Estradiol (On the skin)
Estradiol (es-tra-DYE-ol)
Treats hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.
Brand Name(s):
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to estradiol, or if you have liver disease, breast cancer, or estrogen-dependent tumors. Do not use it if you have bleeding problems, blood clots, dementia, heart or blood vessel disease, or had a heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine if you may be pregnant, or if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by your doctor.How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid Mixture
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
- Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
- Emulsion:
- Cut or tear the pouch when you are ready to apply the medicine on your skin. Open 1 pouch at a time.
- Apply this medicine to clean, dry skin on top of your left thigh by pushing the emulsion from the bottom up through the opening of the pouch.
- Rub the emulsion with 1 or 2 hands into the skin of your entire left thigh and lower back leg until it is completely rubbed into your skin. Repeat the same steps for the right leg. Allow the medicine to dry before you get dressed.
- Do not apply sunscreen at the same time you apply the emulsion.
- Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Some foods and medicines can affect how estradiol works. Tell your doctor if you are using St John's wort, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, rifampin, ritonavir, or thyroid medicine.
- Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Pregnancy after menopause is not likely, but if you think you could be pregnant, tell your doctor. This medicine could harm an unborn baby.
- Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, edema (body swelling), endometriosis, epilepsy, migraine headaches, porphyria, lupus, thyroid problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides (fats) in the blood, inherited angioedema, or a history of cancer. Tell your doctor if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy) or if you are having surgery that will require inactivity for a long time.
- This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots
- Higher risk of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer
- Possible risk of dementia, especially in women 65 years of age and older
- Gallbladder disease
- Eye or vision problems
- Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results. You may need to stop using this medicine before you have surgery or if you need to stay in bed for a long time.
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You should have regular exams and mammograms as directed by your doctor.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Blurred or other changes in vision
- Breast lumps
- Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
- Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes
- Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
- Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- Sudden and severe stomach pain, with or without nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or heavy bleeding
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Changes in weight or hair growth
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps
- Redness or itching where the medicine is applied
- Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or fever
- Swollen or tender breasts
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 2/4/2025