estradiol transdermal

Generic Name: estradiol transdermal (ess tra DYE ol tranz DERM al)
Brand Names: Alora, Climara, Estraderm, Estradiol Patch, Menostar, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot

What is estradiol transdermal?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone the regulates many processes in the body.

Estradiol transdermal skin patches are used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as dryness, burning, and itching of the vaginal area. Estradiol transdermal also reduces urgency or irritation of urination.

Estradiol skin patches are also used to treat ovarian disorders, infertility, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Some estradiol skin patches are used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Transdermal skin patches release the drug slowly, and it is absorbed through your skin.

Estradiol transdermal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about estradiol transdermal?

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a bleeding disorder, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol transdermal.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol transdermal.

The estradiol transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using estradiol transdermal?

Do not use estradiol transdermal if you have:

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• a history of stroke or circulation problems;

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked; or

• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

To make sure you can safely use estradiol transdermal, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• migraines;

• diabetes;

• depression;

• gallbladder disease; or

• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol transdermal.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use estradiol transdermal if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Estradiol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use estradiol transdermal?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Apply the skin patch to clean, dry skin on your stomach, lower back, or buttocks. Choose a different spot within these skin areas each time you apply a new patch. Avoid skin that is oily, irritated, or damaged.

Press the patch in place firmly for about 10 seconds, especially around the edges.

Do not apply a skin patch to your breasts. Do not apply a patch where it might be rubbed off by tight clothing, such as under an elastic waistband.

If a patch falls off, try putting it back on to a different skin area, pressing the patch into place for 10 seconds. If the patch will not stick you may apply a new one.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol transdermal.

The estradiol transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply a skin patch as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra patches to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.

What should I avoid while using estradiol transdermal?

Avoid using other estrogen products without your doctor's advice.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with estradiol and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Estradiol transdermal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• pain or swelling in your lower leg;

• abnormal vaginal bleeding;

• pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• a lump in your breast.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• swollen breasts;

• acne or skin color changes;

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;

• migraine headaches or dizziness;

• vaginal pain, dryness, or discomfort;

• swelling of your ankles or feet;

• depression; or

• changes in your menstrual periods, break-through bleeding.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Estradiol transdermal Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Postmenopausal Symptoms:

Oral:
0.45 mg to 2 mg orally once a day.

Parenteral:
1 to 5 mg of estradiol cypionate IM every 3 to 4 weeks or 10 to 20 mg of estradiol valerate IM every 4 weeks.

Vaginal Ring:
0.05 mg/day or 0.1 mg/day vaginal ring. The ring should remain in place for 3 months and then be replaced by a new ring if therapy is to continue.

Topical:
0.025 to 0.1 mg/day (transdermal film) applied topically 1 or 2 times a week. Application sites vary according to manufacturer formulation and include the lower abdomen, upper thigh, buttocks, or upper arm. Systems should not be applied to the breasts.
0.05 mg/day (2 foil pouches of transdermal emulsion) applied topically to both legs each morning.
0.25 mg unit dose packet (0.1% transdermal gel) applied topically once daily to the upper right or left thigh at the same time daily.
1.25 g (one spray) EstroGel (0.75 mg/1.25 gm - 0.06% transdermal gel) applied topically to the arms at the same time daily.
1.53 mg (one spray) Evamist (1.53 mg/spray transdermal spray) applied topically to the forearm at the same time daily.
0.87 g (one spray) Elestrin (0.52 mg/1.087 g - 0.06% transdermal gel) applied topically to the upper arm at the same time daily.

Women currently on oral estrogen therapy and changing to a transdermal estradiol system should initiate transdermal therapy 1 week following discontinuation of oral estrogens (sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear). Changes between transdermal systems may be initiated without interruption of therapy.

In general, the duration of hormone therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms should be limited. Treatment for one to five years is generally sufficient. However, long-term therapy (for the treatment/prophylaxis of osteoporosis and for risk reduction of cardiovascular disease) may be considered during the time in which the patient is being treated for postmenopausal symptoms.

Because of the potential increased risks of cardiovascular events, breast cancer and venous thromboembolic events, use should be limited to the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman, and should be periodically reevaluated. When used solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered.

Usual Adult Dose for Atrophic Urethritis:

Oral:
1 to 2 mg orally once a day.

Parenteral:
10 to 20 mg of estradiol valerate IM every 4 weeks.

Vaginal Ring:
0.05 mg/day or 0.1 mg/day vaginal ring. The ring should remain in place for 3 months and then be replaced by a new ring if therapy is to continue.

Topical:
0.025 to 0.1 mg/day (transdermal film) applied topically 1 or 2 times a week. Application sites vary according to manufacturer formulation and include the lower abdomen, upper thigh, buttocks, or upper arm. Systems should not be applied to the breasts.
1.25 g/day (estradiol gel) applied topically at the same time daily. If used solely for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered.

Women currently on oral estrogen therapy and changing to a transdermal estradiol system should initiate transdermal therapy 1 week following discontinuation of oral estrogens (sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear). Changes between transdermal systems may be initiated without interruption of therapy.

Because of the potential increased risks of cardiovascular events, breast cancer and venous thromboembolic events, use should be limited to the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman, and should be periodically reevaluated. When used solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered.
In general, the duration of hormone therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms like atrophic vaginitis, kraurosis vulvae, or atrophic urethritis should be limited. Treatment for one to five years is generally sufficient.

Usual Adult Dose for Atrophic Vaginitis:

Oral:
1 to 2 mg orally once a day.

Parenteral:
10 to 20 mg of estradiol valerate IM every 4 weeks.

Vaginal Ring:
0.05 mg/day or 0.1 mg/day vaginal ring. The ring should remain in place for 3 months and then be replaced by a new ring if therapy is to continue.

Topical:
0.025 to 0.1 mg/day (transdermal film) applied topically 1 or 2 times a week. Application sites vary according to manufacturer formulation and include the lower abdomen, upper thigh, buttocks, or upper arm. Systems should not be applied to the breasts.
1.25 g/day (estradiol gel) applied topically at the same time daily. If used solely for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered.

Women currently on oral estrogen therapy and changing to a transdermal estradiol system should initiate transdermal therapy 1 week following discontinuation of oral estrogens (sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear). Changes between transdermal systems may be initiated without interruption of therapy.

Because of the potential increased risks of cardiovascular events, breast cancer and venous thromboembolic events, use should be limited to the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman, and should be periodically reevaluated. When used solely for the treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, topical vaginal products should be considered.
In general, the duration of hormone therapy for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms like atrophic vaginitis, kraurosis vulvae, or atrophic urethritis should be limited. Treatment for one to five years is generally sufficient.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypoestrogenism:

Oral:
1 to 2 mg orally once a day.

Parenteral:
1.5 to 2 mg of estradiol cypionate IM once a month or 10 to 20 mg estradiol valerate IM every 4 weeks.

Topical:
0.025 to 0.1 mg/day (transdermal film) applied topically 1 or 2 times a week. Application sites vary according to manufacturer formulation and include the lower abdomen, upper thigh, buttocks, or upper arm. Systems should not be applied to the breasts.

Dosages should be titrated according to patient response. Therapy should be maintained with the minimum dosage that will achieve the desired clinical effect.

Usual Adult Dose for Oophorectomy:

Oral:
1 to 2 mg orally once a day.

Parenteral:
10 to 20 mg of estradiol valerate by IM every 4 weeks.

Topical:
0.025 to 0.1 mg/day (transdermal film) applied topically 1 or 2 times a week. Application sites vary according to manufacturer formulation and include the lower abdomen, upper thigh, buttocks, or upper arm. Systems should not be applied to the breasts.

Women currently on oral estrogen therapy and changing to a transdermal estradiol system should initiate transdermal therapy 1 week following discontinuation of oral estrogens (sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear). Changes between transdermal systems may be initiated without interruption of therapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Primary Ovarian Failure:

Oral:
1 to 2 mg orally once a day.

Parenteral:
10 to 20 mg of estradiol valerate by IM every 4 weeks.

Topical:
0.025 to 0.1 mg/day (transdermal film) applied topically 1 or 2 times a week. Application sites vary according to manufacturer formulation and include the lower abdomen, upper thigh, buttocks, or upper arm. Systems should not be applied to the breasts.

Women currently on oral estrogen therapy and changing to a transdermal estradiol system should initiate transdermal therapy 1 week following discontinuation of oral estrogens (sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear). Changes between transdermal systems may be initiated without interruption of therapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Breast Cancer--Palliative:

10 mg orally 3 times a day for at least 3 months. Estrogen therapy for breast cancer should be considered only for palliation in the treatment of metastatic disease in select patients

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:

Oral:
0.5 mg orally once a day.

Topical:
0.025 to 0.1 mg/day (transdermal film) applied topically 1 or 2 times a week. Systems should not be applied to the breasts.
14 mcg/day weekly (transdermal film) applied topically once a week.

Application sites vary according to manufacturer formulation and include the lower abdomen, upper thigh, buttocks, or upper arm.

In addition to hormonal therapy, adequate calcium intake is important for postmenopausal women who require treatment or prevention of osteoporosis. The average diet of older American women contains 400 to 600 mg of calcium per day. A suggested optimal intake is 1500 mg per day. If dietary intake is insufficient to achieve 1500 mg per day, supplementation may be useful in women who have no contraindication to calcium supplementation.

Long-term therapy (for more than 5 years) is generally necessary in order to obtain substantive benefits in reducing the risk of bone fracture. Maximal benefits are obtained if estrogen therapy is initiated as soon after menopause as possible. The optimal duration of therapy has not been definitively determined.

Women currently on oral estrogen therapy and changing to a transdermal estradiol system should initiate transdermal therapy 1 week following discontinuation of oral estrogens (sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear). Changes between transdermal systems may be initiated without interruption of therapy.

When used solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, approved non-estrogen treatments should carefully be considered, and estrogen and combined estrogen-progestin products should only be considered for women with significant risk of osteoporosis that outweighs the risks of the drug.

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

Oral:
1 to 2 mg orally 3 times a day.

Parenteral:
Estradiol valerate 30 mg IM every 1 to 2 weeks.

An apparent response should be noted within 3 months of initiation of therapy. Estrogen therapy for prostate cancer should be considered only for palliation in the treatment of metastatic disease in select patients.

What other drugs will affect estradiol transdermal?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol);

• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

• St. John's wort;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), dalfopristin/quinupristin (Synercid), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane), or telithromycin (Ketek);

• antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), miconazole (Oravig), or voriconazole (Vfend); or

• ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra) and other HIV/AIDS medications.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with estradiol transdermal. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about estradiol transdermal.