Estrace

What is Estrace?

Estrace contains estradiol. Estradiol, a female hormone that regulates multiple processes within the body, is used to treat a variety of conditions.Estrace can be used for menopausal symptoms like vaginal changes and hot flashes, to help prevent osteoporosis, and to restore estrogen to women who have ovarian problems or are suffering from other diseases that lead to a deficiency of estrogen.Sometimes, estrogen can be used to treat cancer in both women and men.Estrace can also be purchased as a vaginal lotion.

Side effects of Estrace

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Estrace, seek immediate medical attention: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your mouth, face, lips, or throat

If you experience:

• Symptoms of a heart attack: pain or pressure in the chest; spreading pain to your shoulder or jaw; nausea and sweating; vomiting;
• Symptoms of stroke include sudden weakness or numbness (especially one-sided), a severe headache, and slurred or mumbled speech.
• Signs of a blood clot: sudden vision loss, stabbing pain in the chest, shortness of breath, blood coughed up, or pain or warmth on one or both of your legs.
• You may experience swelling in the stomach or tenderness.
• Jaundice, also known as jaundice, refers to an abnormal yellowing of both skin and eyes.
• Memory problems, confusion, and unusual behaviors;
• Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
  a lump on your breast,
• High levels of calcium in your blood cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Other symptoms include increased thirst, pain, or muscle weakness.

Estrace may cause side effects such as:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps;
• Mood changes, sleep problems (insomnia);
• Symptoms of a cold, such as a swollen nose and sinus pain,
• Weight gain
• Back pain, headache
• Breast pain
• Hair loss on the scalp
• Breakthrough bleeding.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report adverse reactions by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Warnings

Estrace should be avoided if: you are experiencing undiagnosed bleeding in the vaginal area; you suffer from liver disease or bleeding disorders; you plan to undergo major surgery; or you've ever suffered a heart attack, stroke, blood clot, or cancer of the breast, uterus, cervix, or vagina.If you're pregnant, do not take Estrace.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.Estradiol is not recommended to treat heart disease or stroke. It also does not work for dementia.While using Estrace, you should have regular mammograms and physical examinations. You can also self-examine the breasts to check for lumps every month.

Before you take this drug

If you're allergic to estradiol or have any of the following:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by your doctor
• Liver disease
• Have a history of heart attack, stroke or blood clot
• 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 using Estrace while pregnant. Inform your doctor immediately if a pregnancy occurs during treatment.This medicine increases your risk of blood clots and stroke. This medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack if it is used by someone with diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or obesity.This medicine can actually raise your chances of getting heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medication is right for you:

• Heart disease
• If you have liver disease or yellowing of the skin, it could be caused by pregnancy and/or taking hormones.
• Kidney disease
• Gallbladder Disease
• Asthma;
• Epilepsy
• Migraines;
• Lupus;
• Endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;
• Hereditary Angioedema
• Porphyria is a disorder of the genetic enzyme that can cause symptoms in the skin and nervous system.
• 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.Estrace can lower the amount of hormone required to make breast milk and slow down production. Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding.

How to take Estrace?

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take it for longer.You may be at greater risk of developing conditions that can lead to uterine carcinoma if you use estradiol. If you experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding, call your doctor immediately.You should have your doctor check on you regularly (every three to six months) in order to decide whether or not to continue the treatment. While using Estrace, self-examine your breasts monthly for lumps and get a mammogram once a year.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 if you're using Estrace.Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If your next dose is scheduled, do not take the missed one. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

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. Estrace can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Estrace, causing unwanted side effects. Use grapefruit-based products sparingly..

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 medication guide does not list all interactions. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.