Estrogens are female hormones. They are produced by the body and are necessary for the normal sexual development of the female and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during the childbearing years.
Estradot is taken for several reasons:
- to provide additional hormone when the body does not produce enough of its own, such as during menopause or when female puberty (development of female sexual organs) does not occur on time. Other conditions include a genital skin condition (vulvar atrophy), inflammation of the vagina (atrophic vaginitis), or ovary problems (female hypogonadism or failure or removal of both ovaries)
- to help prevent weakening of bones (osteoporosis) in women past menopause
- in the treatment of selected cases of breast cancer in men and women
- in the treatment of cancer of the prostate in men
Directions
Take Estradot only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it and do not take or use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
One Estradot patch should be applied to a clean, dry, unbroken, non-irritated area of skin on the abdomen. The waistline should be avoided, since tight clothing may dislodge the patch. Don't apply creams, lotions or other oily products before applying the patch as they will stop it sticking. The patch should be replaced with a new one twice a week. Each fresh patch should be applied to a slightly different area to avoid irritating the skin. Leave at least a week before applying a patch to the same site. Patches should NOT be applied on or near the breasts. They should not be exposed to sunlight.
You can shower and bath without removing the patch. If a patch falls off before you are due to change it, for example because you have been doing vigorous exercise, sweating excessively, or wearing clothes that rub the patch, you should replace it with a new one. Change this new patch on your normal patch change day.
To use the patches
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after handling the patch.
- Apply the patch to a clean, dry, nonoily skin area of your lower abdomen, hips below the waist, or buttocks that has little or no hair and is free of cuts or irritation. Each new patch should be applied to a new site of application. For instance, if the old patch is taken off the left buttock, then apply the new patch to the right buttock.
- Do not apply to the breasts. Also, do not apply to the waistline or anywhere else where tight clothes may rub the patch loose.
- Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds. Make sure there is good contact, especially around the edges.
- If a patch becomes loose or falls off, you may reapply it or discard it and apply a new patch.
- Each dose is best applied to a different area of skin on your lower abdomen, hips below the waist, or buttocks so that at least 1 week goes by before the same area is used again. This will help prevent skin irritation.
Missed Dose
If you forget to apply a new patch when you are supposed to, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next patch, skip the missed one and go back to your regular schedule. Always remove the old patch before applying a new one. Do not apply more than one patch at a time.
Side Effects
Using Estradot patches may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- breast pain or tenderness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- constipation
- gas
- heartburn
- weight gain or loss
- hair loss
- redness or irritation of the skin that was covered by the estradiol patch
- swelling, redness, burning, irritation or itching of the vagina
- vaginal discharge
- painful menstrual periods
- anxiety
- depression
- changes in mood
- change in sexual desire
- back, neck, or muscle pain
- runny nose or congestion
- cough
- darkening of skin on face (may not go away even after you stop using transdermal estradiol)
- unwanted hair growth
- difficulty wearing contact lenses
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- bulging eyes
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- loss of appetite
- fever
- joint pain
- stomach tenderness, pain, or swelling
- movements that are difficult to control
- itching
- hives
- rash, blisters on skin, or other skin changes
- swelling, of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Estradot patches may increase your risk of developing cancer of the ovaries and gallbladder disease that may need to be treated with surgery. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using transdermal estradiol.
Estradot patches may cause growth to slow or stop early in children who use large doses for a long time. Your child's doctor will monitor her carefully during her treatment with transdermal estradiol. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving this medication to your child.
Estradot patches may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom medicine cabinet because the heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
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