What is Estradiol Vaginal?
Estradiol is a type of estrogen. It is a female hormone that regulates many bodily processes.Using estradiol placed in the vagina, you can treat "locally" vaginal menopause (dryness, irritation, or burning). Some vaginal estradiol is used to treat vaginal symptoms of menopause and other symptoms (such as hot flashes). The "systemic" nature of this type of vaginal estradiol can cause effects in other parts of the human body than the area where it is applied.The information in this guide is about the use of estradiol vaginal to treat certain menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal drying, or irritation.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of estradiol vaginal systemic.
Side effects of Estradiol Vaginal
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongueIf you experience nausea and vomiting with diarrhea, severe muscle pains, fainting or dizziness, and/or a sunburn-like rash, remove the vaginal rings and get emergency medical help. This could be a sign of toxic shock syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Estradiol vaginal may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Symptoms of a heart attack: chest pressure or pain, discomfort in your shoulder or jaw, nausea, sweating
- Signs of a stroke: sudden numbness (especially on one side), severe headache; slurred or shaky speech.
- Signs of blood clots: 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
- Memory problems, confusion, and unusual behaviors;
- Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
- A lump on your breast, or
- High levels of calcium are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, pain in the bones, fatigue, or a lack of energy.
Some of the common side effects associated with estradiol vaginal include:
- Nausea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach cramps;
- Headache;
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Weight gain; swelling of the hands and feet;
- Hair loss on the scalp
- Bleeding, vaginal itching, or discharge.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects to the FDA by calling them at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
alendronate, finasteride, estradiol, tamoxifen, fosamax, testosterone, and premarin
Warnings
Estradiol should not be used if you are suffering from undiagnosed bleeding in the vaginal area, liver diseases, or bleeding disorders. You also shouldn't use it if major surgeries will take place or if there is a high probability that you may have a bleeding disorder, or if a bleeding disorder or cancer has ever occurred.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.This medicine should not be taken to treat strokes or dementia.
Before you take this drug
Estradiol should be avoided if:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by your doctor
- Liver disease
- A history of heart attacks, strokes, or blood clots;
- An increased risk for blood clots as a result of a blood disorder or heart disease;
- A history of cancers of the uterus, breast, cervix, or vagina
Avoid estradiol during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant while on treatment.This medicine increases your risk of blood clots and stroke. This medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.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,
- 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 and slow down production. Inform your doctor that you're breastfeeding.
How to take Estradiol Vaginally?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.Before and after inserting vaginal rings, wash your hands.Once the vaginal band is placed, you should be unable to feel it. Remove the ring after 90 days. You may be asked by your doctor to get a replacement ring. It is not necessary to remove the ring during sexual activity. You can remove the ring, wash it in warm water, and then reinsert it after sexual intercourse if it bothers you.Remove the ring by gently pulling it out of the vagina. Loop a finger around the ring. If you are having trouble removing the ring, call your doctor.Estradiol can increase the risk that you will develop a condition that could lead to uterine carcinoma. 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 estradiol, 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 use estradiol.Store the vaginal rings in their protective pouches until ready to use. Keep the vaginal ring at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, remove the vaginal band and replace it with a brand new one. Use an extra vaginal band to compensate for the time missed.Rinse the ring with warm water if it falls out. Then, re-insert it. Use your finger to press it further into the vagina if it falls down.
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.Do not use other products for vaginal care without consulting your doctor.Avoid grapefruit products as they could potentially lead to side effects that could prove adverse. 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.
