ESTRACE
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ESTRACE.
ESTROGENS - ORAL (ESS-trow-jens, conjugated)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Cenestin, Estinyl, Estrace, Menest, Ogen, Premarin, Tace
WARNING:
ESTRACE has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial)
cancer in women who have been through menopause. This risk appears
to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of
estrogen per dose. If you use ESTRACE for an extended period, you
should be evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience
abnormal vaginal bleeding, notify your doctor promptly. ESTRACE is
not effective in preventing or treating a tendency to lose a fetus
(natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of losing a fetus.
ESTRACE must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result
in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life. If you become
pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor
immediately to discuss the risk to the fetus.
USES:
ESTRACE is a hormone and is given to women who no longer produce the
proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot
flashes), for brittle bones (osteoporosis), and treats certain
cancers in both men and women.
HOW TO TAKE ESTRACE:
May be taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent
stomach upset. Take ESTRACE as prescribed. Follow the dosing
schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any
questions.
SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset,
bloating, or nausea. These effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if you experience:
severe depression; calf pain; sudden severe headache; chest pain;
shortness of breath; lumps in the breast; weakness or tingling in
the arms or legs; yellowing of the eyes or skin; changes in vaginal
bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or complete
stoppage of bleeding); stomach pain; skin rash. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take ESTRACE, tell your doctor your entire medical
history, including:
family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), high
blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy (seizures), migraine
headaches, liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, depression,
toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), jaundice (yellowing
skin/eyes) during pregnancy, excessive weight gain and fluid
retention (bloating) during menstrual cycle, uterine fibroid tumor,
abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood clots or stroke, cholesterol or
lipid problems, gallbladder disease. Before having surgery, tell the
doctor that you take ESTRACE. Depending on strength, ESTRACE may
cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher
strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify
this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and
sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and
protective clothing. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of
blood-clots while taking ESTRACE (especially in women past the age
of 35). ESTRACE should not be used during pregnancy. If you become
pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. ESTRACE may be excreted into breast milk and its use is
not recommended while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs
you may use, especially of:
hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital),
corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). This product can affect the
results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and
your doctors know you use ESTRACE. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
nausea/vomiting or stoppage of periods.
NOTES:
Do not share ESTRACE with others.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom.
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