Menostar

What is Menostar?

Menostar, which is a skin-patch containing estradiol (a form of estrogen), contains the hormone. Estradiol, a female hormone that is produced by the ovaries and regulates many bodily processes, is found in Menostar. Skin patches of Menostar are used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Menostar can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Warnings

Menostar should not be used if: you have liver disease, bleeding disorders, abnormal vaginal bleeding, a history of hormone-dependent cancers (such as thyroid, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer), or you've had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot. Menostar should not be used by pregnant women. Estradiol can increase your risk for developing a condition which may lead to uterine carcinoma. A progestin may be prescribed by your doctor to lower this risk. Report any unusual bleeding in the vaginal area immediately. Menostar increases your risk of stroke, blood clots and cancer of the breast, uterus or ovaries. You should not use estradiol to prevent stroke, dementia or heart disease. You should have your doctor check on you regularly to see if Menostar is still the right treatment for you.

Before you take this drug

Menostar should not be used if:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding not examined by a physician
• Liver disease
• A bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
• Recent history of a heart attack or stroke
• A history of hormone-dependent tumors (such as thyroid, breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer);
• If you've ever had a blood clot in your lungs or lower body,

Menostar shouldn't be used to treat heart disease, stroke, or dementia because it can actually increase the risk.

Menostar may not be safe for you if:

• Heart disease
• Risk factors for coronary heart disease include diabetes, lupus, and smoking. Other risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or having a history of the disease in your family.
• Pregnancy or birth control pills have a history of jaundice.
• Hereditary angioedema is an immune system disorder.
• A thyroid disorder
• Kidney disease
• Asthma;
• Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
• Migraines;
• Lupus;
• Porphyria is an inherited disorder of enzymes which may produce symptoms on both skin and nervous system.
• Endometriosis, or uterine fibroids;
• Gallbladder disease
• Calcium levels in the blood can be high or low.
• If you've had your uterus surgically removed (hysterectomy),

Estradiol can increase your risk for breast cancer, stroke, blood clots, and heart attacks. Before using Menostar for a long time, talk to your doctor about the risks that you may face. FDA pregnancy category X. Menostar should not be used if pregnant. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant while on treatment. While using Menostar, use effective birth control. Estradiol may pass through breast milk. Menostar can slow down breast milk production. Use caution if you're breastfeeding a child.

Similar/related drugs

Estradiol , Premarin , Estrace , Norethindrone / ethinyl esteradiol , conjugated estrogens

How to take Menostar?

Follow the instructions on your prescription label to use Menostar patches. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use this medication only as directed.Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer than necessary. Estradiol may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Your physician may prescribe progestins to lower this risk. Any abnormal vaginal bleeding should be reported immediately to them. Menostar comes complete with instructions to ensure safe and effective usage. Please follow them closely, if any questions arise contact your physician or pharmacist for advice.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you forgot to change your patch you can either change it immediately or wait until the next scheduled patch replacement.DO NOT attempt to apply multiple patches at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Reach out for poison assistance right away by dialing 1-800-222-1222, or seek immediate medical care by seeking emergency assistance.

What should be avoided?

The interaction between grapefruit and estradiol can cause unwanted side effects. Talk to your doctor about the use of grapefruit.

Side effects of Menostar

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

If you suffer from:

• Heart attack symptoms: pain in the chest or pressure on your chest, pain that spreads to your shoulder or jaw, nausea, and sweating.
• Elevated blood pressure—headaches, blurred visions, pounding in the neck or ears, anxiety, and nosebleeds;
• Signs of a stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, or headache (especially on one side), slurred or distorted speech, or problems with vision, balance, or coordination;
• Signs of a blood clot: sudden vision loss, stabbing pain in the chest, feeling short of breath, coughing blood, or pain or warmth on one or both legs
• You may experience swelling or tenderness in your stomach.
• Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain
• Breast lumps;
• Memory problems, confusion or unusual behavior.
• High levels of calcium in the blood cause nausea, vomiting, or constipation; increased thirst; increased urination; and muscle weakness.

Climara may cause side effects such as:

• Back pain and headaches
• Sore throat, stuffy nose, and sinus pain
• Changes in your menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge or itching, and breakthrough bleeding are all symptoms of vaginal irritation.
• Bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting
• Breast pain
• Redness or irritation at the site of wearing the patch;
• Hair loss on the scalp;
• Fluid retention (swelling, rapid weight gain).

There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician. For reporting purposes, the fda can be reached at 1-800-fda-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Estradiol can interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and vitamins. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking and those you plan to take.