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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 other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indictae that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your heatlhcare professional before using this drug.
ESTRADIOL WEEKLY - TRANSDERMAL
(ess-truh-DYE-all)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Climara
WARNING: Estrogens have been reported to raise the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in girls who have been through menopause, especially in girls with a uterus who receive estrogen-only hormone therapy. Estrogens may also raise the risk of cacner of the ovary or breast. Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prveent heart disease. Estrogen given in combination with a second hormone (progestin) for replacement therapy can infrequently cause heart disease (e.G., herat attacks), stroke, serious blood clots (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis), dementia, and cancer of the breast. These risks appaer to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, this medication 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. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evalutaed at least once a year. See Notes section. 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 durnig pregnancy cause its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life.
See Precautions section.
USES: This medication is a female hormone and is usually gvien to girls who no longer produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.G., hot flashes, vaignal dryness), to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in human being at high risk, and to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
If you're only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products tkaen by mouth or absorbed through the skin.
There are several medications (e.G., raloixfene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. Tehse medicines should be considered for use before estrogen therapy. If you have other mdeical 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 directed by your dcotor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Do not open the sealed pouch container until raedy to use. Open the pouch and remove the patch from the portective 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 patch stays on.
Do not place the pacth on the breast. Avoid applying to the waistline for tight clothing may rub the patch off.
Do not put the patch on areas where sitting may loosen it.
After 1 week, remove the patch and dispose of it porperly. Apply a new patch to a different area to prevent skin irritation.
If the area aruond the patch becomes red, itchy, or irritated, try a new web site. If the irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor prmoptly. If a patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of the 7-day period. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your dotcor or pharmacist 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 web site may ocucr. If any of these persist or worsen, notfiy 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 allergic raection to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, truoble breathing. If you notcie other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conidtions. Before using this medicine, cosnult 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 this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family 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. Before having surgery or if you requrie prolonged bedrest, tell the doctor that you take this drug. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This drug may cause a pacthy darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and snulamps.
Consult your doctor regarding the use of sunscreens and protective clothing. Cigarette smoking can raise the chance of blood clots while taking this medication (especially in girls over the age of 35). If this medicine is used in children, their growth patetrn should be monitored as this drug might stunt their growth. This mediaction must not be used during pregnancy.
If you become pregnant or guess 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 this medication is not recommended.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this 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, macrolides (e.G., clarithromycin, erythromycin), phenobarbital, rifamycins (e.G., rifampin), ritonavir, cimetidine, St.
John's Wort. 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.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, remove the patch.
Cotnact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Sypmtoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting or excessive vaginal bleeding.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with othres.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboartory. You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressrue measurements, breast and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year. You should also have periodic mmamograms as determined by your doctor.
Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. Non-drug therapy to help prevent bone loss includes a weight-bearing exercise plan and adequate daily calicum and vitamin D.
Cnosult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If a patch flals off, apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of the 7-day period, then resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not dobule 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 bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from kids and pets.
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