| What is Estradiol?
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Estradiol is used to reduce symptoms of menopause. |
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| Are there any side effects associated with Estradiol?
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Estradiol side effects may include back pain, headache, and skin redness and irritation at the site of the patch. If the side effects continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. Less common or rare Estradiol side effects may include
abdominal cramps, bloating, breakthrough bleeding, breast enlargement, breast tenderness, change in cervical secretions, change in menstrual flow, change in sex drive, change in weight, darkening of skin, dizziness, fluid retention, growth of benign fibroid tumors in the uterus, intolerance to contact lenses, migraine, nausea, rash, severe allergic reaction, vaginal bleeding, vomiting,
and yellowing of eyes and skin. |
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| How is Estradiol taken?
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Follow the directions for taking Estradiol provided by your doctor. Each patch is individually sealed in a protective pouch and is applied directly to the skin. A stiff protective liner covers the adhesive side of the patch. Remove the liner by sliding it sideways between your thumb and index finger. Holding the patch at one edge, remove the protective liner and discard it. Try to avoid touching the adhesive. Use immediately after removing the liner. If you are using
Alora, Vivelle, or Vivelle-Dot peel off one side of the protective liner and discard it. Use the other half of the liner as a handle until you have applied the sticky area, then fold back the remaining side of the patch, pull off the rest of the liner, and smooth the second half of the patch onto your skin. Apply the adhesive side to a clean, dry area of your skin on the trunk of your body (including the buttocks and abdomen). Do not apply to your breasts or waist. Firmly press the patch in place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds, to make sure the edges are flat against your skin. When first
using Alora, start on the lower abdomen. Climara is applied only to the abdomen or upper buttock, and is pressed in place with the fingers. Contact with water during bathing, swimming, or showering will not affect the patch. The application site must be rotated. Allow an interval of at least 1 week between applications to a particular site.
Alora, Esclim, Estraderm, Vivelle, and Vivelle-Dot patches should be replaced twice a
week. Climara should be replaced once weekly. If you miss a dose and you forget to apply a new patch when you are supposed to, do it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to change patches anyway, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not apply more than the
prescribed number of patches at a time. |
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| Are there any effects of taking Estradiol with other medications?
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Some medicines may interact with Estradiol. Inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Estradiol with alcohol, barbiturates, blood thinners, cimetidine,
dantrolene, epilepsy drugs, rifampin, steroids, or tricyclic antidepressants. |
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| How should I store Estradiol?
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Store Estradiol at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. |
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