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.
