home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $Unique_ID{BRK03149}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{estradiol (topical)}
- $Subject{Estraderm Ciba Estrogen estradiol synthetic estrogen menopausal
- symptoms deficiency topical}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- estradiol (topical)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Estraderm (Ciba)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Estrogen
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- estradiol
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Transdermal patch (delivers 0.05 mg or 0.1 mg per 24 hours)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Estradiol transdermal patches should be stored at room temperature in
- their original packages.
-
- USES
-
- Estradiol is a synthetic estrogen that is used to treat menopausal
- symptoms or other conditions associated with estrogen deficiency.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- Your prescription of estradiol will come with patient instructions. It
- is important that you follow the directions carefully.
- Wash and dry your hands before and after applying the patch. Apply the
- patch to a clean, dry, hairless area of the skin on the trunk of the body or
- on the abdomen. Do not apply to the breasts. Avoid applying the patch over a
- cut or to any area of the body where tight clothes might rub against the patch
- and cause it to loosen. Apply the patch immediately after opening the packet
- and removing the protective liner. Press the patch firmly to the skin with
- the palm of your hand for about ten seconds. Make sure there is good contact
- of the patch to the skin, especially around the edges. Rotate the application
- sites on the skin, waiting at least one week before applying to the same site.
- If the patch becomes loose or falls off, the same one can be reapplied.
- If necessary, however, a new patch can be applied. In either case, continue
- with your original treatment schedule.
- If you miss an application of this medication, apply a new patch as soon
- as possible unless it is almost time for the next application. In that case,
- return to your regular schedule. Do not apply a double dose.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Acne, abdominal cramping, abnormal vaginal bleeding, bloating, breast
- tenderness, change in sexual desire, darkening of the skin, diarrhea,
- dizziness, fluid retention, frequent or painful urination, hair loss,
- headache, nausea, nervousness, skin irritation at patch site, vomiting, or
- weight gain. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
- drug.
- If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
- sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
- Eating a full breakfast or having a midmorning snack may help to relieve
- the nausea and vomiting.
- This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. You should,
- therefore, try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear
- protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- blurred vision, chest pain, convulsions, depression, itching, loss of
- coordination, pain or inflammation of the calves or thighs, shortness of
- breath, skin rash, slurred speech, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Estradiol interacts with several other types of medications:
- 1. It can decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants (blood
- thinners, such as warfarin).
- 2. Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and rifampin can
- reduce the effectiveness of estradiol.
- 3. Estradiol can increase the side effects and decrease the effectiveness
- of tricyclic antidepressants.
- BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
- taking.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any medications, especially to estradiol, other estrogens, or oral
- contraceptives.
- * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, blood
- clot disorders, breast disease, depression, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy,
- endometriosis, gallstones or gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood
- pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, migraine headaches, porphyria, or
- uterine tumors.
- * Estrogens may cause a change in glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you notice any abnormalities in your urine or
- blood glucose levels.
- * Estrogens can change your blood's clotting ability, so be especially
- careful to avoid injuries.
- * Although it is not known if estrogens can increase the risk of breast
- cancer, it is important that you examine your breasts regularly for lumps or
- discharge.
- * If you notice tenderness, swelling, or bleeding of your gums, consult
- your doctor or dentist.
- * Your doctor may schedule regular office visits to be sure your
- medication is working properly.
- * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
- to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
- * A package insert titled "Information for the Patient" should be
- dispensed with your prescription. It is important that you understand the
- possible risks and benefits of this medication. If you have any questions,
- check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- * Cigarette smoking can greatly increase the risk of developing heart or
- blood vessel disorders while taking this medication. The risks increase with
- the amount of smoking and the age of the smoker.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you suspect you
- are pregnant, discontinue use of the medication immediately. Estrogens have
- been shown to cause birth defects in the offspring of women who received these
- medications during pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are
- breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of estrogen pass into breast milk.
- Estradiol can also decrease milk production.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-