• Livial is a form of HRT
• Livial contains the active substance tibolone, which the body breaks down into female hormones
• Livial is only suitable for women who have been through the menopause and have not had a natural period for at least 12 months
• Livial is also sometimes prescribed to prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
• Livial is prescribed when traditional HRT is not suitable
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

At the time of the menopause, levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone start to fall. This can lead to symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, hair thinning, mood changes and vaginal dryness. 

When you take Livial, the active ingredient tibolone is broken down into metabolites that have oestrogen-like and progesterone-like effects. This can help to reduce the symptoms of the menopause. Livial can also improve libido and enhance the mood.

Livial is sometimes prescribed to women who have been advised not to take hormone replacement therapy that contains synthetic hormones.

Livial is also prescribed to prevent the bone thinning condition osteoporosis. It is only usually prescribed if other osteoporosis medications are unsuitable.

One Livial tablet should be swallowed with some water or another drink. The tablet should be taken at around the same time every day. Livial can be taken with or without food.

Unlike some forms of HRT, a separate progesterone-containing medication does not need to be taken with Livial.

Livial can be started at any time as long as it has been at least 12 months since the last natural period occurred.

If you are switching to Livial from a sequential HRT preparation, you should start Livial the day following completion of the prior regimen. If you are switching to Livial from continuous-combined HRT, you can start taking Livial at any time.

Each Livial tablet contains 2.5mg of tibolone. 1 tablet should be taken daily.

It is best to take Livial for the shortest time period possible as this will help to lower your risk of side effects and other risks associated with hormone treatment. 

Like all medications, Livial can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Abnormal hair growth
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding
• Breast tenderness
• Itching of the genital area
• Vaginal thrush 
• Pelvic pain
• Weight increase.

If these side effects persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

Occasionally, Livial can cause changes to the cervix that are detected on a cervical smear. It can also cause thickening of the lining of the uterus (womb). 

Using HRT can cause a slight increase in the risk of some cancers including breast and uterine cancer. The risk increases when using a higher strength preparation for a long period. The risks associated with Livial are lower than with regular HRT, but it is still important that the benefits of taking this treatment outweigh the potential risks. 

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Livial may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have, or have ever had, breast cancer (or suspected breast cancer)
• Have, or have ever had, endometrial (or another oestrogen dependent) cancer
• Have, or have ever had, ovarian cancer
• Have endometrial hyperplasia, fibroids, or endometriosis
• Have undiagnosed vaginal or genital bleeding
• Have, or have ever had, a PE (pulmonary embolism) or DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – a blood clot to the lungs or leg
• Have a thrombophilic disorder (blood clotting disorders)
• Have angina or have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), or any other form of arterial blood clot
• Have had a stroke
• Have liver disease
• Have porphyria
• Have hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Have diabetes
• Have migraine
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)
• Have epilepsy
• Have asthma
• Have otosclerosis.

If you become pregnant whilst taking Livial, the tablets must be stopped immediately. Livial is not suitable for use when breastfeeding.

Some medications can interact with Livial. You may be advised that Livial will not suit you if you already take:

• Blood thinning medications including warfarin
• Midazolam
• Barbiturates
• Carbamazepine
• Rifampicin
• St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum).

Because Livial may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Livial will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Livial will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Livial will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.

Can I buy Livial online?

You can safely buy Livial online at EU Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Livial is the right medication for your medical condition.

Do I need a prescription for Livial?

Yes, in order to purchase Livial you will need a valid prescription. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.