The Irish Medicines Board has moved swiftly today to play down the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after a study showed the treatment could increase the risk of breast cancer by a quarter.
In a statement, the IMB said the risks and benefits of combined HRT for healthy postmenopausal women had previously been identified and were made known to the 10 to 12 per cent of women in the State using the treatment. HRT is used to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Prescribing information for these products includes strict safety warnings, according to the IMB.
Preliminary results from a clinical study carried in the US suggested that extended usage of one type of HRT may increase breast cancer by 25 per cent and the risk of heart disease 29 per cent and strokes by 41 per cent.
The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial into long-term usage of HRT was halted after five years instead of eight once the risks of using a daily tablet of oestrogen and progestogen together became apparent.
The authors of the study, led by Dr Gerardo Heiss, professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina, advised that: "Given these results, we recommend that clinicians stop prescribing this combination for long-term use."
The product involved in the research, Premique 2.5mg, is licensed by the IMB, but not marketed by its manufacturer in Ireland.
An IMB representative, Dr Niamh Arthur, was today attending an EU pharmacological meeting in London which is expected to discuss the results of the WHI study.
The IMB advised women who have any concerns to discuss them with their doctor.
The Irish College of General Practitioners is expected to issue a statement on the issue this evening.