Ogen and Ortho-Est are
estrogen replacement drugs. The tablets are used to
reduce symptoms of menopause, including feelings of
warmth in face, neck, and chest, and the sudden
intense episodes of heat and sweating known as "hot
flashes."
In addition, either the
tablets or Ogen vaginal cream can be used for other
conditions caused by lack of estrogen, such as dry,
itchy external genitals and vaginal irritation.
Along with diet, calcium
supplements, and exercise, Ogen and Ortho-Est
tablets are also prescribed to prevent osteoporosis,
a condition in which the bones become brittle and
easily broken.
Some doctors also prescribe
these drugs to treat breast cancer and cancer of the
prostate.
Most
important fact about Ogen
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Because estrogens have been
linked with increased risk of endometrial cancer
(cancer in the lining of the uterus) in women who
have had their menopause, it is essential to have
regular check-ups and to report any unusual vaginal
bleeding to your doctor immediately.
How should
you take Ogen?
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Be careful to follow the
cycle of administration your doctor establishes for
you. Take the medication exactly as prescribed.
When using Ogen Vaginal
Cream, follow the instructions printed on the
carton. It is for short-term use only. Remove the
cap from the tube and make sure the plunger of the
applicator is all the way into the barrel. Screw the
nozzle of the applicator onto the tube and squeeze
the cream into the applicator. The number on the
plunger, which indicates the dose you should take,
should be level with the top of the barrel. Unscrew
the applicator and replace the cap on the tube.
Insert the applicator into the vagina and push the
plunger all the way down. Between uses, take the
plunger out of the barrel and wash the applicator
with warm, soapy water. Never use hot or boiling
water.
--If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as
soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to
your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by
doubling the dose.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
What Ogen side
effects may occur?
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Side effects cannot be
anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
notify your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to
continue taking estrogen.
- Side effects may
include:
Abdominal cramps, bloating, breakthrough bleeding,
breast enlargement, breast tenderness and
secretions, change in amount of cervical
secretion, changes in sex drive, changes in
vaginal bleeding patterns, chorea (irregular,
rapid, jerky movements, usually affecting the face
and limbs), depression, dizziness, enlargement of
benign tumors (fibroids), excessive hairiness,
fluid retention, hair loss, headache, inability to
use contact lenses, menstrual changes, migraine,
nausea, reduced ability to tolerate carbohydrates,
spotting, spotty darkening of the skin, especially
around the face, skin eruptions (especially on the
legs and arms) with bleeding, skin irritation,
skin redness and scaling, vaginal yeast infection,
vision problems, vomiting, weight gain or loss,
yellow eyes and skin
Why should
Ogen not be prescribed?
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Estrogens should not be used
if you know or suspect you have breast cancer or
other cancers promoted by estrogen. Do not use
estrogen if you are pregnant or think you may be
pregnant. Also avoid estrogen if you have abnormal,
undiagnosed genital bleeding, or if you have blood
clots or a blood clotting disorder or a history of
blood clotting disorders associated with previous
estrogen use.
Ogen Vaginal Cream should
not be used if you are sensitive to or have ever had
an allergic reaction to any of its components.
Special
warnings about Ogen
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The risk of cancer of the
uterus increases when estrogen is used for a long
time or taken in large doses. There also may be
increased risk of breast cancer in women who take
estrogen for an extended period of time.
Women who take estrogen
after menopause are more likely to develop
gallbladder disease.
Ogen also increases the risk
of blood clots. These blood clots can cause stroke,
heart attack, or other serious disorders.
Your doctor will check your
blood pressure regularly. It could go up or down.
While taking estrogen, get
in touch with your doctor right away if you notice
any of the following:
Abdominal pain, tenderness, or swelling
Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
Breast lumps
Coughing up blood
Pain in your chest or calves
Severe headache, dizziness, or faintness
Speech changes
Sudden shortness of breath
Vision changes
Vomiting
Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
Yellowing of the skin
Ogen may cause fluid
retention in some people. If you have asthma,
epilepsy, migraine, or heart or kidney disease, use
this medication with care.
Estrogen therapy may cause
uterine bleeding or breast pain.
Possible
food and drug interactions when taking Ogen
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If Ogen is taken with
certain other drugs, the effects of either could be
increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining
Ogen with the following:
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Epilepsy drugs (Tegretol, Dilantin, others)
Insulin
Tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil, Tofranil, others)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Special
Ogen information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Estrogens should not be used
during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.
These drugs may appear in breast milk and could
affect a nursing infant. If this medication is
essential to your health, your doctor may advise you
to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is
finished.
Recommended
Ogen dosage
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HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS
Ogen Tablets:
The usual dose ranges from
one .625 tablet to two 2.5 tablets per day. Tablets
should be taken in cycles, according to your
doctor's instructions.
Ortho-Est Tablets:
The usual dose ranges from
half a tablet to 4 tablets per day of Ortho-Est 1.25
or 1 to 8 tablets of Ortho-Est .625. Tablets should
be taken in cycles, according to your doctor's
instructions. Return
to top
VAGINAL INFLAMMATION AND
DRYNESS
Ogen Tablets:
The usual dose ranges from
one .625 tablet to two 2.5 tablets per day. Tablets
should be taken in cycles, according to your
doctor's instructions.
Ortho-Est Tablets:
The usual dose ranges from
half a tablet to 4 tablets per day of Ortho-Est 1.25
or 1 to 8 tablets of Ortho-Est .625. Tablets should
be taken in cycles, according to your doctor's
instructions.
Ogen Vaginal Cream:
The usual dose is 2 to 4
grams daily. Cream should be used in cycles, and
only for limited periods of time.
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ESTROGEN HORMONE DEFICIENCY
Ogen Tablets:
The usual dose ranges from
one 1.25 tablet to three 2.5 tablets per day, taken
for 3 weeks, followed by a rest period of 8 to 10
days.
Ortho-Est Tablets:
The usual dose ranges from 1
to 6 tablets per day of Ortho-Est 1.25 or 2 to 12
tablets of Ortho-Est .625, given for 3 weeks,
followed by a rest period of 8 to 10 days.
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OVARIAN FAILURE
Ogen Tablets:
The usual dose ranges from
one 1.25 tablet to three 2.5 tablets per day for 3
weeks, followed by a rest period of 8 to 10 days.
Your doctor may increase or decrease your dosage
according to your response.
Ortho-Est Tablets:
The usual dose ranges from 1
to 6 tablets per day of Ortho-Est 1.25 or 2 to 12
tablets of Ortho-Est .625 for 3 weeks, followed by a
rest period of 8 to 10 days. Your doctor may
increase or decrease your dosage according to your
response. Return to
top
PREVENTION OF OSTEOPOROSIS
Ogen and Ortho-Est
Tablets:
The usual dose is one .625
tablet per day for 25 days of a 31-day monthly
cycle.
Overdosage
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Any medication taken in
excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect
an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment
immediately.
- Symptoms of Ogen
overdose may include:
Nausea, vomiting, withdrawal bleeding
