Prescription Required
Description
Indications
Estraderm Patch is a prescribed medication for women to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness resulting from decreased estrogen production in the body.
Furthermore, Estraderm Patch is prescribed to women experiencing insufficient estrogen production, often associated with conditions like hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure, as well as for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
As a hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Estraderm Patch contains estradiol, which is designed to substitute the body’s natural estrogen production.
Uses and Dosage
Before using Estraderm Patch and with each prescription refill, carefully review the accompanying medication guide and patient information leaflet. Seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist if you have any queries or need additional information.
Estraderm Patch is designed to be placed on the skin and should be replaced twice weekly.
The prescribed dosage of this patch may vary per individual based on their medical conditions and response to the treatment.
For proper Estraderm Patch application, follow these steps:
- Remove the protective pouch of the patch.
- Tear it open at the indentation (without using scissors) and remove the patch.
- Note that bubbles on the patch are normal.
- The adhesive side of the patch, which is the side to be applied to your skin, is covered by a stiff protective liner. Remove this liner by sliding it sideways between your thumb and index finger, holding the patch at one edge.
- Discard the protective liner and avoid touching the adhesive.
- Apply the patch immediately (after opening the pouch and removing the protective liner) to a clean, dry area on the trunk of your body (including the buttocks and abdomen).
- Ensure the chosen site is not exposed to direct sunlight.
- Rotate application sites with at least a one-week interval and choose non-oily, undamaged, and non-irritated areas.
- Avoid the waistline to prevent rubbing from tight clothing.
- Press the patch firmly in place with your palm for approximately 10 seconds, ensuring good contact.
- Replace the patch twice weekly.
- Estraderm Patch includes a calendar checklist for scheduling. Mark the two days of the week when you plan to change the patch, and always adhere to this schedule.
- When changing the patch, remove the used patch and dispose of it.
- Any residual adhesive on your skin can be easily rubbed off.
- Place the new patch on a different skin site, making sure not to use the same area for at least one week after removal.
Exposure to water during bathing, swimming, or showering will not impact the patch. If, by chance, a patch comes off, reapply the same patch and maintain your initial treatment schedule. If needed, you may use a new patch while still following your original schedule.
To achieve the best results, follow the prescribed usage of the Estraderm Patch precisely. If your condition persists or deteriorates, notify your doctor.
Side Effects
Listed below are the potential side effects of Estraderm Patch. Inform your doctor should any of these effects last or worsen.
Common Side Effects
- Skin redness or irritation at the application site
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Weight changes
Serious Side Effects
- Unrelenting nausea or vomiting
- Mental or mood alterations (e.g., depression, memory loss)
- Breast lumps
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or recurrent bleeding)
- Increased or new vaginal irritation, itching, odor, or discharge
- Severe stomach or abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Dark urine
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- Increased thirst and urination
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the serious side effects above.
Rarely, Estraderm Patch may potentially lead to severe complications like blood clots (e.g., heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Chest, jaw, or left arm pain
- Unusual sweating
- Sudden and severe headache
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Sudden changes in vision (partial or complete blindness)
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the legs
- Tingling, weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden dizziness or fainting
Allergic Reactions
In rare instances, Estraderm Patch may provoke a critical allergic response. Promptly seek medical help should any symptoms of an allergic reaction manifest, such as:
- Rash
- Severe dizziness
- Breathing difficulties
- Itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat)
This list does not cover all side effects of Estraderm Patch. Should you exhibit any other effects, notify your doctor.
Cautions
Before starting treatment with Estraderm Patch, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to estradiol or any other ingredient in this patch.
Disclose your medical history with your doctor before using Estraderm Patch to assess its appropriateness for your condition, particularly if you have a history of:
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Certain cancers (e.g., breast, uterine, ovarian)
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart disease (e.g., heart attack)
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Familial history of breast lumps, cancer, or blood clots
- Familial or personal history of angioedema (swelling disorder)
- Blood clotting disorders (e.g., protein C or protein S deficiency)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- Obesity
- Lupus
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Imbalances in blood calcium levels (low or high)
- Hypoparathyroidism (hormone issue)
- Uterus problems (e.g., fibroids, endometriosis)
- Gallbladder disease
- Asthma
- Seizures
- Migraine headaches
- Porphyria (blood disorder)
- Mental and mood disorders (e.g., dementia, depression)
Inform all your healthcare providers of your complete medication regimen, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to minimize the risk of drug interaction with Estraderm Patch.
Some of the products that may interact with Estraderm Patch include:
- Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole)
- Fezolinetant
- Fulvestrant
- Ospemifene
- Raloxifene
- Tamoxifen
- Toremifene
- Tranexamic acid
Estraderm Patch usage can potentially impact specific laboratory tests, leading to inaccurate results. Inform laboratory personnel and all your healthcare providers about your use of this HRT.
If you are using Estraderm Patch for osteoporosis prevention, consult your doctor regarding supplementary preventive measures, such as exercise and the potential use of vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Discuss with your healthcare provider if extended periods of immobility, such as lengthy journeys, post-surgery bed rest, or illness, are anticipated. Prolonged inactivity can elevate the risk of developing blood clots during treatment with Estraderm Patch.
Estraderm Patch may induce facial skin darkening. Avoid sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Moreover, use sunscreen, protective clothing, and eyewear to shield yourself from the sun.
If you are myopic or wear contact lenses, you may experience vision issues or difficulties with your contacts during Estraderm Patch use. Should these problems arise, reach out to your eye care specialist.
Estrogens may heighten the risk of endometrial cancer. Following your doctor’s prescribed progestin treatment while on Estraderm Patch treatment can mitigate this risk. Promptly inform your doctor of any unusual vaginal bleeding.
Estraderm Patch is contraindicated during pregnancy. In the event of pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy, promptly inform your doctor.
Inform your doctor about your breastfeeding status prior to using the Estraderm Patch. A discussion about potential risks to your baby is necessary.
