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EstroGel Pump

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, Divigel 1.25 mg/packet,… show all 8 brands
Drug class: estrogens

What is EstroGel Pump?

The EstroGel pump is used for the treatment of certain menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.EstroGel pumps may be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.

Side effects of EstroGel Pump

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue

The EstroGel Pump 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 behaviors;
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
  • A lump on your breast, or
  • High calcium levels can cause confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite.

A child's skin absorbs topical estradiol when it comes into close contact with the EstroGel Pump. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice swollen breasts or nipples in a child that has been near you.

Some of the side effects that the EstroGel pump may cause 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. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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 of developing a condition that may 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.EstroGel Pump can be absorbed by the skin. It may cause adverse effects to a child that comes into contact with the skin on which you applied it.

Before you take this drug

Estradiol should be avoided if:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by your doctor
  • Liver disease
  • A history of stroke, heart attack, 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 estradiol during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant while on treatment.Estradiol increases your chances of having a stroke or blood clot. If you suffer from hypertension or diabetes, you may be at greater risk.The EstroGel pump should not be used as a preventative measure for heart disease, stroke, or dementia. EstroGel pumps can actually increase the risk of these conditions.

If you've ever:

  • Heart disease
  • If you have liver disease or jaundice due to pregnancy, taking hormones, or being pregnant,
  • Gallbladder Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Migraines;
  • Lupus;
  • Endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;
  • Hereditary Angioedema
  • 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 EstroGel Pump?

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. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.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 touch the area where the EstroGel Pump has been applied. Topical estradiol can be absorbed into 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 if you use estradiol.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 undergo regular mammograms when using the EstroGel Pump.Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.The EstroGel Pump is flammable. Keep away from 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, sleepiness, or vaginal bleeding.

What should be avoided?

Avoid getting an EstroGel pump in your eyes. Rinse your eyes with water if this happens.After applying EstroGel Pump, 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.