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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