Estradiol vaginal cream
What is estrogen vaginal cream?
ESTRADIOL (Estrace®) vaginal cream contains a natural estrogen female hormone. Estradiol is essential for maintaining normal female functions and is normally produced by the ovaries. After menopause, the ovaries decrease their production of this hormone. Estradiol vaginal cream can help relieve symptoms of vaginal irritation and dryness and urinary tract irritation that occurs in some women during menopause. Generic estradiol vaginal cream is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use estradiol vaginal cream?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- asthma
- blood vessel disease, blood clotting disorder, or suffered a stroke
- breast, cervical, endometrial or uterine cancer
- diabetes
- fibroids in the womb, or endometriosis
- heart, kidney or liver disease
- high blood lipids or cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- high level of calcium in the blood
- hysterectomy
- mental depression
- migraine
- porphyria
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- tobacco smoker
- vaginal bleeding
- an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Estradiol vaginal cream is for use in the vagina only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Vaginal products work best if used at bedtime. Use at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Read package directions carefully before using. Use the special applicator supplied with the cream. Wash hands before and after use. Fill the applicator with the cream and remove from the tube. Lie on your back, part and bend your knees. Insert the applicator into the vagina and push the plunger to expel the cream into the vagina. Wash the applicator with warm soapy water and rinse well. You also can apply a small amount of the cream to the labia (outer skin folds or “lips” of the vagina) to relieve dryness or irritation. Use exactly as directed for the complete length of time prescribed. Do not stop using except on your prescriber’s advice.
- For all uses of this medicine:
Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist or health care professional. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.
This vaginal medication is not prescribed for children.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with estradiol vaginal cream?
Estradiol vaginal cream usually releases only a small amount of hormone into the body daily and is less likely to cause significant drug interactions with most medications. However, if you are on any of the following medications, you may want to ask your health care professional about any needed precautions. Do not use other vaginal medications without the advice of your health care professional.
- some antibiotics used to treat infections
- some medications used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection or AIDS
- ascorbic acid/vitamin C supplements
- barbiturates or benzodiazepines used for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
- bromocriptine
- carbamazepine
- cimetidine
- clofibrate
- cyclosporine
- dantrolene
- medications for diabetes
- griseofulvin
- hormones
- hydrocortisone, cortisone, or prednisolone
- imipramine or some other antidepressants
- isoniazid (INH)
- methotrexate
- mineral oil
- phenytoin
- raloxifene or tamoxifen
- rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine
- some medications for treating migraines
- theophylline
- thyroid hormones
- topiramate
- tricyclic antidepressants
- warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using estradiol vaginal cream?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- breakthrough bleeding and spotting
- breast enlargement, tenderness, unusual discharge or milk production
- chest pain
- leg, arm or groin pain
- nausea, vomiting
- severe headaches
- stomach pain (severe)
- sudden shortness of breath
- swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
- vision or speech problems
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
More Common:
- mild irritation at the site(s) of cream application
Less Common:
- change in sexual desire
- mild stomach upset
- mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
- increased or decreased appetite
- skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the face
- tiredness
- vaginal itching
- vaginal yeast infection (irritation and itching with a white discharge)
- weight gain
What should I watch for while taking estradiol vaginal cream?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 months. You will also need a regular breast and pelvic exam and “Pap” smear while on estrogens therapy. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines for these tests. If you have any unusual bleeding contact your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
Estrogens can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant; stop using estrogens at once and contact your prescriber or health care professional.
Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are using estrogens, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye prescriber or health care professional.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking your estrogens one month beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 9/15/2005 11:01:00 AM ]
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