Bijuva (estradiol/progesterone) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause. The drug comes as a capsule that you swallow. You usually take it once per evening.
Bijuva is used in adult females* with a uterus to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. These vasomotor symptoms are commonly called hot flashes.
The active ingredients in Bijuva are estradiol and progesterone. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Bijuva belongs to a group of drugs called hormone replacement therapy.
This article describes the dosage of Bijuva, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about Bijuva, see this in-depth article.
* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
The table below highlights the basics of Bijuva’s dosage. Doses are listed in milligrams (mg) of estradiol/progesterone.
| Strength | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| 0.5 mg/100 mg | 1 capsule nightly |
| 1 mg/100 mg | 1 capsule nightly* |
* Your doctor may wait to see how Bijuva manages your symptoms before prescribing this higher dose.
Keep reading for more details about Bijuva’s dosage.
What is Bijuva’s form?
Bijuva is available as an oral capsule.
What strengths does Bijuva come in?
Bijuva comes in two strengths: 0.5 mg estradiol/100 mg progesterone and 1 mg estradiol/100 mg progesterone.
What are the usual dosages of Bijuva?
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for hot flashes due to menopause
The dosage of Bijuva for adults with hot flashes due to menopause is 0.5 mg estradiol/100 mg progesterone once per night.
Your doctor may increase your dose depending on how your symptoms are managed after starting Bijuva.
Is Bijuva taken long term?
It’s not likely. Your doctor will typically evaluate your symptoms every 3–6 months during your treatment with Bijuva. At these intervals, your doctor may recommend reducing your Bijuva dose. Or they may recommend you stop taking it completely.
Dosage adjustments
After you start Bijuva, your doctor may adjust your dose depending on how your symptoms are managed. If needed, they may increase your dosage.
The dosage of Bijuva you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition the drug is treating
- your age
- how your body responds to the drug once you start taking it (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)
Bijuva is available as an oral capsule. You’ll take your dose in the evening with food. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Bijuva, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Bijuva is packaged in a blister pack. Let your pharmacist know if you have difficulty pushing a capsule through a blister pack. They may have tips to help. Or they may be able to supply Bijuva in a container that’s easier to open.
If you miss a dose of Bijuva, take it as soon as you remember. But if your next dose is due within 2 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Bijuva on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Bijuva than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- nausea and vomiting
- feeling sleepy or tired
- breasts feeling more tender than usual
- stomach pain
- unusual vaginal bleeding
What to do in case you take too much Bijuva
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Bijuva. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Bijuva’s dosage.
Is Bijuva’s dosage comparable to the dosages of other similar drugs, such as Prempro?
The dose in milligrams (mg) of each drug differs. But the forms and how often you take each drug are similar. Both Bijuva and Prempro have oral forms. Bijuva is a capsule that you’ll likely take once each night. Prempro is a tablet that you’ll likely take once per day.
Both Bijuva and Prempro belong to the same group of drugs, called hormone replacement therapy. Each drug contains two active ingredients that are hormones, but they’re different for each drug. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Bijuva contains estradiol and progesterone. Prempro contains conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate.
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. You’ll likely notice that the drug is starting to work about 7 days after you begin treatment. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether it’s working for your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from treatment with Bijuva, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Bijuva for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Bijuva without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Bijuva exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How long do most people usually take Bijuva?
- Would a lower dosage of Bijuva reduce my risk of side effects?
- Can I take Bijuva in the morning if I can’t tolerate it at night or remember to take it then?
To learn more about Bijuva, see this overview article.
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.