The combination of conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene is approved for women who suffer from moderate-to-severe hot flashes associated with menopause and also to prevent osteoporosis after menopause. The medicine combines estrogen with bazedoxifene, an estrogen agonist/antagonist (also called a SERM). In women who were between 1 and 5 years post-menopause, use of this combination medicine increased the average spine bone mineral density at 12 months when compared to those who did not take the drug. Hip bone mineral density was also increased at 12 months when compared to those who did not take the drug.
Each daily tablet contains 0.45 mg of conjugated estrogens and 20 mg of bazedoxifene and can be taken without regard to meals.
Conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene should be used only by post-menopausal women who still have a uterus. The bazedoxifene in this medicine reduces the risk of excessive growth of the lining of the uterus that can occur with the estrogen component. Because of this, women who take this drug do not need to take a progestin.
When used to prevent osteoporosis due to menopause, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you. Also, you should take this medicine for the shortest time possible and only for as long as treatment is needed.
Side Effects
Because it contains estrogen, the same precautions and warnings for estrogen apply to conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene. Women who cannot take estrogen or hormone therapy should not take conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene. Side effects may include muscle spasms, nausea, pain and dizziness.