|
Details:
Box
Chemical Name:
ESTRADIOL (es-tra-DYE-ol)
Common uses
This medicine is a female hormone usually given to women who no longer
produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms such as hot
flashes or vaginal dryness/discomfort or to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in
those at high risk. This medicine may be use to treat other conditions as
determined by your doctor.
Before using
WARNING: Estrogens have been reported to increase the chance of womb
(endometrial) cancer, especially in women who receive estrogen-only hormone
therapy. Estrogens may also increase the risk of cancer of the ovary.
Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevent heart disease or
dementia. Estrogen used alone or in combination with another hormone (progestin)
can increase the risk for heart disease (including heart attacks), stroke,
serious blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) or leg (deep venous
thrombosis), cancer of the breast, or dementia. 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. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with
this medicine. 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 taking corticosteroids (such as
prednisone), seizure medicines (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, or
phenobarbital), "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), certain antifungal
medicines (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as
clarithromycin or erythromycin), cimetidine, rifampin, ritonavir, tacrine, or
St. John"s wort. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist
approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including any
personal or family history of cancer, breast lumps, clotting problems, womb
problems (such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis), heart disease (such as
high blood pressure, heart attacks, or congestive heart failure), stroke,
diabetes, cholesterol/lipid problems, gallbladder problems, low thyroid hormone
(hypothyroidism), high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia), yellowing of
the eyes/skin (cholestatic jaundice) during pregnancy or with past estrogen use,
depression, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, kidney problems, abnormal
calcium level in the blood, lupus, growths on the liver, history of tobacco use,
excessive weight gain, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS
MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of undiagnosed or abnormal
vaginal bleeding, certain types of cancers (such as breast cancer),
estrogen-dependent growths, history of blood clots or clotting problems, liver
problems, certain blood disorders (porphyria), active/recent (within the past
year) stroke or heart attack. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine. The
patch is usually replaced twice a week (about every 3 to 4 days), or as directed
by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Do not open the sealed
pouch containing the patch until ready to use. Tear open the pouch (do not use
scissors) and remove the patch from the protective liner. Apply the patch to a
clean, dry, hairless area of the body as described in the patient information
leaflet or on the package. Avoid applying to an area that is oily, irritated, or
injured. Do not place the patch on the breast. Avoid applying to the waistline
since tight clothing may rub the patch off. Do not put the patch on areas where
sitting may loosen it. Do not apply to a site that is exposed to sunlight. If
you have any questions about where to apply the patch, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist for instructions. Press the patch firmly against the skin
for about 10 seconds to be sure the patch stays on. When it is time to change
the patch, remove it slowly, fold in half (sticky sides together), and dispose
of it properly. Apply a new patch 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 irritation
continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor promptly. Contact with water
while bathing, showering, or swimming will not affect the patch. STORE THIS
MEDICINE at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C), in the original
sealed pouch, away from heat, moisture, and light. Use this medicine regularly
to receive the most benefit from it. Using this medicine at the same times each
week will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as
soon as possible. 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 use 2 doses at once.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness,
headache, breast pain or tenderness, or skin redness/irritation at the
application site. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience stomach upset,
pain, or bloating; persistent nausea; vomiting; unexplained weight changes;
unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor; increased/decreased interest in sex; or
hair loss. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience mental/mood changes
(such as severe depression, memory loss, or confusion); severe dizziness or
fainting; sudden severe headache; one-sided weakness; slurred speech; vision
changes (such as a change in contact lens fit, loss of vision, or double
vision); chest pain; shortness of breath; pain or swelling of the hands, legs,
or feet; calf pain, swelling, or tenderness; breast lumps; nipple discharge;
changes in vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, or
prolonged bleeding); seizures; yellowing of eyes or skin; irregular heartbeat;
or muscle cramps. 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
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 you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and
vomiting and excessive vaginal bleeding.
Additional information
It is important that you and your physician regularly re-evaluate your need
for this medicine. Non-drug therapy to help prevent bone loss includes a
weight-bearing exercise plan, as well as adequate daily calcium and vitamin D
intake. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. 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. AFTER REMOVING THE USED PATCH, fold over with the sticky side together.
Discard the patch out of reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR
AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. Vivelle Dot at Drugwebstore:Drugwebstore.com online store offers prescription drugs and no prescription pharmacy drugs. Buy vivelle dot patches at best price available in market. Read description, uses and customers reviews about vivelle dot (estradiol) to find usage, benefits and side effects.
|