Estrace (Estradiol)

What is Estrace?

Estrace contains a synthetic female sex hormone called estradiol.  Estradiol is a form of estrogen, which is a hormone found in females.

What is Estrace used for?

Estrace is used for the treatment of symptoms caused by menopause and these symptoms are hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irritation and burning. It is also used for the treatment of osteoporosis. Sometimes, this medication is used as a part of cancer treatment in both men and women.

How does Estrace work?

Estrace works by replacing the natural estrogens in the female body, which can no longer produce sufficient estrogens. It antagonizes hormones in males, who suffer from advanced prostate cancer.

How to use Estrace

Use Estrace exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication for longer period or in larger amount than recommended. Take a full glass of water with Estrace. You can take it with a meal or after the meal, so as to reduce stomach imbalance.

You must go for regular physical examinations, while taking this medicine and should also examine your breasts properly for lumps, on a monthly basis.

Estrace warnings and precautions

• Do not use Estrace, if you have a history of circulation problems, stroke or blood clot, breast or uterine cancer, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Do not take this medicine, if you are pregnant, as it may cause birth defects in an unborn child.
• You must tell your doctor, if you become pregnant during the course of treatment with this medication.
• This drug can also result into development of endometrial hyperplasia, which can lead to uterus cancer. Therefore, seek doctor’s advice before using this medication. Taking progestin along with Estrace may decrease the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
• Risk of heart attack and breast cancer may be increased, if you use Estrace longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Do not consume this medicine, if you are suffering from bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.
• You may need a dosage adjustment and/or special tests, if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, high blood pressure, angina pain, epilepsy, migraine, depression, diabetes, gall bladder disease or if you have had your uterus removed.

What do I do if I have missed a Estrace dose?

If you have missed your Estrace dose you should take it as soon as you remember but never take double dose at one time. You can skip the missed dose, if it’s time to take the next one.

What do I do if I have taken a Estrace overdose?

If you have taken an Estrace overdose you should get emergency medical help.

Estrace interactions

Inform your doctor before using drugs like Luminal, Solfoton, St. John’s wort, Coumadin, Dilantin, Norvir, Tagamet, Carbatrol, Tegretol, Rifamate, Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifater, clarithromycin, erythromycin, Nizoral or sporanox, as they may interact with Estrace.

Estrace side effects

Call your doctor immediately, if you see allergic reactions including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; or breathing problem.

Some of the serious side effects, which require emergency medical help, are pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, ill feeling, chest pain, sudden numbness on one side of the body, confusion, problems with vision and speech, sudden headache, abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain or swelling in your lower leg and stomach, jaundice or a lump in your breast.

Estrace can also cause some less serious side effects like swollen breasts, acne or changes in skin color, vomiting, loss of appetite, decreased sex drive, dizziness, vaginal pain,  migraine headaches, depression, swelling of your ankles or feet, or sudden changes in menstrual cycle.