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Chemical Name: ESTRADIOL (ess-tra-DYE-ole)
This medicine is a female hormone and is usually given to women who do not
produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (such as
vaginal dryness). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by
your doctor.
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 ovary/breast. Estrogen-containing
medicines should 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, and cancer of the breast. These risks appear to depend on the length of
time this medicine is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, this
medicine should 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 pharmacist for
details. If you use this medicine for an extended period, you should be
evaluated at least once yearly (see CAUTIONS section). This medicine is not
effective in preventing/treating a tendency toward miscarriages nor the threat
of miscarriage. This medicine must not be used during pregnancy because its use
may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life (see CAUTIONS
section). INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR
DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are using other vaginal medicines. DO NOT
START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions including a family medical history (e.g.,
especially breast lumps/cancer), asthma, diabetes, seizures, migraine headaches,
liver or kidney disease, heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, heart
attacks, congestive heart failure), low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism),
abnormal calcium level in the blood, depression, high blood pressure during
pregnancy, yellowing of eyes/skin during pregnancy or with past estrogen use,
womb problems (e.g., uterine fibroids/endometriosis), cholesterol/lipid
problems, gallbladder disease, excessive weight gain, certain blood disorder (porphyria),
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED
if you have certain medical conditions including undiagnosed abnormal vaginal
bleeding, certain cancers (e.g., breast cancer, especially non-metastatic type),
blood clots, or active/recent stroke or heart attack. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine may come with a patient leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist
any questions you may have about this medicine. Insert the applicator into the
vagina as directed and push the plunger to release the medicine. Follow your
dosing schedule closely. It is best to schedule each dose about the same time of
the day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C),
away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F
(15-30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as
soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine.
You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure
measurements, breast and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal
cancer), at least once a year. You should also have periodic mammograms as
determined by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your
own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. THIS MEDICINE MAY ALTER CERTAIN
LAB RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know that you are
using this medicine. 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
doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these
circumstances while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE
DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE
DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine
alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or
to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. LIMIT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while
using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE 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 sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of
sunscreens and protective clothing. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of
blood clots while taking this medicine (especially in women over the age of 35).
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE
HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you
are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor
immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU
ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while taking this medicine, check with your doctor
or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness,
lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes,
increased/decreased interest in sex, or breast tenderness. If they continue or
are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression), 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/feet, changes in vaginal bleeding
(e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, or prolonged bleeding), unusual vaginal
discharge/itching/odor, or yellowing of the eyes/skin. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to
this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe
dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea/vomiting, or
excessive or unusual vaginal bleeding.
It is important that you and your physician regularly re-evaluate your need for
this medicine. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not
prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS
MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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