Following consultation, a You Health provider determined that Estradiol transdermal patch are medically appropriate and necessary for your treatment.

Estradiol Transdermal Patch

You will also receive a physical document called a drug monograph or patient drug information in the package with your medication when it arrives from the pharmacy, which contains full information about generic Estradiol transdermal patch—you should read all of the information that comes with your prescription shipment before taking your medication. It’s important that all of your healthcare providers are aware of your current treatments. Please let your primary care provider, specialists, and pharmacist know of your diagnosis and new medications to ensure safety with any other medications you may be taking.

  • How to use your medication

  • Side effects

  • Important safety information and warnings

  • Frequently Asked Questions

How to use your medication

Apply 1 patch to lower abdomen or upper buttocks once a week. Remove old patch prior to placing new. Do not apply patch to the breasts.

Side effects

The most common adverse reactions (≥10 percent) with Estradiol Transdermal Patch are: breast pain, upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, abdominal pain, pain, and edema. These are not all the side effects of the Estradiol Transdermal Patch. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Important safety information and warnings
Do not use Estradiol Transdermal Patch if you have:
  • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding

  • Have, have had, or suspect breast cancer 

  • Have, have had, or suspect vaginal cancer

  • Have had ovarian cancer but not had ovaries removed or been in remission for ovarian cancer for at least 1 year

  • Have had uterine or endometrial cancer but not had uterus removed or been in remission for uterine or endometrial cancer for at least 1 year

  • Have had cervical cancer but not had cervical cancer removed

  • Have a known or suspected estrogen-dependent cancer

  • Estrogen-dependent neoplasia

  • Active DVT, PE or a history of these conditions

  • Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke or MI), or a history of these conditions

  • Known anaphylactic reaction, or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to estradiol

  • Hepatic impairment or disease

  • Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders 

Tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:
  • Have liver problems

  • Have kidney problems

  • Have seizures (epilepsy)

  • Have diabetes

  • Have asthma

  • Have problems with your thyroid

  • Have migraine headaches

  • Have heart problems, or have had a heart attack

  • Have had a stroke

  • Have endometriosis

  • Have porphyria

  • Have high triglyceride levels

  • Have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  • Have high levels of calcium in your blood

  • Have unusual vaginal bleeding

  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant 

  • Are breastfeeding. The hormone in Estradiol Vaginal Cream can pass into your milk

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥10 percent) with Estradiol Transdermal System are: breast pain, upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, abdominal pain, pain, and edema. 

These are not all the side effects of the Estradiol Transdermal Patch. 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch call 1-800-FDA-1088.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
  • Inducers and/or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism and decrease or increase the estrogen plasma concentration. 

General information about the safe and effective use of the Estradiol Transdermal Patch

Medications are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use the Estradiol Transdermal Patch for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Estradiol Transdermal Patch to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

Keep Estradiol Transdermal Patch out of the reach of children 

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient. The product information provided is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is perimenopause and menopause?

Menopause occurs when monthly periods permanently stop for at least 12 months. During this time, the ovaries stop making estrogen and progesterone, and the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Menopause does not occur suddenly—it can take years for “the change,” and this period of transition is called perimenopause. During perimenopause, periods become irregular, and you may begin to feel menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal irritation. This medication is used to help alleviate those symptoms.

Is there a test for menopause?

Testing is not recommended for most women, because a single blood test does not tell whether you are in perimenopause or menopause. Diagnosis is made using the patient’s reported medical history and a symptoms assessment.

Can I still get pregnant on this medication? 

As long as you are still having periods, even if they do not happen often, it is possible to get pregnant. If you have sex and do not want to get pregnant, use some form of birth control. If you think you may be pregnant, do not use this medication and you should have a pregnancy test and know the results.

Can I continue taking this medication if I become pregnant?

If you’re currently using hormonal birth control—such as the pill, patch, vaginal ring, or shot—it’s important to talk to your provider before starting hormone therapy for perimenopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy is used to manage perimenopausal symptoms, but it does not prevent pregnancy. Because it is still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause, you’ll still need effective birth control if you are trying to avoid pregnancy. Your provider can help you choose the safest and most effective approach for you. You may need to switch from a hormonal contraceptive to a non-hormonal or barrier method (like a copper IUD or condoms) while using hormone therapy.

I’m in perimenopause (I haven’t yet reached menopause). Can I keep taking my birth control while starting hormone therapy for my symptoms?

No. If you become pregnant or decide to try to conceive, please alert your provider who will direct you to follow up with your primary care provider or OBGYN for continued management.

Can I place the estrogen patch in the same place each time I change it? 

No, you should use a different place on your abdomen or upper buttocks. This is mainly to prevent skin irritation and maintain consistent medication absorption. Do not apply to breasts. Repeatedly applying a patch to the same spot can lead to inflammation and compromise the patch's effectiveness. Remember to remove the old patch prior to placing the new patch once weekly.

What if I have vaginal bleeding while taking this medication?

Hormone therapy can cause light, unscheduled vaginal bleeding, often called “spotting”. This may occur while your body adjusts to the medication (or whenever you change doses or stop the medication). Spotting may occur for several months. For some women, the hormones make their period unpredictable and causes heavier, more frequent or longer periods.

Vaginal bleeding after menopause can happen for other reasons and may be a sign of a health problem. It is most important to understand the cause of the bleeding, such as vaginal dryness, the hormone treatment itself, or other medical conditions, such as polyps of the uterus.

What happens if I stop this medication?

Menopause symptoms can return when the hormone replacement is stopped.

How long can I take this medication or stay on treatment?

The symptoms of menopause start in perimenopause and may last for years. However, it’s recommended that treatment only be used at the lowest dose necessary and for the shortest amount of time necessary to relieve moderate-to-severe symptoms. You should consult a provider if you are considering discontinuing treatment and regularly reassess your need to manage symptoms. Hormone therapy should be immediately discontinued if a contraindication develops, such as breast cancer, liver disease, or stroke.

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication?

While it doesn’t need to be completely avoided, it is generally recommended to limit drinking of alcohol while using estradiol transdermal patch. Alcohol intake during HRT can increase circulating estradiol levels and increase the risk of breast cancer.

Can I take cannabis while taking this medication?

There is limited research on using cannabis products while using hormone therapy. Interactions are possible, and cannabis causes its own side effects (such as cognitive impairment and sedation) that users should be aware of.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Please refer to the package insert that accompanied your estradiol patch for instructions on how to handle a missed dose.

Do I need to discontinue hormone therapy (HT) if I have an upcoming planned surgery?

Yes, it is recommended to discontinue estradiol (patch, pill, or vaginal cream) at least 4 weeks before surgery or during extended periods of immobility. Speak with your surgeon about when it is safe to restart hormone therapy (HT).

Will estrogen increase my triglycerides?

Estrogen therapy may increase plasma triglyceride levels. Regular monitoring of triglycerides by your primary care provider is recommended.

When can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms?

Symptom improvement often takes 4–12 weeks of consistent use of HRT.

I have high blood pressure. Will Hormone Therapy (HT) affect it?

Hormone Therapy (HT) can sometimes cause a small increase in blood pressure. However, certain types such as Transdermal Estrogen (patch) and micronized Progesterone may have a neutral or potential beneficial effect on blood pressure compared to oral preparations. Your primary care provider should continue to monitor your blood pressure regularly while you are on HT. You can also help manage your blood pressure with healthy daily habits: - Do not smoke, use tobacco or vape - Get tips for healthy nutrition in the app - Limit the amount of alcohol you drink (less than 2 drinks weekly) - Reduce the amount of salt in your diet - Get regular exercise (up to 150 min per week is optimal) - Aim for at least 7 or more hours of restorative sleep each night Ask your healthcare provider if there are any additional steps you can take to manage your blood pressure.

KEEP ESTRADIOL PATCHES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. 

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient. The product information provided is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.