Woman's Health - Gelestra (Brand name: estrace)

Common use

Estrace belongs to the class of medications named estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries, specific estrogen-receptors are located in different organs (in the uterus, vagina, urethra, mammary glands, liver, hypothalamus, pituitary) and stimulates development and growth of female sex organs starting from puberty: uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, stroma and ducts of mammary glands, pigmentation of nipples and genitals, formation of secondary sexual characteristics of female type, formation of epiphyses of long bones. Estrogen is responsible for the timely and regular rejection of the endometrium and bleeding, in high concentrations estrogen causes endometrial hyperplasia, suppresses lactation, inhibits bone resorption. Estrace is used to treat menopause symptoms which include hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It is also used for treatment of cancer in women and men and osteoporosis.

Dosage and direction

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, follow all recommendations. Estrace tablets should be taken one time a day. In women a cyclic regimen may be administered: 23 days the tablets are taken, followed by the next 5 days without any medication intake. After that the cycle resumes. The adhesive part of the patch should be sticked to a hairless part of trunk (hips, shoulder but not on the breasts), choose non-irritated healthy skin site. Change the place of plaster application each other week. Stick it immediately to the skin after you removed a protective layer and press tight to your skin during at least 10 seconds.

Precautions

Before taking Estrace inform your doctor if you have severe blood diseases, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer (breast or uterine cancer), or excessive vaginal bleeding. Long-term treatment by Estrace may result in increased risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke, it cannot be used in pregnant women.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, estrogen depending malignant neoplasms, unusual or undiagnosed genital and uterine bleeding, thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disease in active phase (excluding treatment of breast and prostate cancer). Carefulness should be exercised in patients with thrombophlebitis, thrombosis or thromboembolism (during the intake of estrogens in history); family hyperlipoproteinemia, pancreatitis, endometriosis, gallbladder disease in history, severe liver failure, jaundice, hepatic porphyria, hypercalcemia associated with metastases in bones caused by a breast cancer. Only for treatment of breast and prostate cancer: diseases of the coronary or cerebral vessels, active thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disease.

Possible side effect

Common side effects include: breast pain or tenderness; headache; hair loss; spotting or breakthrough bleeding; mild nausea or vomiting;stomach cramps or bloating.
Serious side effects are allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back pain;breast discharge or lump in the breast; calf or leg pain or swelling; chest pain; coughing up blood; dark urine; depression; dizziness; fainting; fever; memory problems; mental or mood changes; muscle pain; one-sided weakness; painful or difficult urination; persistent or severe breast pain or tenderness; persistent or severe headache, nausea, or vomiting; severe stomach pain or swelling; slurred speech; sudden shortness of breath; sunburn-like rash; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, itching, or odor; vision changes; vomiting; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Drug interaction

Estrogen can inhibit the metabolism of cyclosporine resulting in increase of its levels in blood and kidney and/or liver damage. Estrogen may increase the risk of liver disease in patients treated by dantrolene. Known to affect a clot formation Estrace should be used carefully together with warfarin (Coumadin). Enhanced metabolism and excretion of Estrace may be stipulated by rifampin, barbiturates, carbamazepine (Tegretol), griseofulvin, phenytoin (Dilantin) and primidone.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. If so skip the missed dose. Do not try to make up a missed dose by taking an extra one.

Overdose

If you suspect that you took too much of the medication seek for immediate medical attention. Your symptoms may appear as nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding.

Storage

Store Estrace in a dry tight container away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F) away from children and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. °ßã specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.