What is Esterified Estrogen?
The ovaries produce estrogen, a female hormone. Estrogen plays a role in many bodily processes.Esterified estrogens are a mixture of man-made estrogens used to treat symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.Esterified estrogens are also used as a replacement for estrogen by women who have ovarian problems or any other condition that causes a shortage of estrogen.Esterified estrogens are used in some instances to treat the symptoms of breast cancer, both for men and women. In men, esterified estrogens are used to treat the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. The treatment of cancer with esterified esters is only for the symptoms.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for esterified esters.
Side effects of Esterified Estrogens
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.
Esterified estrogens may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Signs of a Stroke: sudden numbness (especially on one side), severe headache; slurred or shaky speech.
- Signs of a blood clot in the lungs: chest pain, sudden hack or wheezing; rapid breathing and coughing blood
- Signs of a blood clot: pain, swelling, warmth, or redness on one or both of your legs
- heart attack symptoms: chest pain, pressure or pain in your shoulder or jaw, nausea, and sweating.
- Liver problems: severe stomach pains; fatigue; dark-colored urine and stools; jaundice.
- High levels of calcium are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, pain in the bones, fatigue, confusion, or a lack of energy.
- A change in migraine headache pattern or intensity;
- You may experience swelling of your ankles or feet, hands, or even both.
- A breast lump,
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore neck, swelling of the tongue or face, eye burning, followed by skin pain, followed by a rash that spreads to other parts (particularly the face and upper body) and results in blistering and peeling.
Some of the common side effects associated with esterified estrogens include:
- Light vaginal bleeding;
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Nausea, vomiting, bloating;
- Skin color changes, increased facial hair, and thinning of scalp hair
- Headache, dizziness, and mood swings
- Vaginal itching, or very light periods
- Contact lenses are causing problems.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Call the FDA immediately at 1-800-FDA-1088 if experiencing side effects.
Similar/related drugs
hydrochlorothiazide, alendronate, estradiol, tamoxifen, prolia, fosamax, and calcium carbonate
Warnings
Avoid using it if pregnant.If you suffer from any of these conditions, you should avoid taking esterified esters: abnormal vaginal bleeding; a disorder that affects blood clotting; breast cancer (except if esterified esters are being taken to treat breast cancer symptoms); or you may have had thyroid carcinoma, cancer of the uterus, or blood clots caused by taking hormonal estrogens.Esters that are esterified can increase the risk of developing conditions that may eventually lead to uterine carcinoma. If you experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
This medication can cause birth defects or harm to an unborn child. Avoid using this medicine if pregnant. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant.
If you're allergic, pregnant, or have any of the following:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not examined by a physician
- A bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
- Breast cancer is not a problem unless you take esterified estrogens for breast cancer symptoms.
- A history of a hormone-dependent tumor (such as thyroid, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer)
- A history of blood clots due to taking contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy
This medicine may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack if certain conditions are present.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that esterified estrogens are safe for you:
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
- A history of depression
- Liver disease
- A history of fibrous breast disease or lumps, nodules, or abnormal mammograms;
- Breast cancer in the family;
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease
- Epilepsy;
- Migraines;
- A history of jaundice due to pregnancy or pill birth control;
- Have you had your uterus removed (hysterectomy)?
- If you plan on becoming pregnant or are already pregnant,
- If you've had a stroke or heart attack,
- If you've ever experienced a blood clot in the lungs or lower part of your body,
Esterified estrogens contain hormones that can be passed into the breast milk, which may cause harm to a baby who is nursing. The medicine can also reduce breast milk production. Use caution if breastfeeding a child.
How to take Esterified Estrogens?
Do not take esterified estrogens in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended on the prescription label. Take no more or less esterified esters than prescribed.The treatment of the disease will determine whether or not esterified estrogens should be taken every day, on a regular schedule, or on a cycle.You can take the medication on a cycle. Take it every day for a few days or even weeks, and then take 7-9 days without taking any medicine. This will mimic your natural monthly cycle.You may need to take esterified esters more than once per day if you're taking them for cancer treatment.Make sure that you follow all of your doctor's orders carefully.Take your medicine every day at the same dose, no matter how you schedule it.
If you experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding, call your doctor immediately.Your doctor might also recommend that you take progestins to help reduce your risk of developing uterine carcinoma. Please follow all instructions for dosage.You may have to temporarily stop your medication if you are going to be undergoing medical testing or need surgical procedures. You should let any doctor who treats you know that you take esterified esters.Keep this medication at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.You will have to see your doctor on a regular basis while taking esterified estrogens. You should self-examine and check your breasts monthly for any lumps.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.If you forgot to resume your regular dosing after a break, call your doctor and ask for directions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Some drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with esterified estrogens. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
