FAQ

Q: What is ANGELIQ?

A: ANGELIQ tablets (drospirenone/estradiol) is a hormone therapy [HT] that contains a combination of estrogen and the unique progestin drsp. Taken as a once-a-day pill, it is clinically proven to rapidly reduce menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness in women experiencing natural menopause.
See: Using ANGELIQ.

Q: What is drsp?

A: ANGELIQ contains drsp (drospirenone, pronounced dros-peer-eh-known), the most preferred progestin of OB/GYNs.* Unlike the progestins found in other treatments, drsp most closely resembles and acts like the hormone progesterone made by your body. Ask your healthcare professional about the unique properties of drsp and what they can mean for you.
See: The Difference Is drsp.

Q: How do I take ANGELIQ?

A: To ensure a steady level of hormones in your system, take ANGELIQ once a day at the same time every day. Even if your symptoms have lessened or stopped altogether, do not stop taking ANGELIQ without first speaking with your healthcare professional. Most likely, this means ANGELIQ is working for you.
See: Using ANGELIQ.

Q: What if I miss a day?

A: Best results are achieved when ANGELIQ is taken every day as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, you should still take ANGELIQ to maintain a steady level of hormones in your system. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, do not double your dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and start ANGELIQ again at your next scheduled dose.
See: Using ANGELIQ.

Q: How effective is ANGELIQ?

A: In clinical trials, on average, women had almost a 30% reduction in hot flashes and night sweats after the first week. Four weeks after starting ANGELIQ, symptoms had dropped by 70% and, by 12 weeks, symptoms reduced by 90%.
See: What to Expect

Q: What about the side effects?

A: The most commonly reported side effects were irregular vaginal bleeding, breast pain and headaches. Other side effects included high blood pressure, liver problems, high blood sugar, fluid retention and hair loss. For more information, please review the Patient Information provided on this site.

Q: What about serious complications?

A: Less common but serious complications include breast cancer, cancer of the uterus, stroke, heart attack, blood clots, dementia, gall bladder disease and ovarian cancer. For more information, please review the Patient Information provided on this site.

Q: Who should not use ANGELIQ?

A: ANGELIQ is different from other hormonal medicines for menopausal symptoms because it contains drospirenone (drsp). Drospirenone may increase the potassium or lower the sodium in your blood.

Therefore, you should not take ANGELIQ if you have kidney, liver or adrenal disease because these conditions may also increase the potassium in your blood. Some other medicines may also increase potassium. Be sure to talk with your healthcare professional about all of the medicines you regularly take and whether ANGELIQ is right for you.

Do not use ANGELIQ if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy). You should also not take ANGELIQ if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, had a stroke or heart attack in the past year, currently have or have had certain cancers or blood clots. Do not use ANGELIQ if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients or if you think you are pregnant. For more information, please review the Patient Information provided on this site.

Q: What is menopause?

A: Menopause can be defined as the end of regular menstruation. The ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen. It is referred to in three stages: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.
See: About Menopause.

Q: At what age can I expect to go through menopause?

A: The most common age that women experience menopause is somewhere in their 40s or 50s, however, some women may experience it earlier or later.
See: About Menopause.

Q: What is the difference between natural and surgical menopause?

A: Natural menopause occurs when your body naturally stops producing estrogen. Surgical menopause is the result of the removal of the ovaries. In most cases, this is also associated with the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
See: About Menopause.

Q: What are common symptoms of menopause?

A: Common physical symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Every woman experiences these symptoms differently. Hormone therapy such as ANGELIQ, may help effectively manage the impact these symptoms have on your life and your regular routine.
See: Understanding Your Symptoms.

Q: How long does it last?

A: Menopausal symptoms may last for many years. Every woman experiences the stages of menopause differently and for different lengths of time.
See: About Menopause.

Q: How does menopause affect my sex life?

The changing levels of estrogen in your body can cause your genital area to become drier and thinner, possibly making sexual intercourse uncomfortable. Lack of sleep can further add to a decreased level of sexual desire. While ANGELIQ tablets (drospirenone/estradiol) can help alleviate vaginal dryness, talking with your partner about each other’s needs and expectations can also go a long way.
See: Healthy Lifestyle Changes.

Q: What is hormone therapy?

A: Hormone therapy is one of the most common methods for controlling moderate to severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Hormone therapy supplements the body’s low estrogen and progesterone levels to help provide rapid relief.
See: Treatment Options.

Q: What are common forms of hormone therapy?

A: While pill form is the most commonly prescribed form of hormone therapy, other forms include patches, vaginal creams and vaginal inserts.
See: Treatment Options

Q: What are the benefits of hormone therapy?

A: Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments for providing rapid relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
See: Treatment Options.

Q: What are the risks of hormone therapy?

A: Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer and blood clots. It is important for you to weigh the pros and cons, based on personal medical history and current lifestyle and habits. Talk with your healthcare professional about your personal situation and whether the possible benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks.
See: About Hormone Therapy.

Q: How long should I take hormone therapy?

A: Hormone therapy should only be taken for as long as the symptoms persist. It is important to consult with your healthcare professional each year about whether you should remain on hormone therapy.
See: About Hormone Therapy.

*In a survey of OB/GYNs, drsp was the preferred progestin in oral contraceptive use.