This medication is a hormone (estrogen). It is used by
women to help reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal
dryness/burning/itching). These symptoms are caused by the body making less
estrogen. When treating only vaginal symptoms of menopause, products
applied directly inside the vagina (such as this medication) should be used
first. Estrogens that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or
injected may have greater risks of side effects due to more estrogen being
absorbed.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this
medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually
once daily for the first 2 weeks, and then 2 times a week thereafter. The
applicator comes packaged with the tablet inside. If the tablet falls out
before using, throw it away and use a new applicator/tablet. Gently insert
the applicator into the vagina as directed and press the plunger to release
the medication. Throw away the applicator after use.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. Follow your dosing schedule carefully. Do not increase your dose
or use this medication more often or for a longer time than
directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
See also Warning section.
Nausea/vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, breast tenderness,
headache, or weight changes may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss)
- breast lumps
- unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough
bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding)
- increased or new vaginal
irritation/itching/odor/discharge
- signs of liver problems (such as stomach/abdominal pain,
yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
- increased thirst/urination
This medication may rarely cause serious (sometimes
fatal) problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots
in the lungs or legs). Get medical help right away if you
have:
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- unusual sweating
- sudden/severe headaches
- weakness on one side of the body
- confusion
- trouble speaking
- sudden vision changes
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- sudden dizziness/fainting
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is
rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using estradiol, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
- certain cancers (such as breast cancer, cancer of the
uterus/ovaries)
- blood clots
- stroke
- heart disease (such as heart attack)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- family medical history (especially breast lumps, cancer,
blood clots)
- family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder
(angioedema)
- blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S
deficiency)
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- high cholesterol/triglyceride levels
- obesity
- lupus
- underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- mineral imbalance (low or high level of calcium in the
blood)
- a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism)
- uterus problems (such as fibroids, endometriosis)
- gallbladder disease
- asthma
- seizures
- migraine headaches
- mental/mood disorders (such as dementia, depression)
- a certain blood disorder (porphyria)
Do not smoke or use tobacco. Estrogens combined with
smoking further increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood
pressure, and heart attack, especially in women older than
35.
Tell your doctor if you just had or will be having
surgery, or if you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (such
as a long plane flight). These conditions increase your risk of getting
blood clots, especially if you are using an estrogen product. You may need
to stop this medication for a time or take special
precautions.
This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your
face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time
in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear
protective clothing when outdoors.
If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may
develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Contact
your eye doctor if these problems occur.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If
you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right
away.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole, exemestane,
letrozole)
- fezolinetant
- fulvestrant
- ospemifene
- raloxifene
- tamoxifen
- toremifene
- tranexamic acid
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests,
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea/vomiting,
unusual vaginal bleeding.
Do not share this medication with others.
Regular complete physical exams which include lab and/or
medical tests (such as blood pressure, breast exam/mammogram, pelvic exam,
Pap smear) should be done while you are using this medication. Follow your
doctor's instructions for examining your breasts, and report any lumps
right away. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
Preventing or controlling high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and diabetes can help to reduce your chances of heart disease
and stroke. Lifestyle changes that can help to control or prevent these
diseases include reducing stress, eating a low fat/salt diet, losing weight
if overweight, exercising regularly, and stopping smoking. Keep your mind
active with mental exercises (such as reading, solving crossword puzzles)
to help prevent dementia. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that
might benefit you.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not refrigerate. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.