ESTRADIOL®
Estradiol® is an oral hormone, used to reduce the symptoms of menopause
(hot flashes, feelings of warmth in the face, neck and chest and/or dry,
itchy external genitals and vaginal irritation.
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Estradiol®
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug.
Warning
This drug has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial)
cancer in women who have been through menopause. This risk appears to depend
on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per
dose. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated
at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, notify
your doctor promptly. This medication is not effective in preventing or
treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual abortion) nor
the threat of miscarriage. This drug must not be used during pregnancy
because its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's
life. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your
doctor immediately to discuss the risk to the fetus.
Uses
This medication is a hormone and is given to women who no longer produce
the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes),
for brittle bones (osteoporosis), and treats certain cancers in both men
and women.
How to Use
May be taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset.
Take this medication as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Side Effects
May cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating,
or nausea. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
Notify your doctor if you experience: severe depression, calf pain, sudden
severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast,
weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, yellowing of the eyes or skin,
changes in vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged
or complete stoppage of bleeding), stomach pain, skin rash. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before you take this medication, tell your doctor your entire medical history,
including: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer),
high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy (seizures), migraine headaches,
liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, depression, toxemia (high
blood pressure during pregnancy), jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes) during
pregnancy, excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during
menstrual cycle, uterine fibroid tumor, abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood
clots or stroke, cholesterol or lipid problems, gallbladder disease. Before
having surgery, tell the doctor that you take this drug. Depending on strength,
this drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma).
Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify
this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps.
Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing.
Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood-clots while taking this
medication (especially in women past the age of 35). This drug should not
be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant,
inform your doctor immediately. This drug may be excreted into breast milk
and its use is not recommended while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may
use, especially of: hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital),
corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). This product can affect the results
of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know
you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea/vomiting or stoppage
of periods.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost
time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30
degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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