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Generic Name: estradiol oral (ess tra DYE ole)
Brand Names: Estrace, Femtrace, Gynodiol

What is estradiol oral?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen. Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Estradiol is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis in women and men. Estradiol is sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men.

Estradiol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about estradiol oral?

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using estradiol oral?

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• a history of stroke or circulation problems;

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked; or

• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Before using estradiol, tell your doctor if you have:

• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides;

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• migraines;

• diabetes;

• depression;

• gallbladder disease; or

• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use estradiol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

How should I use estradiol oral?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using estradiol oral?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using estradiol unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Estradiol oral side effects

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• pain or swelling in your lower leg;

• abnormal vaginal bleeding;

• pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• a lump in your breast.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• swollen breasts;

• acne or skin color changes;

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;

• migraine headaches or dizziness;

• vaginal pain, dryness, or discomfort;

• swelling of your ankles or feet;

• depression; or

• changes in your menstrual periods, break-through bleeding.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect estradiol oral?

Before using estradiol, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• St. John's wort;

• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

• phenytoin (Dilantin);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• ritonavir (Norvir);

• cimetidine (Tagamet);

• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); or

• antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin, Ery-Tab), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or itraconazole (Sporanox);

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use estradiol or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect estradiol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about estradiol written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Estradiol oral is available with a prescription under the brand names Estrace, Femtrace, and Gynodiol. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• 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.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.