Consumer Information

EstroGel

Generic name: Estradiol
Brand names: EstroGel

Why is EstroGel prescribed?

EstroGel is used to ease some symptoms of menopause, such as moderate to severe hot flashes (feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) and burning and itching around the vagina.

Most important fact about EstroGel

Estrogens, such as EstroGel, increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus. Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attack, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots.

How should you take EstroGel?

EstroGel's pump must be primed the first time it is being used only; complete depress the pump twice, and throw away and medicine that came out. Apply EstroGel at the same time each day. Apply the gel to one arm using your hand. Spread the gel as thinly as possible over the entire area on the inside and outside of your arm from wrist to shoulder. Never apply EstroGel to your breast. You should apply your daily dose of gel to clean, dry, unbroken skin.

If you take a bath or shower or use a sauna, apply your EstroGel dose afterwards. If you go swimming, try to leave as much time as possible between applying your EstroGel dose and going swimming.

If you miss a dose...
If you miss a dose, do not double the dose on the next day to catch up. If your next dose is less than 12 hours away, it is best just to wait and apply your normal dose the next day. If it is more than 12 hours until the next dose, apply the dose you missed and resume your normal dosing the next day.

Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking EstroGel.

Common side effects may include:
Bloating, breast pain, hair loss, headache, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting

Serious side effects may include:
Breast lumps, changes in speech and vision, chest pain, dizziness, faintness, pains in your legs, severe headache, shortness of breath, unusual vaginal bleeding, vomiting

Why should EstroGel not be prescribed?

Do not begin therapy with EstroGel if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, have a history of estrogen-dependent cancers (such as breast or uterine), have had a stroke or heart attack in the past year, have a history of blood clots, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, do not take EstroGel if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Special warnings about EstroGel

It is important that you do not spread the medicine to others, especially men and children. Be sure to wash your hands after applying EstroGel. Do not allow others to make contact with the area of skin where you applied the gel for at least one hour after application. Alcohol based gels are flammable. Avoid fire, flame or smoking until the gel has dried.

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with EstroGel. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have asthma (wheezing), epilepsy (seizures), migraine, endometriosis, lupus, or problems with your heart, liver, thyroid, or kidneys. Your doctor should know if you are scheduled for surgery or need to be on bed rest.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of EstroGel during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Talk with your doctor before taking EstroGel if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.