Warning: the following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise & judgment about your pharmacist. it should not be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your pharmacist before using this drug.

Estradiol biweekly - transdermal

(ess-truh-dye-all)

common brand names: Esclim, Estraderm, Vivelle

Warning: Estrogens have been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause, especially in women with a uterus who receive estrogen-only hormone therapy. Estrogens may also increase risk of cancer of ovary or breast. Estrogen-containing products must not be used to prevent heart disease. Estrogen given in combination with another hormone (progestin) for replacement therapy can infrequently cause heart disease (e.g., heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots (pulmonary embolism & deep venous thrombosis), dementia, & cancer about breast. These risks appear to depend on length of time this drug is used & amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, this tablet should be used for shortest possible length of time in the lowest effective dose, so you obtain the benefits & minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Consult your healthcare professional or doctor since details. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least one time a year. watch Notes section. this medication isn't effective in preventing or treating tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage. this drug must not be used during pregnancy because this is use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life. watch Precautions section.

Estraderm Usage: this medication is female hormone and is usually given to women who no longer produce proper amount. it is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness), to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk, & to treat other conditions as determined by youre pharmacist. If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings must be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. theyre several medications (e.g., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines must be considered for use before estrogen therapy. If you have other medical conditions as well, & prescribed estrogens since more then one condition, consult your physician about some your treatment plan and it is options.

How to use Estraderm: Use it medication exactly as prescribed. the patch is usually replaced two times a week (about every 3 to 4 days), or as directed by your pharmacist. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. do not open the sealed pouch container until ready to use. Open the pouch and remove the patch from the protective liner. Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area as directed by your healthcare professional or by patient information leaflet. this patch should only be applied to certain areas of body. Different brands of patches are applied to different areas of the body. If you have any questions about where to apply patch, ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist. Press the patch firmly against skin for of 10 seconds to make sure the patch stays on. don't apply to site that is exposed to sunlight & do not place patch on the breast. Avoid applying to the waistline since tight clothing may rub patch off. do not put patch on areas where sitting may loosen it. When it is time to change the patch, remove it and dispose of it properly. Apply a new patch to different area to prevent skin irritation. this is best to rotate areas where patch is applied, allowing at least 1 week in between applications to the same site. If area around the patch becomes red, itchy, or irritated, try a new site. If irritation continues or becomes worse, notify youre physician promptly. If patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch & wear it for rest about scheduled period. Read the Patient information Leaflet available from some your physician. Consult you're physician or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Estraderm side effects: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, or skin redness/irritation at application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify youre physician promptly. Tell you're doctor immediately if any about these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss), calf pain/swelling, sudden severe headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, vision changes (e.g., change in contact lens fit, loss about vision), breast lumps, swelling about hands or feet, changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding or prolonged bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor, yellowing about eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely, but seek immediate healthcare professional attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Estraderm Precautions: this drug must not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult you're healthcare professional or pharmacist if you have: undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, certain cancers (e.g., breast cancer, especially non-metastatic type), blood clots, active/recent stroke or heart attack, liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your healthcare professional or doctor your medical history, especially of: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), asthma, diabetes, seizures, migraine headaches, heart disease (e.g., HBP, heart attacks, congestive heart failure), kidney disease, low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), abnormal calcium level in the blood, depression, hypertension during pregnancy (toxemia), yellowing of eyes and skin (cholestatic jaundice) during pregnancy or with past estrogen use, womb problems (e.g., uterine fibroids, endometriosis), cholesterol or lipid problems, gallbladder disease, excessive weight gain, certain blood disorder (porphyria), any allergies. If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (e.g., long plane flight), notify your healthcare professional beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you taking this pill. this tablet may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. it drug may cause patchy darkening about skin on face (melasma). Sunlight may intensify it darkening & you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult you're healthcare professional regarding use of sunscreens & protective clothing. Cigarette smoking can increase chance about blood clots while taking this medication (especially in women over age of 35). If this medicine is used in children, they're growth pattern should be monitored as this drug might stunt their growth. this drug must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. it drug may pass into breast milk & may have undesirable effects on nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using it medication isnt recommended.

Estraderm drug interactions: Before using this tablet, tell your pharmacist or pharmacist of all prescription & nonprescription products you may use, especially about: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), warfarin. Also tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you are taking any tablets which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP450-3A4 enzymes), such as: azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), carbamazepine, cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), phenobarbital, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), ritonavir, St. John's wort. this product can affect the results about certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel & your pharmacists know you use this pill. do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Estraderm Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms about overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting or excessive vaginal bleeding.

Estraderm special notes: do not share this drug with others. Keep all appointments with youre doctor & the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic examination, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once year. You should also have periodic mammograms as determined by some your doctor. Follow some your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, & report any lumps immediately. Non-drug therapy to help prevent bone loss includes weight-bearing exercise plan, adequate daily calcium & vitamin D. Consult your healthcare professional or pharmacist since more details.

If you missed Estraderm dose: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If a patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch & wear it for rest of the scheduled period, then resume your usual dosing schedule. do not double dose to catch up.

Estraderm Storage: Store sealed pouches according to package instructions away from light & moisture. do not store in bathroom. Keep every medicines away from children & pets.

Active Ingredients : Estradiol Biweekly