Estrace

The active ingredient in Estrace is estradiol, a form of estrogen. In postmenopausal women, hormone therapy helps supplement the lack of estrogen to relieve symptoms such as vaginal dryness or hot flashes.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Estrace. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Estrace:

• Take this medication with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
• You may need to stop taking estradiol for 4-6 weeks before a surgery or if you’re on bed rest.
• If you have a uterus, you may also need a progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Some mild or common side effects of Estrace seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headache.
• Breast pain.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Stomach pain.
• Nausea/ vomiting.
• Hair loss.
• Pelvic pain/vaginitis.
• Intolerance to contact lenses.

Estradiol can put you at an increased risk of serious side effects. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reaction presenting with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, and trouble breathing.
• Signs of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain radiating to your shoulder, neck, or jaw.
• Signs of a stroke include numbness on one side of your body, a severe headache, or trouble speaking.
• Signs of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), including severe leg pain, swelling or redness, chest pain, or fast heart rate.
• Signs of cancer include lumps or pain in the breasts, swollen lymph nodes, or unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Signs of gallbladder problems, such as pain or tenderness in your stomach.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Estrace. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Estrace, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

High triglyceride levels.

High blood pressure.

Liver problems.

Low thyroid levels.

Fluid retention/ edema.

Asthma.

Migraine.

Gallbladder disease.

Lupus.

Epilepsy.

Heart disease.

High cholesterol

High calcium levels.

Endometriosis.

Diabetes.

Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding - endometrial cancer must be ruled out before you can start this medication.

Active blood clot.

Active or recent stroke or heart attack.

Liver dysfunction.

History of serious hypersensitivity reaction to estrogens, or FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine).

Known or suspected pregnancy.

It takes several months to notice a benefit from estrogen.

When Estrace is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Strong liver enzyme inducers such as St John’s Wort, carbamazepine, and rifampin may reduce levels of estrogen in your body and make it less effective.
• Strong liver enzyme inhibitors, such as itraconazole, ritonavir, and grapefruit juice, increase levels of estrogen and cause more side effects.

Brand-name Estrace is available in 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg tablets.

It should be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Yes, it is available from many manufacturers of generic drugs, and as a vaginal cream.

Barring any serious side effects as listed above, or under the direction of a physician, you should not stop using estradiol suddenly.

Estradiol should not be used during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

This medication may reduce the quantity and quality of breast milk and pass into breast milk. It should not be used during lactation.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.