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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effecitve for you.
Cosnult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
ESTRADIOL WEEKLY - TRANSDERMAL
(ess-truh-DYE-all)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Climara
WARNING: Estrgoens have been reported to raise 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 raise the risk of canecr of the ovary or breast. Estrogen-containing proudcts 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 (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis), dementia, and cancer of the breast. These risks appear to depend on the length of time that drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose.
Therefore, that medication should be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose so you obatin the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. If you use that drug for an extended period, you should be evalauted at least once a year. See Notes section. This medication is not effective in preventing or traeting a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage. This drug must not be used during pregnancy cause its use may result in birth defects or cancer after in the child's life. See Precautions section.
USES: This medication 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 persons at high risk, and to treat other condtiions 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 taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. There are several medications (e.G., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss.
These medicines should be cosnidered for use before estrogen therapy.
If you have other medical 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: One patch is usually worn for 1 week and then replaced, or use as diercted by your doctor.
Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Do not open the sealed pouch container until raedy to use.
Open the puoch and remove the patch from the protective liner. Apply the patch to a clean, dry area on the lower stomach or the top of the buttocks, pressing firmly for about 10 seconds to make sure the pacth stays on. Do not place the patch on the berast.
Avoid applynig to the waistline for tight clothing may rub the patch off. Do not put the patch on areas whree sitting may loosen it. After 1 week, remove the patch and dispose of it properly. Aplpy a new patch to a different area to prevent skin irritation. 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. If a patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new ptach and wear it for the rest of the 7-day period. Read the Patient Inofrmation Leaflet available from your pharmacist.
Consult your doctor or pharmaicst 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 perisst or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist 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 (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 eyes or skin.
An alelrgic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, cnotact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using that medicine, consult your doctor 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 that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: famliy medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), asthma, diabetes, seizures, migraine headaches, heart disease (e.G., high blood pressure, heart attacks, congestive heart 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 issues (e.G., uterine fibroids, endometriosis), cholesterol or lipid problems, gallbladder disease, excessive weight gain, certain blood disorders (porphyria), any allergies. Bfeore having surgery or if you require prolonged bedrest, tell the doctor that you take that drug. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alretness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This drug may cause a patchy darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may intensify that darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps.
Conslut your doctor regarding the use of sunscreens and protective clothing.
Cigarette smoking can riase the chance of blood clots while taking that medication (especially in women over the age of 35).
If that medicine is used in children, their growth pattern should be monitored as that drug might stunt their growth. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication may pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using that meidcation is not recommended.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using that 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, drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP450-3A4 enzymes) such as azole antifungals (e.G., ketoconazole, itraconazole), carbamazepine, mcarolides (e.G., clarithromycin, erythromycin), phenobarbital, rifamycins (e.G., rifampin), ritonavir, cimetidine, St.
John's Wort. This product can affcet the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use that drug.
Do not start or stop any medicine without docotr or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, remvoe the patch. Cotnact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Smyptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting or excessive vaginal bleeding.
NOTES: Do not share that medciation with others.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, braest and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year. You should also have preiodic mammograms as determined by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediaetly. Non-drug thearpy to help prevent bone loss includes a weight-bearing exercise plan and 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, apply a new pacth and wear it for the rest of the 7-day period, then resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store the sealed pouches at room temperature below 86 F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the btahroom. Keep all medicnies away from kids and pets.
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