Bijuva (estradiol/progesterone) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause in adults. Bijuva comes as an oral capsule that’s typically taken once per day.
Bijuva belongs to a drug class called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Bijuva is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Bijuva, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Bijuva, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Bijuva provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Bijuva, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
The information below describes Bijuva’s typical dosage and other details about the drug.
Bijuva form
Bijuva comes as an oral capsule.
Bijuva strengths
Bijuva comes in two strengths:
- 0.5 milligram (mg) of estradiol and 100 mg of progesterone (0.5/100 mg)
- 1 mg of estradiol and 100 mg of progesterone (1/100 mg)
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause
Doctors may prescribe Bijuva to treat severe vasomotor symptoms of , including hot flashes.
If your doctor prescribes Bijuva for hot flashes, your starting dose will likely be 0.5 mg/100 mg. Typically, you’ll take this once per day. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may increase your dosage to 1 mg/100 mg taken once per day.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Long-term treatment
Bijuva is taken short term for hot flashes that happen during menopause. Your doctor will check in with you every 3–6 months to see if your symptoms have subsided. They’ll only prescribe Bijuva for as long as you are having hot flashes.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Bijuva.
Bijuva comes as an oral capsule that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the capsule in water. Be sure to take your dose with a meal or snack.
It may be helpful to take Bijuva around the same time of day every day, typically in the evening. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Bijuva can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have questions about how to use Bijuva, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Bijuva in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Bijuva, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t take more Bijuva than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
Effects of an overdose
Overdose effects of Bijuva can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- breast tenderness
- abdominal pain
- extreme tiredness
- withdrawal vaginal bleeding (spotting or light bleeding after stopping hormone or contraceptive treatment)
If you take more than the recommended amount of Bijuva
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Bijuva. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Bijuva.
Is the dosage of Bijuva similar to the dosage of other similar drugs, such as Duavee?
Yes. Bijuva and Duavee are both taken once daily to help with hot flashes during menopause. Bijuva comes as an oral capsule, and Duavee is an oral tablet.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Bijuva to start working?
Bijuva starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Bijuva treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Bijuva for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Bijuva without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Bijuva that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Bijuva. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Bijuva: For more information about other aspects of Bijuva, refer to this article.
- Drug comparison: To find out how Bijuva compares with Prempro, read this article.
- Details about symptoms related to menopause: For details about menopause, see our menopause hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.