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Product description

Safety information

Side Effects

Drug Name

Oestrogel (estradiol)

Drug Uses

Estradiol is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. Other uses include prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and replacement of estrogen in women with ovarian failure or other conditions that cause a lack of natural estrogen in the body. Estradiol is sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men.

How to use

Take estradiol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term.

Taking progestin while using estradiol may lower your risk of uterine cancer. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol.

Have regular physical exams and mammograms, and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol. Your doctor should check your progress every 3 to 6 months to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

If you need medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are taking estradiol.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is necessary for many processes in the body.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store estradiol at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Warnings/Precautions

You should not take estradiol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked;
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer;
• a recent history of heart attack or stroke;
• if you are pregnant;
• if you have ever had a blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body); or
• if you are allergic to any medicines or food dyes.

Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, smoking, or being overweight.

If you have any of these other conditions, your doctor may need to adjust your estradiol dose or order special tests:

• heart disease;
• kidney disease;
• family history of blood clots;
• a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones;
• endometriosis;
• lupus;
• porphyria;
• gallbladder disease;
• underactive thyroid;
• asthma;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• migraines;
• low levels of calcium in your blood; or
• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).

FDA pregnancy category X. Estradiol can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use estradiol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Estradiol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. You should not breast-feed while you are taking estradiol. Estradiol should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Possible Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to estradiol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using estradiol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• unusual vaginal bleeding (especially if you are past menopause);
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• stabbing chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;
• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless;
• a lump in your breast;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious estradiol side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
• freckles or darkening of facial skin;
• loss of scalp hair;
• vaginal itching or discharge; or
• changes in your menstrual periods, break-through bleeding.

More Information

Your pharmacist can provide more information about estradiol.