Prescription Estraderm (Estraderm mx) Drug Information

Estrogens have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease (including heart attack), stroke, dementia, serious blood clots (eg, in the lungs or legs), cancer of the uterus, and breast cancer in some women. Relief of symptoms occurring after menopause During the menopause, the amount of the oestrogen produced by a womans body drops. This can cause symptoms such as hot face, neck and chest (hot flushes). Estraderm alleviates these symptoms after menopause. You will only be prescribed Estraderm if your symptoms seriously hinder your daily life. Prevention of osteoporosis (for Estraderm 50 and 75 only) After the menopause some women may develop fragile bones (osteoporosis). You should discuss all available options with your doctor. If you are at an increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis and other medicines are not suitable for you, you can use Estraderm to prevent osteoporosis after menopause. What you need to know before you use Estraderm The use of HRT carries risks which need to be considered when deciding whether to start taking it, or whether to carry on taking it. The experience in treating women with a premature menopause (due to ovarian failure or surgery) is limited. If you have a premature menopause the risks of using HRT may be different. Please talk to your doctor. Before you start (or restart) HRT, your doctor will ask about your own and your familys medical history. Your doctor may decide to perform a physical examination. This may include an examination of your breasts and/or an internal examination, if necessary. Once you have started on Estraderm you should see your doctor for regular check-ups (at least once a year). At these check-ups, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of continuing with Estraderm MX. Go for regular breast screening, as recommended by your doctor. Do not take Estraderm if any of the following applies to you. If you are not sure about any of the points below, talk to your doctor before taking Estraderm, Do not take Estraderm If you have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it If you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism) If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, proteinS, or antithrombin deficiency) If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina If you have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal If you have a rare blood problem called porphyria which is passed down in families (inherited) If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to oestradiol or any of the other ingredients of this medicine You are pregnant or breastfeeding. If any of the above conditions appear for the first time while taking Estraderm, stop taking it at once and consult your doctor immediately.