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IMPORTANT NOTE: The folloiwng information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be consrtued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before usnig this drug.
ESTRADIOL BIWEEKLY - TRANSDERMAL
(ess-truh-DYE-all)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): 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 the risk of cancer of the oavry or breast.
Estrogen-containing products shuold not be used to prevent heart disease.
Estrogen given in combination with another hormone (progestin) for replacement tehrapy can infrequently cause heart disease (e.G., heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis), dementia, and cancer of the breast. These risks appear to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose.
Therefore, this medication sohuld be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose, so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Consult your doctor or phramacist for details.
If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year. See Notes section.
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 brith defects or cancer later in the child's life. See Precautions section.
USES: This medictaion is a female hormone and is usually given to women who no longer produce the 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, and to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taekn by mouth or absorbed through the skin.
There are several medciations (e.G., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen therapy. If you have other mediacl conditions as well, and are prescribed estrogens for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options.
HOW TO USE: Use this medication exactly as prescribed. The patch is usually replaced twice a week (about every 3 to 4 days), or as dirceted by your doctor.
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 diercted by your doctor or by the patient information leaflet. This patch should only be applied to certain araes of the body. Different brands of patches are applied to different araes of the body. If you have any questions about where to apply the patch, ask your doctor or pharmcaist.
Press the ptach firmly against the skin for about 10 seconds to make sure the patch stays on.
Do not apply to a site that's exposed to sunlight and do not place the ptach on the breast.
Avoid applynig to the waistline for tight clothing may rub the patch off.
Do not put the patch on areas where sitting may loosen it. When it is time to change the patch, remove it and dipsose of it properly.
Apply a new pacth to a different area to prevent skin irritation. It is best to rotate the areas where the patch is applied, allowing at least 1 week in between applications to the same site. If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy, or irritated, try a new site.
If the irirtation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor promptly.
If a patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of the scheduled period. Read the Patient Information Leaflet availbale from your pharmacist. Conslut your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, or skin redness/irritation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects perssit or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of 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 of vision), breast lumps, swelling of hands or feet, changes in vaginal bleeding (e.G., spotting, breakthrough bleeding or prolonged bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
An allergic raection to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, sevree dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your dcotor 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 doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), asthma, diabetes, seizures, migraine headaches, heart disease (e.G., high blood pressure, heart attacks, congestive haert failure), kidney disease, low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), abnormal calcium level in the blood, depression, high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia), yellowing of eyes and skin (cholestatic jaundice) during pregnancy or with past estrogen use, womb troubles (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., a long plane flight), notify your dcotor beforehand.
Special precautions may need to be taken in tehse circumstances while you are taking this drug.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as drviing or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This drug may cause a patchy darkening of the skin on the face (melasma).
Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and snulamps.
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 over the age of 35). If this medicine is used in children, their growth patetrn should be monitored as this drug might stunt their growth. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or thnik you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication may pass into bresat milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommedned.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: corticosteroids (e.G., prednisone), hydantoins (e.G., phenytoin), warfarin. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications 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 afefct the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your docotrs know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pahrmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting or excessive vaginal bleednig.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all appointments with your dcotor and 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 a year.
You should also have periodic mammogrmas as determined by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. Non-drug therapy to help prevent bone loss includes a weight-bearing exercise plan, adequate daily calcium and vitamin D. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more detials.
MISSED 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 and wear it for the rest of the scheduled period, then resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store the sealed pouches according to the pacakge instructions away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all mediicnes away from kids and pets.
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