What is Estring Local?
Estradiol is a type of estrogen. It is a female hormone that regulates many bodily processes.Some estradiols placed into the vagina can be used to treat "locally'' vaginal menopause (such as irritation, dryness, and 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 following information is provided to help you understand Estring and how it can be used for the treatment of vaginal menopausal symptoms (such as irritation, itching, or dryness) during sexual activity.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Estring (local).
Side effects of Estring (local)
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongueIf you experience nausea and vomiting with diarrhea, severe muscle pains, dizziness and fainting, 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.
Estring can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain, pressure or pain 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.
Estring can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach cramps;
- Headache;
- Weight gain; swelling of the hands and feet;
- Breast pain
- Breakthrough bleeding.
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.
Warnings
Estradiol should be avoided if you are pregnant, have undiagnosed vaginal blood, have liver disease or bleeding disorders, will undergo major surgery, or have had heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, cancers of the uterus, vagina, breast, or cervical cancer.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
- 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 breast, uterus, 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 strokes. This medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.This medicine should not be taken to prevent strokes, heart attacks, or dementia. The medicine can actually raise your chances of getting 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;
- Calcium levels in the blood can be high or low.
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 Estring Local?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.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 this risk. If you experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding, call your doctor immediately.Hands should be washed before inserting estring.The applicator supplied is used to accurately measure out the dose prescribed of the vaginal cream, estradiol. After each application, wash the applicator with warm, soapy water and mild detergent.The Estring tablets are supplied with a disposable, single-use applicator. After one usage, throw away the applicator.Once it's in place, you shouldn't be able to feel the vaginal band. Remove the vaginal rings 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 activity 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.You should have your doctor check on you regularly to see if this is a treatment that should be continued. While using estradiol, self-inspect your breasts monthly for lumps and get a mammogram once a year.You may have to temporarily stop taking Estring if you are going through major surgery or if you will need long-term rest. You should let any doctor who treats you know you use estradiol.Keep away from heat and moisture. Store the vaginal rings in their protective pouches until ready to use.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the dose that was missed. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.As soon as possible, remove the vaginal band and replace it with a fresh 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 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.
