Estrogel Gel (Estradiol)

Do’s

• Follow the instructions for priming the pump if it's your first time using Estrogel.
• Apply exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This includes dosage, frequency (usually once daily), and location (upper arm/shoulder area for most brands).
• Use it on clean, dry, unbroken skin. Avoid irritated skin, breasts, face, vagina, or anywhere someone else might touch.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after application to prevent transferring the gel to others.
• Let the application site dry completely (about 5 minutes) before dressing.
• Cover the area with clothing to prevent accidental contact with others.
• Wait at least 1-2 hours (depending on the brand) before allowing others to touch the area. In case of accidental contact, instruct them to wash the area with soap and water.
• Shower or swim at least 2 hours after application to allow for proper absorption.
• Use it regularly, ideally at the same time each day.
• Rinse your eyes with warm water if Estrogel gets in them and tell your healthcare provider if irritation persists.
• Keep track of the number of doses used and discard the pump when all doses are dispensed, even if some gel remains.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens.

Don'ts

• Don't increase your dose or use it more often than prescribed.
• Don't apply to broken, irritated skin, breasts, face, or vagina.
• Don't let others apply the medication.
• Don't smoke or go near open flames until the gel dries completely (it's flammable).

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Breast pain and tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss)
• Breast lumps
• Unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding)
• Increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain
• Yellowing eyes/skin
• Dark urine
• Swelling hands/ankles/feet
• Increased thirst/urination
• Breast pain
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Changes in menstrual periods
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Thinning scalp hair
• Nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps

Serious Side Effects:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Dementia
• Breast cancer
• Cancer of the lining of the uterus (womb)
• Cancer of the ovary
• High blood pressure
• High blood glucose
• Gallbladder disease
• Liver problems
• Changes in thyroid hormone levels

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Estrogel gel,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to estradiol or any ingredients in Estrogel Gel.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before using Estrogel Gel, especially regarding:

•      Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
•      Certain cancers (breast, uterus, ovaries)
•      Blood clots, stroke, heart disease
•      Liver or kidney disease
•      Family history of cancer, blood clots, or angioedema
•      Blood clotting disorders
•      High blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol/triglyceride problems
•      Obesity, lupus, thyroid issues, mineral imbalances
•      Uterus problems (fibroids, endometriosis)
•      Gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraines
•      Mental/mood disorders (dementia, depression)
•      Porphyria (blood disorder)

Do not smoke or use tobacco while using Estrogel Gel. Smoking increases risks associated with estrogen use.

Inform your healthcare provider if you plan to have surgery or will be immobile for a long time (increases blood clot risk). Your healthcare provider might need to adjust your medication.

Estrogel Gel may cause skin discoloration (melasma). Use sun protection to minimize this effect.

Estrogel Gel might cause vision problems or contact lens discomfort. Consult your eye healthcare provider if you experience these issues.

Keep Estrogel Gel away from children. Accidental exposure can cause unintended side effects.

Estrogel Gel should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can harm the baby. Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to monitor your health while using Estrogel Gel.

Estrogen use increases the risk of certain cancers, including endometrial (uterine), breast, and ovarian cancers. Discuss these risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Progesterone can help mitigate some risks.

Estrogen therapy may increase the risk of stroke, dementia, and blood clots. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Use the lowest effective dose of Estrogel Gel for the shortest possible duration to minimize side effects. Regularly review the necessity of Estrogel Gel with your healthcare provider.