Why is this drug prescribed?
Estraderm is an estrogen replacement drug. It is used to reduce symptoms of menopause, including feelings of warmth in face, neck, and chest, and the sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating known as "hot flashes." It is also used for other conditions caused by lack of estrogen, such as dry, itchy external genitals and vaginal irritation, and may be prescribed for teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate.
Along with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise, Estraderm is also prescribed to prevent osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and easily broken.
Most important fact about this drug
Because estrogens have been linked with increased risk of endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus), it is essential to have regular checkups and to report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately.
How should you take this medication?
Each Estraderm 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Dosage
The usual starting dose is one 0.05 milligram patch applied to the skin 2 times a week. Dosage should be decreased at 3 to 6 month intervals.
If you Miss a Dose
If 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 one patch at a time.
Storage Instructions
Store Estraderm at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Estraderm.
The most common side effect is skin redness and irritation at the site of the patch.
Less common or rare 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
- headache
- intolerance to contact lenses
- migraine
- nausea
- rash
- severe allergic reaction
- spotting
- vomiting
- yellowing of eyes and skin
Other side effects reported with estradiol include:
- Abnormal withdrawal bleeding
- certain cancers
- cardiovascular disease
- depression
- excessive growth of hair
- gallbladder disease
- hair loss
- high blood pressure
- reddened skin
- skin discoloration
- skin eruptions
- twitching
- vaginal yeast infection
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
Estraderm should not be used if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to any of its components.
Estrogens should not be used if you have ever had breast or uterine cancer or a tumor promoted by estrogen. Also avoid estrogens if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant, if you have abnormal, undiagnosed genital bleeding, if you have blood clots or a blood clotting disorder, or if you have a history of blood clotting disorders associated with previous estrogen use.
Special warnings about this medication
The risk of cancer of the uterus increases when estrogen is used for a long time or taken in large doses. There also may be increased risk of breast cancer in women who take estrogen for an extended period of time or in high doses.
Women who take estrogen after menopause are more likely to develop gallbladder disease.
Estrogen also increases the risk of blood clots. These blood clots can cause stroke, heart attack, or other serious disorders.
While taking Estraderm, get in touch with your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:
- abdominal pain, tenderness, or swelling
- abnormal bleeding of the vagina
- breast lumps
- coughing up blood
- pain in your chest or calves
- severe headache, dizziness, or faintness
- sudden shortness of breath
- vision changes
- yellowing of the skin
A complete medical and family history should be taken by your doctor before starting any estrogen therapy.
In general, you should not take estrogen for more than 1 year without another physical examination by your doctor.
Estraderm may cause fluid retention in some people. If you have asthma, epilepsy, migraine, or heart or kidney disease, use this medication cautiously.
Estrogen therapy may cause uterine bleeding or breast pain.
Drug Interactions
If you take certain other drugs while using Estraderm, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking the following:
- barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
- blood thinners such as Coumadin
- Dantrolene (Dantrium)
- epilepsy drugs such as Tegretol and Dilantin
- Rifampin (Rifadin)
- steroids such as Deltasone
- tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
Special information if you are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Estrogens should not be used during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth. Use of estrogens during pregnancy has been linked to reproductive tract problems in the children. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Estraderm may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Estrogens decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
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