gen levels causes “surgical menopause.”
When the estrogen levels begin dropping, some women have very uncomfortable symptoms, such as feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating (“hot flashes” or “hot flushes”). In some women, the symptoms are mild, and they will not need estrogen treatment. In other women, symptoms can be more severe. You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with EstroGel.
• Treat moderate to severe dryness, itching, and burning in or around your vagina
You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with EstroGel to control these problems. If you use EstroGel only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a topical vaginal product would be better for you.
Who should not use EstroGel?
Do not start using EstroGel if you:
Have unusual vaginal bleeding
Currently have or have had certain cancers
Estrogens may increase the chance of getting certain types of cancer, including cancer of the breast or uterus. If you have or have had cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should use EstroGel.
Had a stroke or heart attack in the past year
Currently have or have had blood clots
Currently have or have had liver problems
Are allergic to EstroGel or any of its ingredients
See the list of ingredients in EstroGel at the end of this leaflet.
Think you may be pregnant
Tell your healthcare provider:
If you are breastfeeding
The hormone in EstroGel can pass into your breast milk.
About all of your medical problems
Your healthcare provider may need to check you more carefully if you have certain conditions, such as asthma (wheezing), epilepsy (seizures), migraine, endometriosis, lupus, or problems with your heart, liver, thyroid, kidneys, or high calcium levels in your blood.
About all the medicines you take
This includes prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how EstroGel works. EstroGel may also affect how your other medicines work.
If you are going to have surgery or will be on bedrest
You may need to stop taking estrogens.
How should I use EstroGel?
EstroGel is available in a metered-dose pump that delivers a measured amount of estradiol to the skin each time the pump is depressed.
It is important that you read and follow these directions on how to use the EstroGel pump properly.
Before using the pump for the first time, it must be primed. Remove the large pump cover, and fully depress the pump twice for the 93-gram pump or 3 times for the 50-gram pump and the 25-gram pump. Discard the unused gel by thoroughly rinsing down the sink or placing it in the household trash. After priming, the pump is ready to use, and 1 complete pump depression will dispense the same amount of EstroGel each time.
Apply EstroGel at the same time each day. You should apply your daily dose of gel to clean, dry, unbroken skin. If you take a bath or shower or use a sauna, apply your EstroGel dose after your bath, shower, or sauna. If you go swimming, try to leave as much time as possible between applying your EstroGel dose and going swimming.
Be sure your skin is completely dry before applying EstroGel.
To apply the dose, collect the gel into the palm of your hand by pressing the pump firmly and fully once |
