Brand Names:
Generic Names:
- Estradiol Transdermal Patches
Check Estradiol Transdermal Patches prices now with our price search engine - click here
Estradiol is an estrogen, a female hormone. It can be used to relieve
symptoms such as hot flashes or sweating that can occur in conditions of
estrogen deficiency, such as in menopause or surgical removal of ovaries.
It also helps to maintain strong bones.
If you develop any of the following side effects, stop taking the
medication and get immediate medical help: sudden severe headache, sudden
loss of coordination, sudden loss or change in vision, pains in the chest,
groin, leg, or calf, unexplained shortness of breath, slurring of speech,
weakness or numbness in an arm or leg. These serious side effects are rare.
If you notice any other unusual or troublesome effects, for example,
abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast pain or lumps, pains in the abdominal
area, and bloating or swelling of feet and lower legs, contact your
physician.
While taking this medication, perform regular breast self-examinations and
see your physician at least once a year. Keep your physician informed of
any other medication you are taking. If you have also been prescribed
another drug, a progestin, be sure to take it regularly.
If you will have major surgery, ask your physician if you should
temporarily stop taking this medication.
If you think you are pregnant, stop taking estradiol and inform your
physician.
Estradiol patches continuously release estradiol at a controlled rate for
up to 4 days. A single patch is therefore worn continuously, night and day,
for 3 or 4 days, after which it is either replaced by a new patch, or your
physician may instruct you to stop using it for a number of days. To make
it easy to remember, change your patch twice a week, always on the same
days of the week, for example Sunday and Wednesday.
The buttocks are the best place to apply the patch, because this area is
least likely to become irritated. Alternatively, it can be placed on the
lower abdomen, hip, side or lower back. Do not apply it to the breasts, the
waist, any area where it might be dislodged easily, areas exposed to the
sun, or skin that is irritated, broken, oily, or hairy. To avoid
irritation, do not apply it to the same site twice in a row. Switch from
the left to the right side of your body.
To apply a patch:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Wash and dry your hands and the chosen area of skin.
(b) Remove one patch from its pouch, using your fingers, not
scissors. Any bubbles in the patch are normal.
(c) Remove the protective liner from the patch.
(d) Press the patch firmly with the palm of your hand onto the
chosen area of skin, holding it about 10 seconds, and making
sure that there is good contact at the edges.
If the patch falls off, try to reapply it to a different clean, dry, skin
area. If it will no longer adhere, use a new patch. If your patches fall
off frequently, perhaps there is too much oil or moisturizer on your skin.
Try cleaning your skin area with an alcohol swab before application. Very
hot water can also loosen the patch and should be avoided. Otherwise, you
can shower, bathe and swim as usual.
If you want to remove the patch temporarily, for a hot bath or whirlpool
perhaps, then remove it and place the adhesive side either on the original
protective liner or on a piece of wax paper.
If you forget to change the patch at your usual time, change it when you
remember and continue your usual schedule. Do not use more than one patch
at a time.
The most common side effect of the patch is skin irritation. If this
occurs, try putting the patch on your buttocks if you are not doing so
already. It may also be helpful to wait 10 seconds between removing the
protective liner and applying the patch. If skin irritation does not clear
up in a few days, contact your physician.
Store patches at room temperature, away from excessive heat. Keep each one
in its protective pouch until you are ready to apply it.
Keep all medication, including used or unused patches, out of the reach of
children. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.
