ALORA

Drug Name: ALORA

ALORA DESCRIPTION:
ESTRADIOL - TRANSDERMAL BIWEEKLY (ess-truh-DYE-all)

COMMON ALORA BRAND NAME(S):
Estraderm, Vivelle

ALORA SIDE EFFECTS:
ALORA may cause dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience severe depression, pain in the groin or calf, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arm or leg, or yellowing of the eyes or skin while taking this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ALORA:
ALORA: Use ALORA as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions. The patch should be applied to a clean, dry area usually on the abdomen or buttocks. It may also be placed on the trunk (torso) or hips (not on arms or legs). Do not place the patch on the breast and avoid the waistline since tight clothing may rub the patch off. If necessary, clip hair from the site prior to applying the patch. Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip and immediately apply it to the site. Press firmly for 10 to 20 seconds to make sure it stays in place. Be sure the edges are held firmly to the skin. Each patch may be worn continually as prescribed even while showering or bathing. To prevent skin irritation, do not apply patches to the same site. Rotate where they are placed on the skin. Ask your pharmacist what to do if a patch starts to fall off.

ALORA WARNING:
ALORA 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 ALORA for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, notify your doctor promptly. ALORA is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency to lose a fetus (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of losing a fetus. ALORA 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.

ALORA USES:
Estrogens are hormones used for replacement in women who are no longer producing proper amounts. ALORA is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause and conditions in which hormone levels are low. It may also be used to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss).

ALORA PRECAUTIONS:
Before you use ALORA, 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, heart or kidney disease; depression; toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy); jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) during pregnancy; excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle or if you have uterine fibroid tumors. Before having surgery, tell the doctor that you use ALORA. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while using ALORA (especially in women past the age of 35). Depending on strength, ALORA 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. ALORA must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Estradiol is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ALORA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of seizure medication, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), cimetidine, rifampin, thyroid and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use ALORA. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ALORA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, remove the patch. Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

ALORA NOTES:
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. Do not allow anyone else to use ALORA.

MISSED ALORA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ALORA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.