Estratest tablets quell the
flushing, sweating, "hot flashes," and vaginal
irritation that trouble three-quarters of all women
when they reach menopause. Estratest works by
replacing some of the estrogen that is lost when the
reproductive system shuts down. Although it relieves
the physical symptoms of menopause, it won't help
emotional symptoms such as depression if the
physical symptoms are absent. It combines
supplemental estrogen with a synthetic form of the
male hormone testosterone, and is prescribed when
estrogen alone fails to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Most important fact about
Estratest
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Estrogen replacement therapy
increases the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer in
the lining of the uterus). The higher the dose and
the longer the treatment, the greater the risk. It's
wise, therefore, to limit yourself to the smallest
dose that provides relief, and to stop the treatment
as soon as you can. It's also essential to have
regular checkups and to report any unusual vaginal
bleeding to your doctor immediately.
How should you take Estratest?
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Take Estratest cyclically--a dose
a day for 3 weeks, then no tablets for 1 week.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it
almost time for your next dose, skip the one you
missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
What Estratest side effects may occur?
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Side effects cannot be
anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using
Estratest.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramps, acne, allergic reactions,
anxiety, bladder problems, bloating, breast
discharge, breast swelling and tenderness, brown
patches on the face, cervical changes, clotting
disorders, deepening of the voice, depression,
dizziness, enlarged clitoris, enlarged fibroids,
gallbladder disease, hair loss on scalp, hair
growth on face, headache, high blood sugar, high
cholesterol, intolerance to contact lenses, liver
disorders, menstrual problems, migraine, nausea,
sex drive changes, skin eruptions, swelling,
tingling, twitching, vaginal yeast infection,
vision changes, vomiting, weight changes,
yellowing of skin and eyes
Why should Estratest not be
prescribed?
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You should avoid Estratest if you
have any of the following conditions:
Breast cancer or any other type of cancer that's
stimulated by estrogen (except in certain special
circumstances)
Known or suspected pregnancy
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
A clotting disorder such as phlebitis, or clotting
problems during previous estrogen therapy
Severe liver damage
Breastfeeding
Special warnings about Estratest
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Long-term estrogen replacement
therapy definitely increases the risk of endometrial
cancer and may increase the risk of breast cancer as
well. If you have a family history of breast cancer,
or if you have breast nodules or abnormal
mammograms, be sure to have frequent breast exams.
Estrogen replacement also increases the risk of
gallbladder disease. Women who take birth control
pills, which have the same effect, suffer an
increase in gallbladder problems after 2 years of
use.
Estrogen replacement poses a slight theoretical
danger of clotting disorders, and testosterone has
been known to cause fluid retention and heart
failure in people with heart, liver, or kidney
disease. Take Estratest with caution if you have any
of these conditions or have ever suffered a stroke.
Also let the doctor know if you have asthma,
epilepsy, migraines, or bone disease.
Both estrogen and testosterone can cause liver
problems, including benign tumors, cancers, and
hepatitis. Be sure to report any pain, tenderness,
or swelling in the abdomen to your doctor
immediately. If you develop signs of liver disease
such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, stop taking
Estratest and see your doctor at once.
Estrogen can cause an increase in blood pressure,
so the doctor will monitor it closely. Estrogen also
can raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes,
use Estratest cautiously.
Estrogen therapy occasionally causes symptoms of
hormonal overload, such as breast tenderness and
excessive uterine bleeding. Estrogen can also foster
an increase in the size of uterine fibroids (benign
tumors) and may increase the risk of mental
depression.
High doses of the testosterone in Estratest can
cause a woman's voice to deepen and can promote the
growth of facial hair. To prevent a permanent
change, the hormone must be discontinued. Inform
your doctor immediately if you develop hoarseness,
acne, or hair on the face. Also report any nausea,
vomiting, changes in skin color, or swelling in the
ankles.
Possible food and drug
interactions
when taking Estratest
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If Estratest is taken with certain
other drugs, their effects may be altered. It is
especially important to check with your doctor
before combining Estratest with the following:
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Insulin
Special Estratest information
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Estrogen and testosterone both can
cause birth defects, and estrogen taken during
pregnancy increases the child's risk of certain
vaginal and cervical cancers later in life. Do not
take Estratest if there's any chance that you're
pregnant, and avoid it when nursing a baby.
Recommended Estratest dosage
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WOMEN IN MENOPAUSE
Estratest is available in full- and half-strength
tablets (Estratest H.S.). The tablets are taken
cyclically (3 weeks on and 1 week off). The usual
daily dosage is 1 tablet of Estratest or 1 to 2
tablets of Estratest H.S.
Overdosage
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Any medication taken in excess can
have serious consequences. If you suspect an
overdose of Estratest, seek medical attention
immediately.
- Symptoms of overdose may include:
Nausea, vaginal bleeding
