Duavee / Duavive (generic name: bazedoxifene plus conjugated estrogens) can be prescribed for women with an intact uterus who have moderate to severe menopausal symptoms or to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Bazedoxifene belongs to the group of medicines known as estrogen agonist–antagonists. Women who have entered menopause can experience a wide range of body changes that can cause discomfort (see more details under Indications). These changes come about from the steep decline in estrogen levels, which is one of the main drivers of the female reproductive cycle. The purpose of Duavive is to boost estrogen levels, which can reduce the symptoms of menopause and also prevent the development of osteoporosis, in which bones become thinner, lighter, and more fragile. Conjugated estrogen supplies the natural estrogen that is normally produced by the body but which is absent in menopausal women. Bazedoxifene is used to block any potential action by the added estrogen on the lining of the uterus, which could otherwise increase the risk of cancer.

Caution

Duavive is not meant to be taken by women still capable of childbearing, and if a pregnancy test comes back positive while using the drug, this must be reported to a doctor immediately.

Dosage

Duavee should only be taken in the dosage and regime prescribed by a doctor. The tablets should be taken at roughly the same time each day and can be swallowed with or without food. They must be swallowed whole and must not be chewed, split, or crushed. Treatment with Duavee should not be discontinued without first consulting a healthcare provider.

Storage

Store this medication in the blister packs that it came with. Don’t immediately remove more than one tablet at a time before taking the dose. Do not remove tablets from the blisters or store them in another container. If traveling, take the required doses on an intact sheet of sealed blisters. Keep the package at room temperature, away from the reach of infants and children. Read our useful tips on handling medicine safely.

Q&A

What is conjugated estrogen used for?

The conjugated estrogens in Duavee are a mixture of synthetic estrogen hormones. It is used to increase the levels of the hormone to reduce the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and changes around the vagina, and to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Why was Duavee withdrawn from the market?

Bazedoxifene is one component of Duavee. Its function is to reduce the risk of thickening of the uterus lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that can be triggered by conjugated estrogens. The manufacturer of Duavee announced a global voluntary recall of the product in May 2020 to update the product information leaflets. The drug is back on the market with FDA approval.

What is the most common cause of endometrial hyperplasia?

Endometrial hyperplasia, in which the lining of the uterus thickens, is mainly caused by excess estrogen levels that are not counteracted by progesterone. If ovulation does not occur, progesterone is not released, and the lining of the uterus is not shed. The cells in the lining may become tightly packed and can form a tumor.