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Medicines/Generics/Estradiol

Estradiol

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview
Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body. It is available as an oral tablet, a topical gel or patch , vaginal cream , or as an injection . This guide covers oral estradiol tablets only. Estradiol is used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal changes, and to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss) in menopausal women. Estradiol is also used to treat low estrogen levels in women with ovarian failure. It is also indicated to treat certain types of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Estradiol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Indications
Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body. It is available as an oral tablet, a topical gel or patch , vaginal cream , or as an injection . This guide covers oral estradiol tablets only. Estradiol is used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal changes, and to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss) in menopausal women. Estradiol is also used to treat low estrogen levels in women with ovarian failure. It is also indicated to treat certain types of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Estradiol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Contraindications
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to estradiol, or if you have: unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor liver disease a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot an increased risk of having blood clots due to a heart problem or a hereditary blood disorder a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina. Do not use estradiol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. To make sure this medicine is safe for you , tell your doctor if you have ever had: heart disease liver problems, or prior jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones kidney disease cancer gallbladder disease asthma epilepsy or other seizure disorder migraines lupus endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors hereditary angioedema porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system) a thyroid disorder high levels of calcium in your blood. Using estradiol may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk. Estradiol lowers the hormone needed to produce breast milk and can slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. When starting hormone therapy for moderate to severe VMS, healthcare providers will consider your age and the time since menopause. The FDA recommends considering this treatment primarily for women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to estradiol : hives ; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea , sweating signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache , slurred speech, problems with vision or balance signs of a blood clot - sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs swelling or tenderness in your stomach jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain a lump in your breast nausea, vomiting , constipation , increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy. Common estradiol side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea , stomach cramps mood changes, sleep problems ( insomnia ) cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat weight gain headache, back pain , dizziness breast pain darkening of the skin or skin rash thinning scalp hair vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, or breakthrough bleeding . This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects tothe FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not use estradiol if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, certain cancers, liver disease , a bleeding disorder , a heart attack or stroke in the past year, a blood clot, or are allergic to estradiol or the inactive ingredients in the tablets. Do not use estradiol if you are pregnant. Estradiol may increase your risk of developing uterine cancer. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away. Have regular physical exams and mammograms, and self-examine your breasts for lumps monthly while using this medicine. Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke. Note that the label warnings about the use of estrogens in women with cardiovascular disease are currently being updated.
High Risk Groups
You should not use estradiol if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, certain cancers, liver disease , a bleeding disorder , a heart attack or stroke in the past year, a blood clot, or are allergic to estradiol or the inactive ingredients in the tablets. Do not use estradiol if you are pregnant. Estradiol may increase your risk of developing uterine cancer. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away. Have regular physical exams and mammograms, and self-examine your breasts for lumps monthly while using this medicine. Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke. Note that the label warnings about the use of estrogens in women with cardiovascular disease are currently being updated.
Adult Dosage
1 to 2 mg (1.5 (1.5)) 24 hourly PO — Normally given in 21 day cycles Scraped Dose — Take estradiol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Estradiol may increase your risk of developing uterine cancer. To help lower this risk, your doctor may also want you to take a progestin. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis and have a mammogram every year while using estradiol. If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using this medicine. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Child Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Neonatal Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Drug Interactions
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective. Many drugs can interact with estradiol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Storage
Tab, Gel Store Below 40°C. Protect from Moisture.