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Estrogel

Generic name: estradiol topical (for use on skin) [ess-tra-DYE-ol-TOP-ik-al]

Brand name: EstroGel Pump
Drug class: estrogens

What is Estrogel?

Estrogel, a colorless and clear gel medication, contains estradiol. Estrogens, or female hormones that are produced by the ovaries of a woman, regulate many bodily processes.The prescription drug Estrogel reduces certain symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes ranging from mild to severe, as well as vaginal symptoms like dryness, irritation, or burning.Estrogel can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.

Side effects of Estrogel

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Estrogel: difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue; hives; or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Estrogel immediately and contact your doctor.

  • symptoms of a heart attack: chest pressure or pain, spreading pain to the jaw or shoulder area, nausea, and sweating.
  • Signs of a Blood Clot: sudden numbness, weakness, or vision loss; slurred speech; stabbing chest pain; coughing up blood; or pain in either or both legs.
  • You may experience nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain that spreads to your back.
  • Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
  • Memory problems, confusion, and unusual behavior
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
  • A lump on your breast, or
  • High calcium levels cause fatigue, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. loss of appetite. constipation. increased thirst and urination.

A child's skin absorbs topical estradiol if they come into close contact. If a child has swollen breasts or nipples, call your doctor.

Common Estrogel side effects may include:

  • Breast pain
  • headache;
  • Vaginal discharge or itching, changes to your period, or light bleeding
  • Hair loss on the scalp
  • nausea, vomiting, bloating, and stomach cramps.

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

Estrogel should be avoided if any of these conditions are present: history of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, bleeding disorders, liver diseases, abnormal vaginal bleeds, allergic reactions to topical estradiol, and hormone-related tumors such as uterine or breast cancer.Avoid using it if pregnant.Estradiol can increase the risk that you develop a condition that could lead to uterine carcinoma. If you experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding, call your doctor immediately.Avoid letting children touch the skin where Estrogel has been applied. Topical estradiol can be absorbed by the skin. This may cause adverse effects for children who come into contact with Estrogel or the skin to which it has been applied.This medicine should not be taken to prevent strokes, heart attacks, or dementia. It may increase the risk. Estrogel can increase the risk of blood clots or breast cancer if used over time.

Before you take this drug

Estrogel should not be used if:

  • Undiagnosed abnormal bleeding in the vaginal area;
  • Breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancers;
  • A history of heart attacks, strokes, or blood clots (especially in the lungs or lower body);
  • Liver disease
  • a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
  • If you're pregnant or think that you might be pregnant,
  • If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction when using estradiol topically,

Estradiol will not protect you from heart disease, stroke, dementia, breast cancer, or heart attacks. It may even increase the risk that these conditions develop. Estradiol can also raise your risk of ovarian or uterine cancer. Speak to your doctor regarding your specific risks.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Estrogel will be safe for you:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Heart disease
  • Asthma;
  • Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Hereditary Angioedema
  • Endometriosis;
  • A thyroid condition;
  • Lupus;
  • Hypercalcemia is a condition where there are high calcium levels in the blood.
  • Migraines;
  • Gallbladder Disease
  • Risk factors for coronary heart disease include diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol or blood pressure, a history of the disease in your family, and being over 40.

Avoid using Estrogel while pregnant.Estradiol may pass through breast milk, causing harm to a baby who is nursing. The medicine can also reduce breast milk production. Estrogel should not be used if your baby is breastfed.

Similar/related drugs

Estradiol, Premarin, Estrace, Vagifem, Prempro, Norethindrone, and ethinyl estradiol

How to take Estrogel?

Do not use Estrogel in any other way than as prescribed by your physician. Follow the directions provided on your prescription. Use this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for longer.Estradiol can increase the risk that you will develop a condition that could lead to uterine carcinoma. To help reduce this risk, your doctor might prescribe you progesterone. You should report any abnormal vaginal bleeding immediately.You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.Estrogel should only be applied to dry skin that is clean and unbroken. Apply Estrogel only to clean, dry skin. Do not apply the medicine to the breasts.

To use EstroGel:

  • The pump must be primed before it is used for the first time. The large pump cap must be removed and the pump pressed fully twice or three times, depending on the size of the pump (93 grams, 50 grams, and 25 grams). The unused gel should be disposed of by rinsing it thoroughly down the drain or placing it in household garbage to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure by family members or pets. The pump will be ready for use after priming. One full pump depressurizer will deliver the same amount of Estrogel every time.
  • Use Estrogel every day at the same time. Apply your daily gel dose to clean, unbroken, and dry skin. After a shower or bath, you should apply Estrogel. You should leave plenty of time between the application of your Estrogel and swimming.
  • Make sure that your skin has completely dried before you apply Estrogel.
  • For application, press the Estrogel pump fully and firmly with one fluid movement without hesitation.
  • Spread the strogel as thinly as possible on both your inside and outside arms, from wrist to shoulder. Estrogel should be spread as thinly and evenly as possible on both the outside and inside of the arm, from wrist to shoulder. Do not apply Estrogel to your breast.
  • After each use, always place the cap on top and back over the tip of your pump.
  • After applying Estrogel, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of the medication from your hands.
  • Estrogel does not require any massage or rubbing. Allow the gel to air dry for up to five minutes before applying any dressing.
  • Estrogel can be a flammable substance. Smoking or standing near an open fire is not recommended until your medicine has dried completely.

After applying Estrogel, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Do not allow anyone else to apply this medication. In this case, thoroughly wash the affected area with water and soap.Estrogel should not be applied to skin that children can come into contact with. Topical esteradiol can be absorbed into the skin, causing premature puberty in children who come into contact with it.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. You should self-examine for lumps every month and get regular mammograms when using estradiol.You may have to temporarily stop taking this medication if you are going through medical testing or surgery, or you'll be in bed. You should let any doctor who treats you know if you use estradiol.Estrogel should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you forget to take a dose, use it as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if you're more than 12 hours late. You should not take extra medication to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Breast tenderness may also be present, as well as drowsiness or vaginal blood.

What should be avoided?

Avoid getting Estrogel gel in your eyes. Rinse your eyes with water if this happens.After applying Estrogel, wait at least 25 minutes before applying sunscreen to that same area.The interaction between grapefruit and estradiol can have dangerous consequences. Talk to your doctor about the effects of using grapefruit.

Interaction with other drug

Estradiol topical may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamin products. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking and those you plan to take.