Estradiol Oral Tablet

ESTRADIOL (es tra DYE ole) is an estrogen. It is mostly used as hormone replacement in menopausal women. It helps to treat hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to treat women with low estrogen levels or those who have had their ovaries removed.

This drug also comes in other forms, including Vaginal insert, Topical emulsion, Topical gel, Topical solution, spray, Vaginal tablet, Vaginal cream, Injectable solution, Transdermal patch, ... more

This drug can cause serious side effects. See which side effects you should report to your doctor right away.

Know how to use your medication, and learn what might happen if you miss a dose.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions.

Know what to watch for and get tips for reducing your risks while taking this drug.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breast tissue changes or discharge
• changes in vision
• chest pain
• confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• dark urine
• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
• light-colored stools
• nausea, vomiting
• pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
• right upper belly pain
• severe headaches
• shortness of breath
• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• hair loss
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination
• symptoms of vaginal infection like itching, irritation or unusual discharge
• unusually weak or tired

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• aromatase inhibitors like aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole, testolactone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• carbamazepine
• certain antibiotics used to treat infections
• certain barbiturates or benzodiazepines used for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• grapefruit juice
• medicines for fungus infections like itraconazole and ketoconazole
• raloxifene or tamoxifen
• rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine
• ritonavir
• St. John's Wort
• warfarin

Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• blood vessel disease or blood clots
• breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
• dementia
• diabetes
• gallbladder disease
• heart disease or recent heart attack
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• high level of calcium in the blood
• hysterectomy
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• migraine headaches
• protein C deficiency
• protein S deficiency
• stroke
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• tobacco smoker
• an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines for these tests.

This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking this medicine, 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 doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with this medicine lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed (by a hysterectomy), your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with your estrogen. You should know, however, that taking estrogens with progestins may have additional health risks. You should discuss the use of estrogens and progestins with your health care professional to determine the benefits and risks for you.

If you are going to have surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine. Consult your health care professional for advice before you schedule the surgery.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.