Common use

Estrace belongs to the class of medications named estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries, and specific estrogen receptors are located in different organs (in the uterus, vagina, urethra, mammary glands, liver, hypothalamus, pituitary) and stimulate the development and growth of female sex organs starting from puberty: uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, stroma and ducts of mammary glands, pigmentation of nipples and genitals, formation of secondary sexual characteristics of the female type, formation of epiphyses of long bones. Estrogen is responsible for the timely and regular rejection of the endometrium and bleeding, and in high concentrations, estrogen causes endometrial hyperplasia, suppresses lactation, and inhibits bone resorption. Estrace is used to treat menopause symptoms, which include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It is also used for the treatment of cancer in women and men, as well as for osteoporosis.

Dosage and direction

Take Estrace exactly as prescribed by your doctor and follow all recommendations. Estrace tablets should be taken once a day. In women, a cyclic regimen may be administered: 23 days of taking the tablets, followed by the next 5 days without any medication intake. Afterward, the cycle resumes. The adhesive part of the patch should be applied to a hairless part of the trunk (hips, shoulder, but not on the breasts). Choose non-irritated, healthy skin for the patch application. Change the place of the plaster application every other week. Stick it immediately to the skin after you have removed the protective layer and press it tightly to your skin for at least 10 seconds.

Precautions

Before taking Estrace, inform your doctor if you have severe blood diseases, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer (breast or uterine cancer), or excessive vaginal bleeding. Long-term treatment with Estrace may result in an increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. It cannot be used in pregnant women.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, estrogen-dependent malignant neoplasms, unusual or undiagnosed genital and uterine bleeding, thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disease in the active phase (excluding the treatment of breast and prostate cancer). Care should be taken in patients with a history of thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, or thromboembolism when taking estrogens. Family hyperlipoproteinemia, pancreatitis, endometriosis, gallbladder disease in history, severe liver failure, jaundice, hepatic porphyria, and hypercalcemia associated with bone metastases caused by breast cancer are other contraindications. Only for the treatment of breast and prostate cancer, Estrace should not be used in patients with coronary or cerebral vessel diseases, active thrombophlebitis, or thromboembolic disease.

Possible side effects

Common side effects of Estrace may include: breast pain or tenderness, headache, hair loss, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, mild nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or bloating. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), back pain, breast discharge or lump in the breast, calf or leg pain or swelling, chest pain, coughing up blood, dark urine, depression, dizziness, fainting, fever, memory problems, mental or mood changes, muscle pain, one-sided weakness, painful or difficult urination, persistent or severe breast pain or tenderness, persistent or severe headache, nausea, or vomiting, severe stomach pain or swelling, slurred speech, sudden shortness of breath, sunburn-like rash, swelling of hands, legs, or feet, unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, itching, or odor, vision changes, vomiting, weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Drug interaction

Estrogens can inhibit the metabolism of cyclosporine, resulting in an increase of its levels in the blood and kidney and/or liver damage. Estrogens are also able to increase the risk of liver disease in patients treated with dantrolene. Estrace should be used carefully with warfarin (Coumadin) since it affects clot formation. Rifampin, barbiturates, carbamazepine (Tegretol), griseofulvin, phenytoin (Dilantin), and primidone can enhance the metabolism and excretion of Estrace.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If that is the case, skip the missed dose and do not try to make up for it by taking an extra one.

Overdose

If you suspect that you have taken too much medication, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding.

Storage

Store Estrace in a dry, tight container away from sunlight, at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F), and away from children and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. The information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim the reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage resulting from any use of the information on this site and for the consequences of self-treatment.