Oestradiol
Brand names Climaval. Estraderm, Estrapak, FemSeven, Menorest, Oestrogel, Progynova, Vagifem, Zumenon, and others
Used in the following combined preparations Climagest, Ciimesse, Estracombi, Femapak, Trisequens, and others.
general information
Oestradiol is a naturally occurring oestrogen (a female sex hormone). It is mainly used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal atrophy. Other beneficial effects of HRT include prevention of the loss of bone tissue that occurs in osteoporosis and reduction of the risk of heart attacks. Oestradiol is often given together with a progestogen, either as separate drugs or as a combined product, in certain cases, treatment is taken for a specific number of days each month; follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Oestradiol is available in a variety of forms, including implants and skin patches. Implants of oestradiol need to be replaced only after four to eight months. Skin patches of the drug may cause a local rash and itching at the site of application.
information for users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, pessaries, skin gel, skin patches, implants, vaginal ring.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once daily (tablets, gel); every 1-7 days (skin patches); every 4-8 months (implants); every 1-7 days (pessaries); every 3 months (vaginal ring).
Adult dosage range
1-4mg daily (tablets); 2-4 measures daily (skin gel); 25-100mcg daily (skin patches); 25-100mg per dose (implants); 25mcg per dose (pessaries); 7.5mcg daily (vaginal ring).
Onset of effect
10-20 days.
Duration of action
Up to 24 hours; some effects may be longer lasting.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next daily treatment is due within 4 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
possible adverse effects
The most common adverse effects with oestradiol are similar to symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy, and generally diminish with time. Sudden sharp pain in the chest, groin, or legs may indicate an abnormal blood clot that needs attention.
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Symptom/effect
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Frequency
Common
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Rare
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Discus doctor
Only if severe
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with
In all cases
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Stop taking drug now
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Call
doctor
now
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Nausea/vomiting
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•
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Breast swelling/tenderness
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•
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■
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Weight gain
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•
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■
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Headache
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■
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Depression
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■
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Pain in chest/groin/legs
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▲
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1
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interactions
Tobacco smoking
This increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and circulation with oestradiol.
Rifampicin
This drug may reduce the effects of oestradiol.
Anticonvulsants
The effects of oestradiol are reduced by carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbitone.
quick reference
Drug group Female sex hormone
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
special precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
▼ You have a long-term liver problem.
▼ You have heart or circulation problems.
▼ You have had blood clots or a stroke:
▼ You have diabetes.
▼ You are a smoker.
▼ You suffer from migraine or epilepsy.
▼ You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
▼ Not prescribed.
Breast-feeding
▼ Not prescribed. The drug passes into breast milk and may inhibit its flow. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
▼ Not usually prescribed.
Over 60
▼ No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
▼ No problems expected.
Alcohol
▼ No known problems.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
▼ You may need to stop taking oestradiol several weeks before having major surgery. Discuss this with your doctor.
prolonged use
in some circumstances, prolonged use of oestradiol may slightly increase the risk of cancer of the uterus. The risk of gallstones may also be higher.
Monitoring
Periodic blood pressure checks and physical examinations may be performed.
