Estradiol (Topical) Overview

(es tra DYE ole)

Estrace®; Estring®; Vagifem®

Estrace®; Estring®; Vagifem®

Estrogen Derivative

• Estrogens, when used in females after menopause, may increase the risk of uterine cancer. Progestins may decrease this risk. A warning sign for cancer of the uterus is unusual vaginal bleeding. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to healthcare provider.

• Do not take estrogens to prevent heart disease or dementia. Using estrogens may increase your chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, breast cancer, or a blood clot.

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to estradiol or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Blood clots, breast cancer, liver disease, recent heart attack, recent stroke, tumor where estrogen makes it grow, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

• Estradiol improves bladder and vagina tone.

Vaginal cream/tablet:

• Use cream or tablet vaginally.

• Wash your hands and applicator after use.

Vaginal ring:

• Insert vaginally and leave in place for 90 days.

• Follow directions given by healthcare provider or read the package insert.

• Remove ring on the beginning of the thirteenth week.

• Insert a new ring.

• To insert, wash your hands and remove ring from protective pouch.

• Press sides of ring together between thumb and index finger and insert folded ring into vagina.

• Perfect placement is not required for ring to be effective. Ring should be comfortable.

• To remove, hook index finger around rim or hold rim between index finger and middle finger and pull out.

• Do not throw the vaginal ring in the toilet.

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.

• Follow up with healthcare provider yearly.

• Store at room temperature.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Read the package insert for more details.

Created: 2010-01-11 11:16:56.0

Modified: 2010-07-20 13:38:41.0

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