side effects

Last reviewed 01/2018

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal:-

• nausea
• abdominal pain
• diarrhoea, seen in 5% of patients on 200mcg bd 10% of patients on 400mcg bd

These are reduced by taking with a meal (not just a biscuit). Diarrhoea is avoided by using lower doses where possible.

If there are still problems patients may be started on a lower dose for one week, after which the patient usually doesn't develop a return of symptoms.

It also causes menorrhagia and therefore shouldn't be used in pregnant women or women planning pregnancy.