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Estradiol Topical

Generic name: estradiol topical [ESS-tra-DYE-ol-TOP-ik-al]
Brand names: Divigel 0.25 mg/packet, Divigel 0.5 mg/packet, Divigel 0.75 mg/packet, Divigel 1 mg/packet and Divigel 1.25 mg/packet are amongst eight popular choices… Show all 8 brands.
Forms of dosage: Transdermal Gel (0.25 mg/0.25 g, 0.1%), 0.5 mg/0.5 g, (0.06%), and 0.75 mg/0.75 g, (0.1%) 

Drug class: estrogens

What is Estradiol Topical?

Estradiol topical (for skin) treats certain menopause symptoms like hot flashes and dry vaginal tissue.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for estradiol topical.

Side effects of Estradiol Topical

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling in your lips, face, throat, tongue, or mouth, seek emergency medical attention.

Estradiol topical may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Heart attack symptoms: chest pain, pressure or pain in your shoulder or jaw, nausea, and sweating.
  • Signs of blood clots: sudden numbness, weakness, or vision loss; slurred or shaky speech; stabbing pain in the chest; blood in coughing; or pain or warmth on one or both legs.
  • You may experience nausea, vomiting, or a swelling of your stomach.
  • Jaundice
  • Memory problems, confusion, and unusual behavior
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
  • A lump on your breast,
  • High calcium levels can cause confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite.

A child's skin absorbs topical estradiol if they come into close contact. If a child comes into contact with you and develops swollen breasts or nipples, call your doctor.

Side effects associated with estradiol topical include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps;
  • Bloating, swelling, and weight gain
  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Headache;
  • Bleeding, vaginal irritation, or discharge;
  • Hair loss on the scalp
  • Symptoms of a cold, including a stuffy nose and a sore throat.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Please contact the FDA by dialing their toll-free hotline: 1-800-FDA-1088 to report adverse reactions.

Similar/related drugs

alendronate, finasteride, estradiol, tamoxifen, fosamax, testosterone, and premarin

Warnings

This medicine should be avoided if: you are pregnant, have undiagnosed bleeding in the vaginal area, have liver disease or bleeding issues, have a history of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, or have 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 uterine cancer. Do not ignore any abnormal vaginal bleeding.This medicine may increase the risk of stroke, breast cancer, uterine or ovarian cancer, and blood clots. It is not recommended to use estradiol for the prevention of stroke or Alzheimer's.The skin absorbs estradiol topical, which can have side effects on a child if they come into contact with it.

Before you take this drug

Estradiol should be avoided if:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by your doctor
  • Liver disease
  • Experience of heart attacks, stroke, or blood clots is not recommended.
  • An increased risk for blood clots as a result of a blood disorder or heart disease;
  • 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 hypertension or diabetes, you may be at greater risk.Topical estradiol should not be used for the prevention of heart disease, stroke, or dementia. Estradiol may increase the risk of these diseases.

If you've ever:

  • Heart disease
  • If you have liver disease or jaundice due to pregnancy, taking hormones, or being pregnant,
  • Kidney disease
  • Gallbladder Disease
  • Asthma;
  • Epilepsy
  • Migraines;
  • Lupus;
  • Endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;
  • Hereditary Angioedema
  • Porphyria
  • A thyroid disease;
  • High levels of calcium are found in the blood.

Estradiol can increase the risk of breast cancer, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer. Speak to your doctor regarding this possibility.Estradiol can lower the amount of hormone required to make breast milk. This may slow down breast milk production. Inform your doctor that you are nursing.

How to take Estradiol Topical?

Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.Take the medication at the same time each day.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. Rather, seek assistance from your pharmacist or physician if the instructions don't make sense to you.After applying the medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Don't let anyone else get the medicine on their body. In this case, you should wash the affected area with water and soap.Avoid letting a child come into contact with skin that has been treated with estradiol. Topical estradiol can be absorbed by the skin, causing premature puberty for a child that comes into contact with it. Wear clothing over the treated area to prevent others from touching the skin.

You may have to temporarily stop taking this medication if you are going through major surgery or if you will need long-term rest. You should let any doctor who treats you know that estradiol is being used.You may be at greater risk of developing conditions that could lead to uterine carcinoma if you take estradiol. Your doctor might also recommend that you take progesterone to help reduce this risk. Any unusual bleeding in the vaginal area should be reported immediately.You should have your doctor check on you regularly to see if this is a treatment that should be continued. You should self-examine your breasts monthly for lumps and get regular mammograms when using estradiol.Maintain the ideal room temperature to avoid both heat and moisture build-up.The topical estradiol may ignite. Avoid using near-open flames or high temperatures. Smoke only after the medication has dried completely on your skin.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Skip the dose missed if the next dose is in 12 hours or less. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. The symptoms of an overdose may include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, tender breasts, drowsiness, or vaginal bleeding.

What should be avoided?

Do not get estradiol in your eye. Rinse your eyes with water if this happens.After applying the topical estradiol, wait at least 25 minutes before applying sunblock to the same area.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.

Interaction with other drug

It is sometimes not safe to take certain drugs at the same time. Some medications can cause side effects that increase or decrease the effectiveness of another drug you are taking.Estradiol can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.