Femiplante

Femiplante is available in the form of hard gelatin capsules, containing a light brown powder with an aromatic smell specific to the plant. They are packaged in blister packs of 10 capsules, available in boxes of 30 or 60 capsules. Each Femiplante capsule contains 4.0 mg of dry extract of chaste tree fruit (Vitex agnus-castus).

The main indication for the product is the treatment of premenstrual symptoms, including:

• Breast tenderness or pain (mastodynia)
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Bloating
• Headaches and other recurring physical or psychological symptoms occurring a few days before menstruation

The product is a herbal medicine, whose therapeutic indication is based exclusively on long-term traditional use.

The recommended dose is one capsule per day, taken orally, unchewed, with sufficient liquid (e.g. a glass of water).

Treatment should be continued daily, preferably at the same time, without interruption, for a period of at least 90 days to assess efficacy. If symptoms persist or worsen after this period, a doctor should be consulted.

Femiplante capsules should not be used in the following situations:

• hypersensitivity to the active substance (Vitex agnus-castus) or to any of the product's excipients;
• hereditary intolerance to galactose, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, due to the presence of lactose and glucose in the composition.

Patients with estrogen-dependent tumours should consult their doctor before starting treatment, as the product's mechanism of action involves modulating hormonal activity.

Caution is advised in cases of a history of pituitary gland disorders, given the possible impact on the central hormonal axis.

No studies have been conducted on the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery, but no effects that interfere with these activities have been reported.

Although generally well tolerated, Femiplante capsules may cause the following side effects:

• skin allergic reactions (urticaria, pruritus)
• rare anaphylactic reactions (facial oedema, difficulty breathing or swallowing)
• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, abdominal pain)
• neurological disorders (headache, dizziness)
• acne or changes in menstruation

The exact frequency of these reactions is not known. Any suspicious symptoms should be reported to your doctor or pharmacist and may be reported through the national pharmacovigilance system.

Femiplante should be used with caution in combination with:

• medicines that affect dopamine, such as those used to treat Parkinson's disease or psychosis
• oestrogens or anti-oestrogens, due to the risk of hormonal interactions

To date, no cases of overdose with Femiplante have been reported. In the event of accidental ingestion of a large number of capsules, medical supervision and symptomatic treatment are recommended.

It is recommended to store the product at room temperature, away from moisture and direct light, out of the reach of children. Observe the expiry date printed on the packaging. It is recommended to dispose of expired or unused medication appropriately, as directed by your pharmacist, to protect the environment.

• PubMed, Vitex agnus-castus for premenstrual syndrome
• WebMD, Vitex agnus-castus
• Healthline, Vitex agnus-castus
• American Journal of Obstetrics&Gynecology, Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with Vitex agnus castus preparations: a systematic review and meta-analysis