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Estradiol topical

Generic name: estradiol topical [ ESS-tra-DYE-ol-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: Divigel 0.25 mg/packet, Divigel 0.5 mg/packet, Divigel 0.75 mg/packet, Divigel 1 mg/packet, Divigel 1.25 mg/packet, ... show all 8 brands
Dosage forms: transdermal gel (0.25 mg/0.25 g (0.1%), 0.5 mg/0.5 g (0.1%), 0.52 mg/0.87 g (0.06%), 0.75 mg/0.75 g (0.1%), ... show all 8 dosage forms
Drug class: Estrogens

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 23, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is estradiol topical?

Estradiol topical (for the skin) is used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation.

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

Estradiol topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Estradiol topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Topical estradiol is absorbed through the skin of a child who comes into contact with estradiol topical. Call your doctor if a child in close contact with you develops swollen nipples or enlarged breasts.

Common side effects of estradiol topical may include:

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.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, bleeding problems, an increased risk of blood clots, if you will have major surgery, or if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Estradiol should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Estradiol topical is absorbed through the skin and can cause side effects in a child who comes into contact with the skin where you have applied the medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use estradiol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Do not use estradiol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Using estradiol can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Estradiol topical should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia. estradiol topical may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Using estradiol may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Estradiol lowers the hormone needed to produce breast milk and can slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How should I use estradiol topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use the medicine at the same time each day.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the medicine. Do not allow other people to get this medicine on their skin. If this happens, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

Do not allow a child to come into contact with the skin where you have applied estradiol topical. Topical estradiol is absorbed through the skin and can cause premature puberty in a child who comes into contact with this medicine. Cover treated areas with clothing to protect others from coming into contact with the skin where you apply this medicine.

If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using estradiol.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that can lead to uterine cancer. To help lower this risk, your doctor may also want you to take a progestin. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms while using estradiol topical.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Estradiol topical may be flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.

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, stomach pain, breast tenderness, drowsiness, and vaginal bleeding.

What should I avoid while using estradiol topical?

Avoid getting estradiol topical in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Wait at least 25 minutes after applying estradiol topical before you apply sunscreen to the same skin area.

Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while using estradiol.

Grapefruit may interact with estradiol and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect estradiol topical?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect estradiol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Gemtesa, Erleada, alendronate, Botox, finasteride, estradiol, oxybutynin, tamoxifen, Fosamax

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.