Estradiol - 1 & 2MG

Drug Name: ESTRADIOL

IMPORTANT ESTRADIOL 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 INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ESTRADIOL.

ESTROGENS - ORAL (ESS-trow-jens, conjugated)

COMMON ESTRADIOL BRAND NAME(S):
Cenestin, Estinyl, Estrace, Menest, Ogen, Premarin, Tace

ESTRADIOL WARNING:
Estradiol 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 Estradiol is used and the amount of estrogen per Estradiol dose. If you use Estradiol for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding while using Estradiol, notify your doctor promptly. Estradiol is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage. Estradiol 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 by using Estradiol.

ESTRADIOL USES:
Estradiol is a hormone and is given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. Estradiol is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes), for brittle bones (osteoporosis), and treats certain cancers in both men and women.

HOW TO TAKE ESTRADIOL:
Estradiol may be taken 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 about Estradiol.

ESTRADIOL SIDE EFFECTS:
Estradiol may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. These effects from should disappear as your body adjusts to Estradiol. 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 while taking Estradiol, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

ESTRADIOL PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take Estradiol, 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 Estradiol. Depending on strength, Estradiol may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher Estradiol 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 Estradiol (especially in women past the age of 35). Estradiol should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Estradiol may be excreted into breast milk and its use is not recommended while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding while using Estradiol.

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). Estradiol can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Estradiol. Do not start or stop Estradiol or any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ESTRADIOL OVERDOSE:
If Estradiol overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Estradiol overdose may include nausea/vomiting or stoppage of periods.

ESTRADIOL NOTES:
Do not allow anyone else to take Estradiol. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately. A manufacturer's fact sheet about Estradiol should be dispensed with each prescription. Read the information carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about Estradiol.

MISSED ESTRADIOL DOSE:
Missed Estradiol dose advice differs and depends on the brand used, and the number of doses missed. Refer to the Estradiol product package information for advice on missed Estradiol doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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 Estradiol in the bathroom.