Esclim - Estradiol Biweekly - Transdermal Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Esclim.
• Esclim, Estraderm, Vivelle
• ess-truh-DYE-all

Usage Instructions

• Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
• The patch is usually replaced twice a week (about every 3 to 4 days), or as directed by your doctor.
• Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
• Do not open the sealed pouch container until ready to use.
• Open the pouch and remove the patch from the protective liner.
• Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area as directed by your doctor or by the patient information leaflet.
• This patch should only be applied to certain areas of the body.
• Different brands of patches are applied to different areas of the body.
• If you have any questions about where to apply the patch, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Press the patch firmly against the skin for about 10 seconds to make sure the patch stays on.
• Do not apply to a site that is exposed to sunlight and do not place the patch on the breast.
• Avoid applying to the waistline since tight clothing may rub the patch off.
• Do not put the patch on areas where sitting may loosen it.
• When it is time to change the patch, remove it and dispose of it properly.
• Apply a new patch to a different area to prevent skin irritation.
• It is best to rotate the areas where the patch is applied, allowing at least 1 week in between applications to the same site.
• If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy, or irritated, try a new site.
• If the irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor promptly.
• If a patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of the scheduled period.
• Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of.

Medicinal Applications

• This medication is a female hormone and is usually given to women who no longer produce the proper amount.
• It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (for example, hot flashes, vaginal dryness), to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk, and to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
• If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin.
• There are several medications (for example, raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss.
• These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen therapy.
• If you have other medical conditions as well, and are prescribed estrogens for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include.

Esclim Miscellaneous Notes

• Do not share this medication with others.
• Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
• You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic examination, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year.
• You should also have periodic mammograms as determined by your doctor.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately.
• Non-drug therapy to help prevent bone loss includes a weight-bearing exercise plan, adequate daily calcium and vitamin D.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Possible Side Effects

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in sex, breast tenderness, or skin redness/irritation at the application site may occur.
• If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur.

Read Before Using Esclim (precautions)

• This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
• Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
• If a patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of the scheduled period, then resume your usual dosing schedule.
• Do not double the dose to catch up.

Esclim Storage Instructions

• Store the sealed pouches according to the package instructions away from light and moisture.
• Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warning

• Estrogens have been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause, especially in women with a uterus who receive estrogen-only hormone therapy.
• Estrogens may also increase the risk of cancer of the ovary or breast.
• Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevent heart disease.
• Estrogen given in combination with another hormone (progestin) for replacement therapy can infrequently cause heart disease (for example, heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis), dementia, and cancer of the breast.
• These risks appear to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose.
• Therefore, this medication should be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose, so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
• If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year.
• See Notes section.
• This medication is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage.
• This drug must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life.
• See Precautions section.