Key information summary
Efficacy & effects
This medication is used to alleviate symptoms of estrogen deficiency resulting from natural menopause or surgical removal. Major symptoms include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, emotional instability, and urogenital atrophy. Additionally, it helps to prevent bone tissue loss, thereby reducing the risk of developing post-menopausal osteoporosis. Available in the form of tablets, gels, and transdermal patches, patients can choose the suitable preparation according to their individual circumstances. This medication is effectively used for menopausal disorders and the prevention of osteoporosis.
Dosage
Administer estradiol orally once daily at 1 or 2 mg without interruption. In the case of the gel formulation, a single application corresponds to 0.75 mg of estradiol (gel volume 1.25 g), with an average daily dosage of 1.5 mg administered over 24 to 28 days. The application area is a broad skin area excluding the breasts and vulva (abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, thighs), allowing approximately 5 minutes to dry before dressing.
Precautions
This medication may increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in women who have not had their uterus removed, so if the uterus is still present, it is essential to take additional progestin medications according to a doctor's directive. Regular breast examinations are important when used for long periods, as there is a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer, thus self-examination and, if necessary, mammography are recommended. In patients with breast cancer or metastatic disease, the use of this medication may worsen hypercalcemia, requiring discontinuation and appropriate treatment. This medication should not be used by patients with breast cancer, endometrial cancer, liver disease, thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, pregnant women, or those with hypersensitivity. Caution is advised in patients with specific conditions or histories such as leiomyomas, risk factors for thrombosis, hypertension, diabetes, migraines, systemic lupus erythematosus, epilepsy, and asthma, and regular testing is necessary before and during treatment. This medication may cause side effects such as breast tenderness, abdominal pain, edema, and headaches, and in rare cases can lead to thrombosis, gallstones, rashes, leg cramps, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer. In case of overdose, nausea, vomiting, and breast tension may occur, so consulting a doctor immediately is necessary if symptoms develop. This medication should not be administered to pregnant or potentially pregnant women, nor to nursing mothers, and if pregnancy is confirmed during treatment, it should be discontinued immediately. Drug interactions may occur, so it is essential to inform healthcare professionals of any other medications being taken, particularly when used with drugs that induce liver enzymes.
Side effects
Urticaria, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe allergic reactions, severe rashes with high fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in oral/ocular mucosa, severe skin adverse reactions, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, respiratory issues with cough and fever, skin or eye jaundice (yellowing), profound lethargy, liver abnormalities (jaundice), sudden
