ESTRADIOL

Cardiovascular disorders:  Disorders such as coronary heart disease and stroke and venous thromboembolism has an increased risk in both men and women taking estradiol.

Cancer: Estrogens can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) and breast cancer. Taking a progestin as directed by your doctor can help decrease this risk.

Dementia: In postmenopausal women, estrogens can increase the risk of dementia.

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking estradiol, get emergency help immediately:

Symptoms of overdose

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• nausea or vomiting
• tenderness of the breasts
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some of the side effects that can occur with estradiol may not need medical attention:

More common

• Back pain
• headache
• itching or pain of the vagina or genital area
• thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor
• weight gain

Less common

• Body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• ear congestion
• loss of voice
• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat

Precautions

• Allergy: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
• Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: 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, a certain blood disorder (porphyria), mental/mood disorders (such as dementia, depression).
• Smoking: 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 taking an estrogen product. You may need to stop this medication for a time or take special precautions.
• Melasma: This drug may cause blotchy, dark areas of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect.
• Eye problems: If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses.
• Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. It may affect their growth/development.

Pregnancy Risk: Category X (Not for use in pregnant)

Breastfeeding: Estrogen administration to nursing mothers has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of the milk. Detectable amounts of estrogens have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving this drug.

Interactions

• Some products that may interact with this drug include: aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole), fulvestrant, ospemifene, raloxifene, tamoxifen, toremifene, tranexamic acid.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting, unusual vaginal bleeding.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. You should have regular complete physical exams (for example, once a year) which include laboratory and medical tests (such as blood pressure, breast exam/mammogram, pelvic exam, pap smear) to monitor your progress and check for side effects.

Preventing or controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can help to reduce your chances of heart disease and stroke.

Lifestyle changes that can help to control or prevent these diseases include reducing stress, eating a low fat/salt diet, losing weight if overweight, exercising regularly, and stopping smoking. Keep your mind active with mental exercises (such as reading, solving crossword puzzles) to help prevent dementia.

Lifestyle changes that may help reduce hot flashes include stopping smoking, dressing lightly or in layers, avoiding/limiting certain foods (spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol), reducing stress, and exercising regularly.

Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. Since you may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and make lifestyle changes, consult your doctor for specific advice.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands

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