What is Estradiol Patch (Skin Patch)?
Estradiol, also known as estrogen in females, is produced by the ovaries. Estrogen plays a role in many bodily processes.The use of estrogen patches is to relieve certain menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Estradiol patches are used for ovarian disorder treatment or prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.Estradiol Patch can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Estradiol Patch (Skin Patch)
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
If you suffer from:
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain, pressure or pain in your shoulder or jaw, nausea, and sweating.
- Increased blood pressure; severe headache; blurred vision; or pounding of the neck and ears anxiety. Nosebleed.
- Signs of a stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, or headache (especially on one side), slurred or distorted speech, or problems with balance or vision;
- Signs of a blood clot include sudden vision loss, chest pain that stabs, shortness of breath, blood in the cough, or pain or heat in both legs.
- You may experience swelling in the stomach or tenderness.
- Jaundice
- Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
- Breast lumps;
- Memory problems, confusion, or unusual behaviors;
- High levels of calcium are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, pain in the bones, fatigue, or increased thirst.
Some of the common side effects associated with estrogen patches include:
- Back pain, headache
- Sore throat, stuffy nose, and sinus pain
- Bleeding, vaginal itching, or changes in menstrual cycles.
- Bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting;
- Breast pain
Redness or irritation at the site of wearing the patch; - Hair loss on the scalp
- Fluid retention (swelling, rapid weight gain).
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
alendronate, estradiol, tamoxifen, fosamax, testosterone, premarin, and reclast
Warnings
Estradiol should be avoided if there is undiagnosed bleeding in the vaginal area, liver or coronary artery diseases, major surgery planned, or you've had heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.Avoid using it if pregnant.Estradiol can increase the risk that you will develop a condition that may eventually lead to cancer of the uterus. Do not ignore any abnormal vaginal bleeding.Estradiol is not recommended for the prevention of strokes or dementia.
Before you take this drug
Estradiol should be avoided if:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by your doctor
- Liver disease
- Coronary artery disease
- A bleeding disorder;
- A history of heart attacks, strokes, or blood clots;
- A history of cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, or vagina
Avoid estradiol during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant while on treatment.
Estradiol increases your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. If you suffer from high blood sugar, high cholesterol, or obesity, you may be at greater risk.This medicine can actually increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, or dementia.
If you've ever:
- Heart disease
- If you have liver disease or jaundice due to pregnancy, taking hormones, or being pregnant,
- A thyroid condition;
- Gallbladder Disease
- Kidney disease
- Asthma;
- Epilepsy
- Migraine headaches
- Lupus;
- Porphyria
- Endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;
- High levels of calcium in the blood
- Hereditary Angioedema
Estradiol can increase the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or uterine cancer. Speak to your doctor regarding this possibility.Estradiol may slow down the production of breast milk. Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding.
How to take Estradiol Patch (Skin Patch)?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.The skin patch should be applied to dry, clean skin on the buttocks or stomach. The patch should be pressed firmly for 10 seconds. Each time you use a patch, choose a different area within the skin. Use the same area of skin no more than twice in a week. Do not use it on skin that has been irritated or is damaged.Apply a patch of skin to the breasts only. Apply a skin patch only where you are sure it will not be removed by clothing. For example, under elastic waistbands Do not cut skin patches.Try sticking the patch back in place if it falls. It may not adhere well. If this happens, try a patch on a completely different area of the skin. Keep your normal patch removal routine.
To maintain your weekly or biweekly routine, remove the patch from the skin and apply another one the next week on the same date(s).Estradiol can increase the risk that you will develop a condition that could lead to uterine carcinoma. A progestin may be prescribed by your doctor to lower the risk. Any unusual bleeding in the vaginal area should be reported immediately.Estradiol patches may be temporarily discontinued if you are going to have major surgery or if you will need long-term rest. You should let any doctor who treats you know that you use estradiol.You should have your doctor check on you regularly to see if this is a treatment that should be continued. While using Estradiol Patch, you should self-examine monthly for any lumps and get regular mammograms.Keep patches away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Store each patch separately in the pouch.Fold the skin patch in half after removing it. This will help it stick together. The folded patch should be thrown away in an area that children and animals cannot reach.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You can change the patch as soon as possible if you forgot, or you can wait for your next patch replacement. Apply only one patch at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Smoking is harmful. Estradiol can increase the risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes.Avoid grapefruit products, as they may cause unwanted side effects. Use grapefruit-based products as little as possible.If you use creams or lotions to apply your patch, it might not adhere.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain drugs at the same time. Taking certain drugs together can cause side effects and/or make other medications less effective.Estradiol can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, herbal products, and vitamins. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
