The
following information is a summary about Estradiol.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Estinyl, Estrace, Menest, Ogen, Premarin, Tace
Estradiol USES
Estradiol is a hormone that is given to women who
no longer produce the proper amounts naturally. Estradiol
is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes),
for brittle bones (osteoporosis), and for the treatment
of certain cancers in both men and women.
Estradiol DIRECTIONS
Take your Estradiol 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.
Estradiol SIDE EFFECTS
Estradiol 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.
Estradiol PRECAUTIONS
Before you take this medication, 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 this drug. Depending on strength, this drug
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
this medication (especially in women past the age
of 35). This drug should not be used during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant,
inform your doctor immediately. This drug may be
excreted into breast milk and its use is not recommended
while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Estradiol 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 this drug. Do not start
or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Estradiol 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.
Estradiol NOTES
WARNING: This drug 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 this drug is used
and the amount of estrogen per dose. If you use this
drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated
at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal
vaginal bleeding, notify your doctor promptly. This
medication is not effective in preventing or treating
a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual
abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage. This drug
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.
Do not share Estradiol
with others. Inform all your doctors you use (or
have used) Estradiol.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Estradiol as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next dose,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Estradiol 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.
