Estrogel and/or Equivalents

Estrogel

Estrogel Description

Estrogel is the number one post menopause lifestyle management drug used in Canada and Europe to combat menopause and vaginal dryness by a non patch transdermal therapy. Estrogel is composed of 0.75 mg/1.25 g Estradiol Gel and the drug provides women a safe and effective way of dealing with post menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, itching and mood swings. Estrogel is approved by the FDA (American Federal Drug Association) and is a bioidentical product – which means that its chemical composition is exactly similar to the estrogen that your body produces. The manufacturer of Estrogel is Ascend Therapeutics and it is an Rx drug (only a certified doctor can prescribe its use).

Conditions treated by Estrogel

Since this is a medical formulation primarily composed of the female hormone Estrogen, it is specifically used for post menopausal women. Menopause is the medical term used to define the cessation of all menstrual flow. It is a normal biological process, which happens generally in the late forties and medical intervention is only recommended when post menopausal symptoms affect the mental and physical health of a woman. Estrogel treats symptoms like hot flushes (intense feeling of uncomfortable warmth and profuse sweating) and vaginal dryness. The non documented benefits of Estrogel include prevention of bone loss or Osteoporosis. This is however not mentioned in the medical labeling of the drug so careful consultation with your physician is recommended.

Estrogel Dosage information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Estrogel comes with a special pump, which is designed to release the exact same amount of estrogel every time it is used. The pump should be primed before use by pumping it (two times for 93 gms and once for 50 gms. The standard dosage for Estrogel is one pump daily on dry skin and the drug should be applied at the same time daily. Apply the gel with the help of the pump from the inner arm to the shoulder. Do not rub in or massage the gel; just wait for 5 minutes till it dries. Afterwards wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The dosage should never be changed without prior medical consultation.

b.) Missing a dose

If you forget to take a dose of Estrogel, take the missing dose as soon as you remember it on the same day. If you happen to remember it the next day, take the normal Estrogel dose at the usual time. Do not try to double dose or take two doses in the same day.

c.) Overdose

The overdose effects will depend on a number of factors like dosage strength and whether it was ingested orally or applied externally. The commonest overdose symptoms are generally not medically serious. They can comprise of stomach irritation, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, Estrogel overdose may lead to vaginal bleeding or spotting. However, if you have overdosed on Estrogel seek medical help immediately or at least consult your doctor about it. Treatment of overdose is generally symptomatic in nature and is unlikely to involve any serious medical steps.

Estrogel Warnings

You should do some research about the nature of Estrogel before going for a course of Estrogel treatment to combat your post menopausal issues. Adequate diagnostic actions like endometrial sampling should be prescribed to rule out the occurrence of endometrial cancerous growths in case of persistent or abnormal vaginal spotting or bleeding. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) reported increase in the occurrence of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and strokes in women of the age group 50-79 who were on Estrogel or other hormone related Estrogen based treatments for a total time period of 6 years and above. In women who took progestin treatment or MPA (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate 2.5) with Estrogel for a period of more than 5 years, a greater risk for breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, myocardial infarction was documented by the Women’s Health Initiative. WHIMS or the women’s Health Initiative Memory Study reported a risk of Dementia (loss of brain function which affects memory, thinking, language, logic, functions etc) in women over 65 who were on Estrogel treatment for more than 5 years. The risks are magnified in women who are taking MPA along with Estrogel. You should store the Estrogel formulation you are using in the exact temperature and environment as prescribed in the medical literature accompanying the drug. Be careful to keep it out of reach of children. Do not smoke or use Tobacco as medical research conclusively proves that tobacco consumption along with Estrogel magnifies all risks connected with Estrogel treatment by about 20%.

Estrogel Side Effects

The commonest side effects of using Estrogel are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Tenderness in breast
• Headache
• Weight changes

Remember that your physician has prescribed Estrogel because he believes that the benefits largely overweigh the symptomatic side effects. If you note any other abnormal occurrence, consult your physician immediately. Medically serious side effects requiring urgent medical intervention are listed below:

• Mood changes (depression, memory loss)
• Breast lumps
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (breakthrough bleeding, spotting or recurrent bleeding)
• Increased or fresh vaginal irritation or discharge
• Frequent vomiting or persistent nausea
• Severe abdominal/stomach pain
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Discharge of dark urine
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Startlingly increased thirst/urination
• Dizziness
• Occurrence of unusual rashes which may indicate drug allergies

Estrogel Drug Interactions

Several medicines may produce undesirable effects if used in combination with Estrogel which is why you should always report your previous medical history to your physician. Seizure Medications including Carbamezapine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenytoin. Check the other versions of these drugs as even they would cause the same effects. Barbiturates like Butalbital, Pentobarbital, Secobarbital, Phenobarbital etc. Consult your physician about other Barbiturates too as the above list is not exhaustive. Cyclosporine’s like Gengral, Neoral and Sandiimmune. HIV medications (protease inhibitors) like Amprenazir, Atazanavir, Fosamprenavir, Indinavir, Retonavir etc. Antibiotics of Rifamycin family like Rifabutin, Rifampin, and Rifapentin. St Johns’ Wort or Hypercom Perforate (an herbal supplement) may cause Estrogel byproducts in your body to metabolize too quickly leading to low levels of Estrogen. Thyroid replacement medicines like Liothryonin, Liotrix, Levothryoxine etc. Antifungal medicines like Clarithomycin, Erythomycin, Isoniazid, Telithromyocin etc. Before taking any other new medications when you are on an Estrogel course, you should consult your physician.

If you have any questions about buying discount Estrogel online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Estrogel and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information