Some helpful information to know about Estradot (estradiol)
Your doctor might have given you an e prescription for Estradot (estradiol) if you’re going through menopause. It’s a transdermal patch designed for short-term treatment of symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency during menopause. Read on as we provide some insights into how it works so you get a better understanding of your medication.
In this article
How does Estradot (estradiol) work?
During menopause, the production of estrogen by the ovaries significantly declines, leading to various symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and discomfort during urination. These symptoms not only cause physical discomfort but can also impact sleep and mood.1
Medications like Estradot (estradiol) are typically considered for a short period of time to help manage these changes in post and peri-menopausal women.
It comes in the form of a patch that uses a transdermal drug delivery system to administer estradiol, an essential hormone therapy for managing menopause symptoms. This patch is rectangular with rounded corners, designed for ease of use and comfort. It features a carefully formulated adhesive layer that sticks to the skin, allowing for a continuous release of medication.
How do you take Estradot (estradiol)?
Treatment typically begins with the application of an Estradot 50 patch. Then, the Estradot prescription is adjusted based on individual responses.
How to use Estradot patch? The patch is designed to be placed on a clean, dry part of the abdomen, avoiding oily, damaged or irritated skin. To prevent irritation, it is advised to avoid placing the patch on the same area consecutively.
Your doctor will explain the specifics of Estradot usage but typically, you will press the patch firmly for about ten seconds to ensure it adheres well, particularly around the edges. If a patch falls off, it may be reapplied or replaced with a new one, continuing on the same schedule. It’s not advisable to apply the patch to the breasts or directly expose it to sunlight.
Who can take Estradot (estradiol)?
Estradot (estradiol) is commonly used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) primarily for women who are post and peri-menopausal. This is because estradiol plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including the regulation of the menstrual cycle and various other systems like the cardiovascular and skeletal systems.2
It should not be used in children.3 It should also not be used in women aged > 60 years or > 10 years after menopause, or women who have a history of any of the following:
- Breast, endometrial, or ovarian cancer
- High risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), venous thromboembolism (VTE), or inherited thrombophilia
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
Side effects of Estradot (estradiol)
Some of the more common side effects include breast enlargement and tenderness, headache, depression, change in libido, irregular or breakthrough bleeding, spotting, endometrial hyperplasia leg cramps and dry eye syndrome.
Possible but uncommon other side effects include swelling, increased blood pressure, acne and a slightly increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer, blood clots and gallstones. Skin reactions may involve rashes and itching, while some individuals might notice changes in weight and mood. Changes in hair growth and eye irritation have also been noted.4
Estradot (estradiol) and other medications
If you are taking estradiol and levothyroxine together, it’s important to consult your doctor. These medications have a known moderate interaction with each other, potentially requiring adjustments to your doses or specific tests for safe use. Should there be any changes to your estradiol dosage, whether an increase, decrease, or discontinuation, monitoring your thyroid levels may become necessary.5
Always inform your doctor about all other medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter vitamins and herbal supplements. It’s not advisable to stop any medication abruptly without a doctor’s guidance.
Medicines you should not use with Estradot (estradiol)
If you are taking any of the following medications, let your doctor know beforehand as they may interact with Estradot (estradiol):
- medicines with St. John’s wort
- sleep-inducing drugs, including barbiturates and meprobamate
- epilepsy medications, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine
- phenylbutazone, a medicine for pain and inflammation
- antibiotics and other antiinfective medicines, including rifampicin, ketoconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir, efavirenz and nelfinavir.6
How to order home delivery of Estradot (estradiol) with Chemist2U
Chemist2U is dedicated to making medication easy, giving you access to a reliable pharmacy online. Just place your order through this website or via the Chemist2U app. To get started, upload your escript. Afterwards, a qualified pharmacist in your area will prepare your medications. They will then be shipped to you, so you don’t have to look anywhere else for chemist delivery.
We cover multiple metros and major regional areas, so you can end your search for a chemist Brisbane locals prefer or one that Melburnians recommend.
Besides uploading your scripts online, we also understand the importance of having access to over-the-counter medications and general pharmacy products, which is why we offer a wide selection to ensure you can find what you need, all in one place.
If you have general questions related to medications, you can Ask a Pharmacist right from the comfort of your home.
Chemist2U keeps you on top of your medication with reminders for reorders or new prescriptions, helping to ensure you always have it when you need it.
Order home delivery of your prescription medications with Chemist2U today.
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549797/
3. https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2023-PI-01716-1&d=20240622172310101&d=20240625172310101
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549797
5. https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2023-CMI-01717-1.
