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ESTRADIOL; LEVONORGESTREL (es tra DYE ole; LEE voh nor jes trel) is used as hormone replacement in menopausal women who still have their uterus. This medicine is used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. It also helps to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Tear open the pouch, do not use scissors. Remove the stiff protective liner covering the adhesive. Try not to touch the adhesive. Apply the patch, sticky side to the skin, to an area that is clean, dry and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Do not apply the skin patches to your breasts or around the waistline. Use a different site each time to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional. Do not wear more than one patch at a time unless you are told to do so by your doctor or health care professional.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•aromatase inhibitors like aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole, testolactone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•barbiturates, like phenobarbital
•carbamazepine
•certain antibiotics used to treat infections
•grapefruit juice
•medicines for fungus infections like itraconazole and ketoconazole
•raloxifene or tamoxifen
•rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine
•ritonavir
•St. John's Wort
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medicine. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines for these tests.
This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine right away and contact your doctor or health care professional.
Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking this medicine, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye doctor or health care professional.
If you are going to have surgery or an MRI, you may need to stop taking this medicine. Consult your health care professional for advice before you schedule the surgery.
Contact with water while you are swimming, using a sauna, bathing, or showering may cause the patch to fall off. If your patch falls off reapply it. If you cannot reapply the patch, apply a new patch to another area and continue to follow your usual dose schedule.
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If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, apply only that dose. Do not apply double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•breakthrough bleeding and spotting
•breast tissue changes or discharge
•chest pain
•leg, arm or groin pain
•nausea, vomiting
•severe headaches
•severe stomach pain
•sudden shortness of breath
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•changes in sexual desire
•mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
•increased or decreased appetite
•skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the skin
•symptoms of vaginal infection like itching, irritation or unusual discharge
•weight gain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not store any patches that have been removed from their protective pouch. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Dispose of used patches properly. Since used patches may still contain active hormones, fold the patch in half so that it sticks to itself prior to disposal.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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