Estrogel (Estradiol)

What is Estrogel?

Estrogel is a colorless and clear gel that contains the female estrogen hormone, estradiol. Estrogens are female sex hormones produced by the ovaries. Estrogel is usually given to women who no longer produce the amount of estrogen they used to before menopause.

What is Estrogel used for?

Estrogel is indicated to provide relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, burning, irritation and vaginal dryness.

How does Estrogel work?

Estrogel works by replacing the estrogen that had been lessened in the post menopausal stage in a woman.

How to use Estrogel

Apply Estrogel in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Follow the instructions of the leaflet carefully. Do not take it for longer period or in larger amount, than recommended.

Before applying Estrogel, wash hands with a mild soap and let them dry completely.

Prime the pump if you are using it for the first time. Open the pump cover and fully depress it.

Apply Estrogel only on a clean, dry, unbroken and uninjured skin patch by collecting the gel in the hand and pressing the pump fully in one fluid motion.

Apply it on to one hand by spreading the gel as thinly as possible over the entire area inside and outside from the wrist to the shoulder. Allow the gel to dry out for at least 5 minutes before dressing.

Wash hands immediately after the application with soap and water to avoid spreading of the gel from you to other people.

Remember to use the medication at the same time each day.

Estrogel warnings and precautions

Do not use Estrogel if you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, liver or kidney disease, a history of stroke or circulation problems, abnormal and unchecked vaginal bleeding, any type of breast, uterine or hormone-dependent cancer.

Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, angina pain, heart disease, high cholesterol, kidney disease, asthma, epilepsy and other neurological disorders, migraines, diabetes, depression, gallbladder disease, any form of breast or uterine cancer, any other hormone related cancer, or if you have had hysterectomy. You might need an adjustment in the dosage.

Use effective external birth control treatments while you are under this medication.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as it is known to interact with Estrogel. Also avoid wearing sunscreen lotions and other products while using this medicine.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this medication.

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

If you have missed a dose of Estrogel, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time, i.e., less than 12 hours left for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

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

If you have taken an overdose of Estrogel, contact your doctor.

Estrogel interactions

Before taking Estrogel, tell your doctor if you are taking acetaminophen, warfarin, ritonavir, prednisolone, theophylline, St. John’s wort, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, seizure medication such as carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, rifampin. These drugs can interact with Estrogel. Inform your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs, including herbal medicines that you are on.

Estrogel side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any of the serious Estrogel side effects like sudden numbness and weakness, sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes; problems with vision, speech, or balance; sudden weight gain, chest pain, heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm and shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, gallbladder problems, yellowing of the skin and eyes, hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue and throat; breast lump or swollen breasts.

Less serious side effects from Estrogel may include mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breast tenderness and swelling, freckles, darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth (on the body), loss of scalp hair, changes in weight or appetite, problems with contact lenses, runny nose, vaginal itching and discharge, changes in the menstrual cycle, decreased sex drive, headache, dizziness, and insomnia.