MENEST

ESTERIFIED ESTROGENS (es TAIR i fyed  ES troe jenz) is an estrogen. It is mostly used as hormone replacement in menopausal women. It helps to treat hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to treat women with low hormone levels or in those who have had their ovaries removed. This medicine may also be used in the treatment of breast or prostate cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
 
Talk to 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.

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, such as phenobarbital
•carbamazepine
•clarithromycin
•erythromycin
•grapefruit juice
•medicines used to treat fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
•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.

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.

This medicine can increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with this medicine lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed (by a hysterectomy), your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with your estrogen. You should know, however, that taking estrogens with progestins may have additional health risks. You should discuss the use of estrogens and progestins with your health care professional to determine the benefits and risks for you.

If you are going to have surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine. Consult your health care professional for advice before you schedule the surgery.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•breast tissue changes or discharge
•changes in vision
•chest pain
•confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
•dark urine
•general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
•light-colored stools
•nausea, vomiting
•pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
•right upper belly pain
•severe headaches
•shortness of breath
•sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
•trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
•unusual vaginal bleeding
•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):
•hair loss
•increased hunger or thirst
•increased urination
•symptoms of vaginal infection like itching, irritation or unusual discharge
•unusually weak or tired

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.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.