Drug
Estradiol
Pronounced
"ES-tra-DYE-ol"
Uses
This medication is a hormone (estrogen). It is absorbed through the skin and enters into the bloodstream. It is used by women to help reduce a certain symptom of menopause (hot flashes). Certain brands may also help to reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. If you are using this medication to treat symptoms only in and around the vagina, products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected.
Warning
Estrogens, either used alone or with another hormone (progestin), have rarely caused very serious side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of hormone treatment with your doctor. Estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia.
Estrogens can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Taking a progestin as directed by your doctor can help decrease this risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding.
In postmenopausal women, estrogens, taken with or without a progestin, increase the risk of cancer of the breast/ovaries, stroke, dementia, and serious blood clots. When used along with a progestin, estrogens also increase the risk of heart disease (such as heart attacks).
The risk for serious side effects may depend on the dose of estrogen and the length of time it is used. This medication should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time. Discuss the use of this medication with your doctor regularly (for example, every 3 to 6 months) to see if you still need to use it. If you will be taking this medication long-term, you should have regular complete physical exams (for example, once a year) as directed by your doctor. See also Notes section.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Certain estrogen products may also be prescribed for bone loss (osteoporosis) in women after menopause. However, there are other medications (such as raloxifene, bisphosphonates including alendronate) that are also effective in preventing bone loss and may be safer. These medications should be considered for use before estrogen treatment.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Learn how to use the pump and how to apply the gel correctly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for priming the pump if you are using it for the first time.
Use exactly as directed by your doctor. Apply the medication to clean, dry skin on the upper arm/shoulder area, usually once daily. Some brands may be applied on the arm from the wrist to the shoulder. Follow the directions for your specific brand. Avoid applying this medication to broken, irritated skin. Do not apply this medication to the breast, face, or in or around the vagina. Do not let others apply this medication to your body.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often than prescribed.
Replace the cap on the pump after each use. After applying this medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of accidentally spreading it from your hands to other people. Wait about 5 minutes for the application site to dry completely before dressing. Cover the application site with clothing (such as a long-sleeve shirt) to prevent others from touching the application area and being exposed to the drug. Wait at least 1 to 2 hours (depending on your brand) before allowing others to touch the skin where the medication was applied. If someone accidentally touches the gel (or the application area within 1 to 2 hours), have them wash the area of contact on their body with soap and water as soon as possible.
To get the best effect, wait at least 2 hours before showering/swimming to allow the drug to be absorbed through the skin.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Avoid getting this medication in the eyes. If this medication gets in the eyes, rinse them right away with warm water. Tell your doctor if you get any eye irritation.
This medication is flammable until dry. Let the gel dry before smoking or going near an open flame.
Learn how many doses the gel pump delivers. Keep track of the number of doses used and discard the pump after all the doses are used, even though there may be some gel left in the pump.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.