inserted into the vagina.

How does Gepretix work?

As women approach menopause, the body’s natural production of both oestrogen and progesterone decreases. Taking HRT boosts the levels of these hormones, improving related symptoms.

When taking oestrogen alone it causes the cells of the lining of the womb, the endometrium, to thicken, which can lead to some women developing cancers of the womb. Taking Gepretix opposes this process, causing the womb lining to shed every month, just like during a menstrual bleed, lowering the risk of developing cancer.

Can Gepretix be taken with food?

It is best to take Gepretix on an empty stomach because eating food at the same time can increase the side effects.

What is the advantage of Gepretix over Utrogestan?

Pharmacologically they are identical - they both contain micronised progesterone in a body identical version of the hormone. Gepretix is a branded generic version and offers a more cost-effective version of the Utrogestan brand. It also offers an alternative when the utrogestan is out of stock.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/types/
• Patient Information Leaflet
  

How to take Gepretix 100mg

Gepretix 100mg soft capsules are for oral use only and should only be taken by women experiencing symptoms of menopause alongside oestrogen as directed by your doctor.

There are two ways you may be directed to take Utrogestan:

1. For women who are still having periods within the last 6 to 12 months: Take 2 capsules every day from day 15 to day 26 of your 28-day monthly cycle. This regime will create an artificial monthly bleed
2. For women who have not had a period for over a year: Take 1 capsule every evening without a break

For full details on how to take Utrogestan 100mg capsules please see the Patient Information Leaflet

Gepretix 100mg ingredients

Each capsule of Gepretix contains the active ingredient: 100 mg progesterone.

Each capsule of Gepretix also contains inactive ingredients:

• Grape seed oil
• Soya bean lecithin

Capsule shell:

• Gelatin
• Glycerol
• Titanium dioxide (E171)

Please ensure you are familiar with all the ingredients listed in the Patient Information Leaflet before taking Utrogestan.

Gepretix side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The following side effects were reported in > 10% of patients with daily 0.625 mg conjugated oestrogen:

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
  
• Depression
• Breast tenderness
• Hot flushes
• Vaginal discharge
• Joint pain
• Urinary problems

If you are concerned about any side effects you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice. For more information about potential side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Gepretix 100mg soft capsules warnings

Please read the full information regarding warnings and precautions detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet before taking Gepretix.

Using HRT treatment increases your risk of developing certain health conditions. You should take time to consider the risk factors associated with HRT before deciding if it’s the best option for you at this time. If you have any questions or concerns you should discuss these with your GP or specialist.

Do not take GEPRETIX 100 mg:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to progesterone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If you have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspecting of having it
• If you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it
• If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• If you have or ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
• If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
• If you have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
• If you have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited)
• If you have bleeding in the brain (cerebral haemorrhage)
• If you are breast-feeding (see “Pregnancy and Breast-feeding”)