Estradiol Overview

(es tra DYE ole)

Alora®; Climara®; Delestrogen®; Depo®-Estradiol; Divigel®; Elestrin™; Estrace®; Estraderm®; Estrasorb™; Estring®; EstroGel®; Evamist™; Femring®; Femtrace®; Menostar®; Vagifem®; Vivelle-Dot®

Climara®; Depo®-Estradiol; Estrace®; Estraderm®; Estradot®; Estring®; EstroGel®; Menostar®; Oesclim®; Sandoz-Estradiol Derm 100; Sandoz-Estradiol Derm 50; Sandoz-Estradiol Derm 75; Vagifem®

Climaderm; Evorel; Ginedisc; Oestrogel; Sandrena; Systen

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 if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, call healthcare provider right away.

• 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 (except in certain cases where the cancer has spread), liver disease, porphyria, recent heart attack, recent stroke, tumor where estrogen makes it grow, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

• If you have major surgery and need bedrest.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• Estrogens are used as an estrogen replacement.

• It reduces bone destruction.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle.

Oral:

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• There may be days when you will not take this medicine.

• Take this medicine with food.

Osteoporosis:

• This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements and weight-bearing exercises like walking or physical therapy.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

Skin emulsion:

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin.

• Apply contents of one pouch to one thigh. Rub into thigh and calf.

• Apply contents of second pouch to other thigh. Rub into thigh and calf.

• Apply emulsion left on your hands to buttocks.

• Wash hands after use.

• Allow to dry before covering with clothing.

Skin gel:

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

Divigel®:

• Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin on thigh.

• Move site with each packet.

• Do not apply to face, breast, or vaginal area.

• Apply over a 5 X 7 inch area.

• Wash hands after use.

• Do not bathe, shower, or swim for 1 hour after applying.

• Allow to dry before covering with clothing.

EstroGel®:

• Prime pump before first use.

• Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin of one arm from wrist to shoulder.

• Apply gel at a similar time of day.

• Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying.

• Wash hands after use.

• Allow to dry before covering with clothing.

• Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until the gel has dried.

Elestrin™:

• Prime pump 10 times before use.

• Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin of upper arm and shoulder.

• Bathe or shower before applying.

• Do not swim for 2 hours after applying.

Skin patch:

• Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin. Move site with each patch.

• Do not place on breast.

Skin spray:

• Prime pump by spraying it 3 times.

• Hold container upright and rest plastic cone flat against skin while spraying.

• Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin of inner forearm; start near elbow.

• Apply spray at a similar time of day.

• Allow to dry before covering with clothing.

• Do not bathe, shower, or swim for 2 hours after applying.

• Avoid fire, flames, or smoking until dry.

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.

Skin patch:

• Apply a missed patch as soon as possible after removing the old one.

• Start a new schedule after patch is replaced.

• Do not apply 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?

• If you are taking a blood thinner, check blood work (prothrombin time/INR). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.

• Check blood work (cholesterol panel). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Have a yearly eye exam.

• Bone density test.

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

• Follow up with healthcare provider yearly.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

Injection:

• This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

• 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: 2006-10-13 12:21:05.0

Modified: 2010-08-06 08:09:22.0

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