ESTRADIOL GEL - TRANSDERMAL

ESTRADIOL GEL - TRANSDERMAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ES-tra-DYE-ol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Divigel

GENERIC NAME(S): estradiol

Uses

USES: This medication is a female hormone (estrogen). It is absorbed through the skin and enters into the bloodstream. It is used by women to help reduce a certain symptom of menopause (hot flashes). Symptoms of menopause are caused by the body making less estrogen. If you are using estrogens to treat only vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching), products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected.


How to use ESTRADIOL GEL - TRANSDERMAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Learn how to apply the gel correctly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Apply the medication to clean, dry skin on the upper thigh area as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Switch between the right and left thigh with each application. Avoid applying this medication to broken, irritated skin. Do not apply this medication to the breast, face, or in or around the vagina. Do not let others apply this medication to your body. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often than prescribed. After applying this medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of accidentally spreading it from your hands to other people. Wait a few minutes for the application site to dry completely before dressing. Cover the application site with clothing (such as shorts or pants) to prevent others from touching the application area and being exposed to the drug. Wait at least 1 hour before allowing others to touch the skin where the medication was applied. If someone accidentally touches the gel (or the application area within 1 hour), have them wash the area of contact on their body with soap and water as soon as possible. To get the best effect, wait at least 1 hour before showering/swimming to allow the drug to be absorbed through the skin. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes. If this medication gets in the eyes, rinse them right away with warm water. Tell your doctor if you get any eye irritation. This medication is flammable until dry. Let the gel dry before smoking or going near an open flame. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea/vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss), breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding), increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, swelling hands/ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination. This medication may rarely cause serious problems from blood clots (such as heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden/severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden vision changes (such as partial/complete blindness), pain/redness/swelling of legs, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting. A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using estradiol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain cancers (such as breast cancer, cancer of the uterus/ovaries), blood clots, stroke, heart disease (such as heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease, family medical history (especially breast lumps, cancer, blood clots, angioedema), blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mineral imbalance (low or high level of calcium in the blood), a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), uterus problems (such as fibroids, endometriosis), gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, mental/mood disorders (such as dementia, depression), a certain blood disorder (porphyria). Do not smoke or use tobacco. Estrogens combined with smoking further increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, especially in women older than 35. Tell your doctor if you just had or will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (such as a long plane flight). These conditions increase your risk of getting blood clots, especially if you are using an estrogen product. You may need to stop this medication for a time or take special precautions. This drug may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing when outdoors. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using sunscreen with this medication. Sunscreen may affect the absorption of this medication if applied on the area of the skin where the medication was applied. If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur. This product is not meant for children. Children may be accidentally exposed to this medication by touching someone on the area where the medication was applied. If this occurs, the child may have unwanted side effects. Children should avoid contact with any unclothed area where the medication has been applied. Tell the doctor right away if you notice unexpected signs of puberty in a child such as an increase in breast or nipple size. To decrease this risk, carefully follow all directions for the proper use of this drug. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medication passes into breast milk. It may reduce the quality and amount of breast milk produced. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole), fulvestrant, ospemifene, raloxifene, tamoxifen, toremifene, tranexamic acid. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting, unusual vaginal bleeding.

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Faq for ESTRADIOL GEL - TRANSDERMAL

Estradiol Gel - Transdermal is used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Estradiol Gel - Transdermal works by replenishing the levels of estrogen in the body, which helps alleviate menopausal symptoms and protects against bone loss.

Typically, Estradiol Gel - Transdermal should be applied to the skin of the arm, shoulder, or lower abdomen once daily. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the medication and consult your healthcare provider for any specific guidance.

Common side effects may include breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, bloating, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, and headache. It is important to notify your doctor if these side effects become severe or persistent.

Estradiol Gel - Transdermal is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is also not recommended for use while breastfeeding, as small amounts of the medication can pass into breast milk.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra gel to make up for a missed dose.

Estradiol Gel - Transdermal is usually water-resistant, and most people can shower, swim, or participate in regular activities without affecting its effectiveness. However, it is always recommended to read the specific instructions provided with the medication or consult your healthcare provider.

Certain medications, including some antifungals, antibiotics, and epilepsy drugs, may interact with Estradiol Gel - Transdermal and reduce its effectiveness. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

The onset of action may vary for individuals, but relief from menopausal symptoms can usually be experienced within a few weeks of starting Estradiol Gel - Transdermal therapy.


Warning

WARNING: Estrogens, either used alone or with another hormone (progestin), have rarely caused very serious side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of hormone treatment with your doctor. Estrogens should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia. Estrogens can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Taking a progestin as directed by your doctor can help decrease this risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding. In postmenopausal women, estrogens can increase the risk of cancer of the ovaries, stroke, dementia, and serious blood clots in the legs. Estrogens alone do not appear to increase the risk of breast cancer when used for up to 7 years. Estrogen, when used with a progestin, can increase the risk of heart disease (such as heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots in the lungs/legs, dementia, and cancer of the breast/ovaries. The risk for serious side effects may depend on the dose of estrogen and the length of time it is used. Therefore, this medication should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest amount of time. Discuss the use of this medication with your doctor regularly (for example, every 3 to 6 months) to see if you still need to use it. If you will be taking this medication long-term, you should have regular complete physical exams (for example, once a year) as directed by your doctor. See also Notes section.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.