COMBIPATCH

Drug Name: COMBIPATCH

COMBIPATCH DESCRIPTION:
ESTRADIOL - NORETHINDRONE ACETATE - TOPICAL PATCH (ess-truh-DYE-all/nor-ETH-in-drone)

COMMON COMBIPATCH BRAND NAME(S):
Combipatch

COMBIPATCH SIDE EFFECTS:
This product may cause nausea, loss of appetite, headache, bloating or skin irritation at the site of application. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: painful menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge or irritation, breast pain, mental or mood changes. Very unlikely but report promptly: one-sided weakness, vision problems, slurred speech, severe leg pain, swelling, chest pain, trouble breathing, lumps in breast, stomach pain, joint pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE COMBIPATCH:
COMBIPATCH: Use this product as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Learn all the usage instructions in the product package insert and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear on any information. Apply the patch to a clean, smooth, dry, non-irritated area of the lower abdomen. Do not place the patch on the breast and avoid the waistline since tight clothing may rub the patch off. Press firmly on the patch for at least 10 seconds to make sure it stays in place. To avoid skin irritation, rotate the site of application with each new patch. Each patch may be worn continually as prescribed even while showering or bathing. Do not wear more than one estradiol-norethindrone patch at a time. Do not allow the patch to be exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. Ask your pharmacist what to do if a patch starts to fall off.

COMBIPATCH USES:
This combination product is used for female hormone replacement therapy in women who are no longer producing proper amounts (e.g., menopause/change of life).

COMBIPATCH PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), hysterectomy, abnormal vaginal bleeding, hormone (estrogen) related cancers (e.g., breast or uterus cancer), gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, stroke, high blood levels of fats (triglycerides), asthma, migraine headaches, seizures, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, depression. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while using this product (especially in women past the age of 35). This product may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing. This product should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Both the estradiol and norethindrone acetate in this product are excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

COMBIPATCH DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: anti-seizure medications (e.g., barbiturates such as phenobarbital), "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as heparins or warfarin), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), corticosteroids (prednisone-like drugs), cholesterol-lowering drugs. 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.

COMBIPATCH 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, and vaginal bleeding.

COMBIPATCH NOTES:
Do not share this product with others.

MISSED COMBIPATCH DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it 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.

COMBIPATCH STORAGE:
Store in the sealed foil pouch at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from light and moisture, for up to three months.