ESTRADIOL DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ESTROGENS - ORAL (ESS-trow-jens, conjugated)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S) Cenestin,
Estinyl, Estrace, Menest, Ogen, Premarin, Tace
WARNING: Estradiol has been reported
to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who
have been through menopause. This risk appears to depend on the
length of time Estradiol is used and the amount of estrogen per
dose. If you use Estradiol for an extended period, you should be
evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal vaginal
bleeding, notify your doctor promptly. Estradiol is not effective
in preventing or treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural
habitual abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage. Estradiol must
not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth
defects or cancer later in the child's life. If you become pregnant
or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to
discuss the risk to the fetus.
USES: Estradiol is a hormone
and is given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. It
is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes), for brittle
bones (osteoporosis), and treats certain cancers in both men and
women.
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or immediately after a
meal to prevent stomach upset. Take Estradiol as prescribed.
Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor
if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness,
lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. These
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
Notify your doctor if you experience: severe depression, calf pain,
sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in
the breast, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, yellowing
of the eyes or skin, changes in vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough
bleeding, prolonged or complete stoppage of bleeding), stomach pain,
skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take Estradiol, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including:
family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), high
blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy (seizures), migraine
headaches, liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, depression,
toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), jaundice (yellowing
skin/eyes) during pregnancy, excessive weight gain and fluid retention
(bloating) during menstrual cycle, uterine fibroid tumor, abnormal
vaginal bleeding, blood clots or stroke, cholesterol or lipid problems,
gallbladder disease. Before having surgery, tell the doctor that
you take Estradiol. Depending on strength, Estradiol may cause a
patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths
are more likely to cause 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
Estradiol (especially in women past the age of 35). Estradiol
should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think
you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Estradiol may
be excreted into breast milk and its use is not recommended while
breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor
of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially
of: hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital),
corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). This product can affect the
results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and
your doctors know you use Estradiol. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea/vomiting or stoppage of
periods.
NOTES: Do not share Estradiol
with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose,
take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for
the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch
up.
STORAGE: Store Estradiol at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from
moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Click to visit the Estradiol wikipedia page
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Click to visit the Estradiol page on MedicineNet
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