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Menopause ›
Esclim
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Esclim
This
medicine is a female hormone
and is usually given to women
who no longer produce the
proper amount. It is used to
reduce menopause symptoms
(e.g., hot flashes, vaginal
dryness), to prevent bone loss
(osteoporosis) in people at
high risk, and to treat other
conditions as determined by
your doctor.
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Esclim Information
Chemical Name: ESTRADIOL (es-tra-DYE-ol)
Common uses
This medicine is a female hormone and is usually
given to women who no longer produce the proper
amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms
(e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness), to prevent
bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk, and
to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor. If you are only being treated for vaginal
menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as
vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be
considered before products taken by mouth or
absorbed through the skin. There are several
medicines (e.g., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that
are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone
loss. These medicines should be considered for use
before estrogen therapy. If you have other medical
conditions as well, and are prescribed estrogens for
more than one condition, consult your doctor about
your treatment plan and its options.
Before using
WARNING: Estrogens have been reported to increase
the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who
have been through menopause, especially in women
with a uterus who receive estrogen-only hormone
therapy. Estrogens may also increase the risk of
cancer of the ovary/breast. Estrogen-containing
medicines should not be used to prevent heart
disease. Estrogen given in combination with another
hormone (progestin) for replacement therapy can
infrequently cause heart disease (e.g., heart
attacks), stroke, serious blood clots, dementia, and
cancer of the breast. These risks appear to depend
on the length of time this medicine is used and the
amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, this
medicine should be used for the shortest possible
length of time at the lowest effective dose, so you
obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of
serious side effects from long-term treatment.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. If
you use this medicine for an extended period, you
should be evaluated at least once yearly (see
CAUTIONS section). This medicine is not effective in
preventing/treating a tendency toward miscarriages
nor the threat of miscarriage. This medicine must
not be used during pregnancy because its use may
result in birth defects or cancer later in the
child's life (see CAUTIONS section). INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may
be needed if you are taking corticosteroids (e.g.,
prednisone), hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), or
warfarin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR
CONDITION may be needed if you are taking any
medicines which may affect certain liver enyzymes
(CYP450-3A4 enzymes) including azole antifungals
(e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), carbamazepine,
cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g.,
clarithromycin, erythromycin), phenobarbital,
rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), ritonavir, or St.
John's wort. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE
without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions including a
family medical history (e.g., especially breast
lumps/cancer), asthma, diabetes, seizures, migraine
headaches, kidney disease, heart disease (e.g., high
blood pressure, heart attacks, congestive heart
failure), low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism),
abnormal calcium level in the blood, depression,
high blood pressure during pregnancy, yellowing of
eyes/skin during pregnancy or with past estrogen
use, womb problems (e.g., uterine
fibroids/endometriosis), cholesterol/lipid problems,
gallbladder disease, excessive weight gain, certain
blood disorder (porphyria), allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT
RECOMMENDED if you have certain medical conditions
including undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding,
certain cancers (e.g., breast cancer, especially
non-metastatic type), blood clots, liver disease, or
active/recent stroke or heart attack. Contact your
doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine
provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with
a patient leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist any questions you may have about this
medicine. The patch is usually replaced twice a week
(about every 3 to 4 days), or as directed by your
doctor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Do not
open the sealed pouch containing the patch until
ready to use. Open the pouch and remove the patch
from the protective liner. Apply the patch to a
clean, dry, hairless area on the trunk (torso) or
hips, usually on the stomach or the buttocks, but
not on the arms or legs. Do not apply to a site that
is exposed to sunlight. Press the patch firmly
against the skin for about 10 seconds to be sure the
patch stays on. Do not place the patch on the
breast. Avoid applying to the waistline since tight
clothing may rub the patch off. Do not put the patch
on areas where sitting may loosen it. When it is
time to change the patch, remove it and dispose of
properly. Apply a new patch to a different area to
prevent skin irritation. It is best to rotate the
areas where the patch is applied, allowing at least
1 week in between applications to the same site. 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
promptly. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature
according to the package instructions, in the
original sealed pouch, away from heat, moisture, and
light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it
as soon as possible. If a patch falls off, reapply
it or apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of
the scheduled period, then resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.
Cautions
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while
you are using this medicine. 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. You should also have periodic
mammograms as determined by your doctor. Follow your
doctor's instructions for examining your own
breasts, and report any lumps immediately. THIS
MEDICINE MAY ALTER CERTAIN LAB RESULTS. Make sure
laboratory personnel and your doctors know that you
are using this medicine. If you will be having
surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a
long period of time (e.g., a long plane flight),
notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions
may need to be taken in these circumstances while
you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY
CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR
DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you
know how you react to this medicine. Using this
medicine alone, with other medicines, or with
alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to
perform other potentially dangerous tasks. LIMIT
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while using this medicine. THIS
MEDICINE 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 regarding
use of sunscreens and protective clothing. Cigarette
smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while
taking this medicine (especially in women over the
age of 35). BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW
MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS
ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN as it
might stunt their growth. If used in children, their
growth pattern should be monitored. FOR WOMEN: THIS
MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human
fetus. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant.
IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact
your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR
WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while taking this medicine,
check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the
risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment,
include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache,
stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes,
increased/decreased interest in sex, breast
tenderness, or skin redness/irritation at the
application site. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience mental/mood
changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss),
calf/pain swelling, sudden severe headache, chest
pain, trouble breathing, one-sided weakness, slurred
speech, vision changes (e.g., change in contact lens
fit, loss of vision), breast lumps, swelling of
hands/feet, changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g.,
spotting, breakthrough bleeding, or prolonged
bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor,
or yellowing of the eyes/skin. AN ALLERGIC REACTION
to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling,
severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side
effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other. Check drug
interactions
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and
vomiting and excessive vaginal bleeding.
Additional information
Non-drug therapy to help prevent bone loss includes
a weight-bearing exercise plan and adequate daily
intake of calcium and vitamin D. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist for more details. DO NOT SHARE THIS
MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health
conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of
children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your
supply runs out. |
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