Kliane

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Kliane

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Estradiol and Norethisterone acetate
Form Oral film-coated tablet
Pharmacological Class Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Common Use Managing menopausal symptoms
Origin Synthetic/Derived

Kliane: A Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy

Kliane is a prescription medicine categorized as a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), specifically a sex hormone combination, designed for systemic hormonal supplementation in postmenopausal women who still possess their uterus. This preparation belongs to the class of anti-climacteric drugs. Medical consensus recognizes HRT as an established pharmacological treatment for vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. As a combined sequential preparation, its formulation structure is designed to deliver fluctuating hormone levels across the treatment cycle.

Composition and Form

Kliane is a combination product that contains two active ingredients: Estradiol and Norethisterone acetate, administered in the form of an oral tablet. The Estradiol component provides the estrogenic effect, while Norethisterone acetate serves as the synthetic progestogen. The use of an estrogen-progestogen combination is indicated for menopausal women with an intact uterus, which ensures safety by opposing estrogen's effect on the uterus. Both active components are chemically synthetic/derived from natural human sex steroids.

General Therapeutic Purpose

The general purpose of this therapy is to restore hormone balance, mitigating the range of discomforts stemming from Estrogen Deficiency Symptoms (EDS). The Estradiol works to supplement the missing estrogen. Crucially, the Norethisterone component fulfills the requirement for endometrial protection, as it reliably counteracts the potential for excessive growth of the uterine lining that can occur when estrogen is administered without an opposing progestogen. This combined formulation represents a clinically established approach to symptom management while addressing specific physiological requirements.

Regulatory References

  1. Activelle - referral | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
  2. NICE Guideline on Menopause Management: HRT

What side effects are possible with Kliane?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of this combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is defined by officially documented adverse reactions classified by frequency and a set of serious warnings established by regulatory bodies.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Adverse events are categorized based on their incidence in clinical trials, according to regulatory standards.

Classification Examples of Officially Listed Adverse Reactions
Very Common (ge 1/10) Headache, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and vaginal hemorrhage (including spotting).
Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) Breast pain and tenderness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, weight increase, back pain, and emotional lability.

These reactions are grouped by System-Organ Class, with effects commonly noted in the Reproductive System and Breast Disorders, Infections and Infestations, and Nervous System Disorders categories.

Serious Safety Concerns and Constraints

The official label mandates specific warnings regarding serious risks, which are associated with the duration of use. These include an increased risk of Venous Thromboembolism (DVT and Pulmonary Embolism) and Arterial Thromboembolism (Stroke and Myocardial Infarction).

Additionally, the risk of developing Breast Cancer is formally documented to increase with the duration of combined HRT use. For women with an intact uterus, the inclusion of the progestogen component is a mandated regulatory requirement to mitigate the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.

Time-related patterns indicate that irregular bleeding or spotting is generally expected and may resolve within the initial months of starting treatment. A specific safety constraint notes an increased risk of probable dementia in women aged 65 and older who initiate this therapy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope

Domain Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations: Overdosage may be manifested by acute symptoms including nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding (metrorrhagia or withdrawal bleeding).
Physiological systems affected (as stated in label): Gastrointestinal and Reproductive systems.
Dose-related or exposure-related factors (if applicable): Symptoms occur following the ingestion of a larger-than-prescribed number of tablets.
Population-specific overdose notes (if applicable): None explicitly documented in the official overdose section.
Emergency-response statements (as written in official documents): Seek medical help immediately and call a poison control center right away. Management of acute overdosage should be symptomatic.
When immediate medical help is required (label-derived phrasing only): Immediate medical attention must be sought in any case of over-ingestion.

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Severity classification (as defined in official documents): Acute serious or life-threatening outcomes are very unlikely with this type of overdose.
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.): Information is based on the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and equivalent regulatory prescribing information.
Overdose-context constraints (as defined in official documents): No specific antidote is known to counteract the effects of the hormone overdose.

Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • Overdosage is typically characterized by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and metrorrhagia (abnormal uterine bleeding).
  • The required course of action is to provide symptomatic treatment to address the acute manifestations.
  • In the event of an overdose, a patient must contact a doctor for advice or call a poison control center immediately.

Connection to the overall overdose profile: Regulatory documents define the acute overdose profile by emphasizing mild to moderate symptoms associated with excess hormonal components. This structure mandates immediate professional consultation to manage symptoms and confirms that acute life-threatening complications are highly improbable. The lack of a specific antidote necessitates a symptomatic and supportive treatment approach.

Therapeutic Uses of Kliane

Kliane, a combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with Estradiol and Norethisterone acetate, is used to provide supportive symptomatic relief across key domains of discomfort caused by estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women who are considered relevant for treatment with an intact uterus. The therapy is generally relevant in clinical contexts marked by increased discomfort.

The medication is commonly used to help with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, such as disruptive hot flashes and night sweats; it also supports the management of genitourinary symptoms like vaginal dryness and atrophy; and it is part of symptomatic management that supports long-term skeletal health against postmenopausal osteoporosis in at-risk women.

“The therapy is applied in clinical settings that involve heightened symptom manifestations, assisting with maintaining functional stability.”

Kliane is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, offering symptomatic relief that may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations and contributes to improved comfort during symptomatic periods. The use of this combination is considered relevant for women with an intact uterus, and it is applicable within clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns.

Quick Fact: Relief for Key Symptoms
Kliane is commonly used to help manage both systemic vasomotor symptoms and local genitourinary tract discomfort, and supports protection against postmenopausal osteoporosis in at-risk patients.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Kliane

This structure outlines the official eligibility requirements and exclusions for Kliane (Estradiol and Norethisterone acetate), based strictly on government regulatory documents.


Eligibility Scope

Classification Population Status
Primary Population Postmenopausal women with an intact uterus Allowed
Age Restriction Pediatric Population (Children/Adolescents) Not Indicated
Physiological Status Pregnancy and Lactation (Breastfeeding) Contraindicated
Severe Restriction Acute Liver Disease or Abnormal Liver Function Tests Contraindicated

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Kliane must not be used in women with the following conditions, as classified in regulatory labeling:

  • Known, suspected, or past history of Breast Cancer or Estrogen-Dependent Malignant Tumours.
  • Previous or current Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) or Arterial Thromboembolic Disease (e.g., stroke, MI).
  • Undiagnosed Abnormal Genital Bleeding or Untreated Endometrial Hyperplasia.
  • Known Thrombophilic Disorders or Porphyria.

Condition-Specific Eligibility Rules

Conditions that require special caution or monitoring during therapy include pre-existing Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertriglyceridaemia, uncontrolled Hypertension, and conditions like Leiomyoma (uterine fibroids) or Endometriosis.


Connection to the Overall Eligibility Profile

Regulatory documents establish the primary eligibility for Kliane as postmenopausal women with an intact uterus. They then enforce strict non-eligibility through a mandatory list of contraindications that include risks related to cancer and clotting disorders. The label further identifies specific conditions that necessitate special precaution and monitoring during use.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Kliane (a combination oral contraceptive) is subject to clinically significant interactions that can alter its efficacy or the exposure of co-administered drugs. The majority of these interactions involve the drug's hormonal components serving as substrates for drug-metabolizing enzymes.


Interactions Affecting Kliane Exposure

Co-administration with potent inducers of hepatic microsomal enzymes, such as certain antiepileptics (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin), antiretrovirals (e.g., Ritonavir), or antimicrobials (e.g., Rifampicin), leads to an increase in the clearance of Kliane's hormonal components. This results in significantly decreased plasma concentrations.

Similarly, use with the herbal preparation St. John’s Wort is documented to decrease plasma concentrations via enzyme induction. This effect may persist for up to two weeks after the herbal product is discontinued. Conversely, co-administration with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the hormonal plasma concentrations.

Interactions Affecting Other Medicines

The product acts as a weak inhibitor of CYP1A2, which can lead to increased exposure of sensitive co-administered CYP1A2 substrates (e.g., Tizanidine, Melatonin).

Additionally, the interaction profile requires specific consideration when used with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) combination drug regimens, as significant mutual changes in drug exposure can occur. This necessitates specific clinical management defined in official labeling. Timing-based constraints require that certain enzyme-inducing agents must be avoided or that the patient use an alternative method.

Mechanism of Action

Central Endocrine Pathway Modulation

This core mechanism involves the active ingredients binding to estrogen ( ER) and progesterone ( PR) receptors in the pituitary and hypothalamus, generating a strong negative feedback signal. This action suppresses the release of GnRH and the gonadotropins, FSH and LH, which are required for ovarian function. This cascade leads to anovulation, the suppression of egg release, which is the primary physiological change.

Dual Peripheral Receptor Antagonism

The progestin component, Drospirenone, acts as a competitive antagonist at both the Mineralocorticoid Receptor ( MR) and the Androgen Receptor ( AR) in peripheral tissues. By blocking aldosterone's action on MR in the kidney, the mechanism promotes natriuresis and diuresis (salt and water excretion). Antagonism at the AR decreases the magnitude of downstream effects mediated by the androgen receptor.

Hepatic Protein Synthesis Adjustment

The estrogen component, Ethinylestradiol, modulates the liver's production of various plasma proteins by acting on ERs in hepatocytes. This action increases the synthesis of proteins like Sex-Hormone Binding Globulin ( SHBG) and certain coagulation factors. The resulting physiological effect is a reduction in free circulating androgen levels (due to SHBG binding) and an influence on the concentration of specific coagulation factors.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines for Kliane

The following details describe the procedures for using Kliane (Estradiol/Norethisterone acetate combination), focusing on administration and dosing protocols.


Administration Scope

Feature Instruction
Route of administration Oral administration only, using the film-coated tablet.
Dosing schedule One tablet once daily (fixed-dose regimen). Available strengths include Estradiol 1 mg / Norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg and 0.5 mg / 0.1 mg.
Timing in relation to meals The tablet is taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day for consistency, regardless of food intake.
Preparation requirements No preparation or reconstitution is required; the tablet is swallowed whole.
Age-group administration rules Limited clinical experience is noted for the treatment of women over 65 years of age in clinical trials.
Missed-dose rules If a dose is missed, it should be taken within 12 hours of the usual time. If more than 12 hours have elapsed, the tablet is discarded, and the regular schedule resumed.
Special procedural conditions Women transitioning from a sequential HRT regimen should begin Kliane immediately after their scheduled withdrawal bleeding has ended.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Feature Classification/Pattern
Administration method type Oral
Frequency pattern Continuous Daily (without tablet-free days)
Use-context constraints The therapy is used as the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, with the need for continued treatment subject to annual re-evaluation.

Resulting procedural structure

Step sequence:

  • Take the oral film-coated tablet.
  • Administer one tablet of the fixed dose once daily.
  • Maintain a consistent daily time for administration.
  • Adhere to the 12-hour window for taking a missed dose.

Connection to the overall use protocol:

Kliane is characterized as a continuous combined oral therapy intended for consistent, daily administration. This procedural structure follows a fixed-dose, fixed-time daily routine to maintain hormone balance, and the overall duration of use is re-evaluated on an annual basis by a healthcare provider.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Kliane

The research base for Kliane (Estradiol and Norethisterone acetate) includes evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. These studies primarily focus on three defined clinical areas related to the effects of hormone changes after menopause.


Evidence for Managing Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms

Initial research involved short-term, placebo-controlled studies where postmenopausal women with an intact uterus experiencing noticeable hot flashes and night sweats were observed. In these trials, researchers examined patient-reported outcomes describing episodic or acute changes in symptom patterns.

In terms of what the studies reported, the findings describe patterns observed in the treatment groups compared to groups receiving an inactive substance (placebo). Specifically, trials monitored changes in the frequency of hot flashes reported by patients, and research describes measured changes in the reported severity of night sweats across the study period. This evidence describes symptom patterns in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations.

However, the evidence primarily provides insight into outcomes during the initial six months of use. Limited information is available on the durability of the findings beyond this period, as research is not primarily dedicated to these symptoms as a core long-term endpoint.


Evidence for Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Research into bone health was evaluated in studies that often extended over several years, using designs like RCTs and large observational cohorts. These studies monitored outcomes related to long-term systemic imbalance, with researchers examining changes in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) at the hip and spine.

Studies observed that BMD levels in the treatment group showed patterns of maintenance or increase over two to five years, compared to groups not receiving the hormone therapy. The evidence describes symptom patterns concerning systemic hormone therapy and conditions marked by functional limitations related to bone fragility.


Research Landscape and Areas of Uncertainty

While the short-term symptom relief is documented in trials, the long-term outcomes are not fully established by studies dedicated to monitoring only symptom durability. The evidence describes how patients reported their experience, but it also points to areas where certainty remains low. For instance, subgroup findings are uncertain for women significantly older than the typical study population or those with certain pre-existing chronic conditions. Evidence quality varies across studies, and some subgroup findings are uncertain.

Key Studies & References

  1. Oral hormone therapy with 17β-estradiol and 17β-estradiol in combination with norethindrone acetate in the prevention of bone loss in early postmenopausal women: Dose-dependent effects (RCT evidence for BMD/VMS)
  2. Menopause: identification and management - NICE guideline NG23 (General clinical guidelines and evidence framing)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Kliane (FAQ)


Q: How long does it typically take to notice the effects of Kliane?

Official clinical study summaries indicate that researchers examined patient-reported symptom relief over the initial six months of use. Patients monitored their symptoms across this period. This timeframe describes the duration over which the medication's effects were initially evaluated in trials.


Q: Is Kliane meant to be a short-term or long-term medication?

Official guidance describes the treatment as being recommended at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration that aligns with therapeutic goals. The need for continued use is officially required to be professionally re-evaluated by a healthcare provider at least annually.


Q: Does the risk of side effects change over time while taking Kliane?

Official warnings document that the risk of developing breast cancer is formally noted to increase with the overall duration of use of combined hormone replacement therapy. Other serious risks, such as Venous Thromboembolism, are associated with treatment duration as defined in official regulatory guidance.


Q: Can Kliane be taken by people with kidney problems?

Official regulatory documents do not list kidney problems as an absolute contraindication. However, certain pre-existing conditions that can affect fluid balance or circulation, such as uncontrolled Hypertension (high blood pressure), are described in official documents as warranting special caution and professional monitoring.


Q: What common foods or beverages should be avoided while taking Kliane?

While the tablet is generally taken regardless of food, official information for hormonal products may include caution regarding certain items. For example, some studies note that substances like Grapefruit Juice have the potential to interact with hormonal medications.


Q: Is the clinical evidence for Kliane considered strong?

The body of research includes well-designed studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, official reviews of the evidence also point out that long-term outcomes are not fully established, and evidence quality can vary across studies with some subgroup findings noted as uncertain.


Q: Can Kliane cause long-term side effects?

Official warnings define risks associated with long-term use and duration of therapy. These include increased risks of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), Arterial Thromboembolism (like stroke and heart attack), and certain cancers. Additionally, a risk of probable dementia is noted for women aged 65 and older who initiate the therapy.


Q: Can Kliane be taken by people with a history of liver issues?

Official labeling specifies that Kliane is contraindicated for women with acute liver disease or abnormal liver function tests. Contraindications are based on how the medicine's components are metabolized by the liver.


Q: Can men use Kliane for any medical condition?

The official regulatory documentation establishes the primary eligible population as postmenopausal women with an intact uterus for the specified indications. No medical conditions or indications for use are specified for men in the product's regulatory label.


Q: Does Kliane interact with common over-the-counter medicines?

Official interaction data indicates a potential for interaction with certain drug-metabolizing enzymes. This information is available for professional review when considering the use of common over-the-counter medicines like Acetaminophen (Paracetamol).


Q: Is it safe to take Kliane with vitamins or supplements?

The regulatory label specifically names the herbal preparation St. John’s Wort as having the potential to decrease the concentration of the drug's components in the body. This interaction is noted to occur via enzyme induction, which is a process that affects drug metabolism.


Q: Can Kliane interact with alcohol?

Official regulatory information for hormonal therapies may include general warnings or special instructions regarding the use of alcohol. This is usually noted because of the potential for alcohol to increase the risk of certain side effects associated with the medication's components.


Q: What is the risk of an allergic reaction to Kliane?

As with many medications, official documentation lists symptoms that may indicate a hypersensitivity or a severe allergic reaction, such as an anaphylactic reaction, as serious or known risks associated with the components.


Q: Will I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking Kliane suddenly?

Regulatory documents describe the therapy's primary role as maintaining a consistent hormone balance in the body. If the medication is stopped, the underlying estrogen deficiency symptoms it was intended to manage are expected to return.


Q: Does Kliane cause fatigue or affect my ability to drive?

The official lists of adverse reactions for the drug components include potential effects like dizziness and insomnia as common or postmarketing effects. These types of central nervous system effects could potentially affect mental alertness and reaction time.


Q: Does Kliane affect mood or mental health?

Official adverse reaction data includes changes in mood. Emotional lability (mood swings) is listed as a Common side effect, and depression or mental depression is also listed among the common or postmarketing adverse reactions.


Q: How is the medication's safety profile described in official documents?

The official safety profile is defined by two main categories: officially documented adverse reactions classified by frequency (such as Very Common or Common) and a set of serious constraints. These constraints include specific safety warnings established by regulatory bodies, such as the Boxed Warnings regarding cardiovascular risks and certain cancers.


Q: Are there any medical tests needed while taking Kliane?

Official regulatory documents mention the importance of certain medical follow-ups. The official label describes the need for a regular breast and pelvic exam and a Pap smear, in addition to the mandated annual re-evaluation of the treatment by a healthcare provider.


Q: Does Kliane need to be taken at a specific time of day?

Official administration guidelines state that the tablet is to be taken once daily. The recommendation is to take the tablet preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistency in hormone levels.


Q: Is it possible to split or crush Kliane tablets, or must they be swallowed whole?

The product is officially described as a film-coated tablet. Regulatory administration documents specify that the tablet is swallowed whole and do not mention any provisions or allowances for splitting or crushing the tablet.


Q: Does Kliane affect my blood pressure or heart rate?

Regulatory warnings associated with the drug's components indicate that blood pressure can go up during therapy. Conditions such as uncontrolled Hypertension (high blood pressure) are specifically listed in official labeling as requiring special caution and monitoring during use.


Q: How long will the drug stay in my system after the last dose?

Official pharmacokinetics data for one of the active components, Norethisterone, indicates a half-life of approximately 5.2 to 12.8 hours, with a mean of 8.0 hours. The half-life describes the time required for the concentration of the substance to be reduced by half in the body.

How should Kliane be stored and disposed of?

Kliane must be stored in a manner that adheres strictly to the official regulatory instructions to maintain product stability and safety.

Storage Constraints

The tablets must be kept in the original container and outer carton to protect them from both light and moisture. The medicine should be stored at room temperature, which means the temperature must stay below 25 C (or 30 C), and it must not be refrigerated or frozen. For safety, Kliane is required to be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Official Disposal

Unused or expired medicine must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. The most-recommended methods are using a community drug take-back program or a pre-paid drug mail-back envelope. If these options are unavailable, the medicine can be thrown in the household trash only after being mixed with an undesirable substance (e.g., dirt or coffee grounds) and sealed in a container.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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