Women's Health

Drug Uses

Estrace is used in the treatment of conditions caused by menopause. It is also used in the treatment of vaginal atrophy and preventing osteoporosis in women.

Usage

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may take it with a meal to avoid an upset stomach.

Missed Dose

You should try and take your doses on time taking care not to miss any. But if you do miss a dose, then you may take it immediately and space out the remaining doses. You may also skip it and continue with your regular dose. But do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature away from direct light, heat and moisture. Keep away from children.

Overdose

Excessive vaginal bleeding, severe nausea, and vomiting are some of the typical symptoms of an overdose. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

More Information

The drug may cause light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness in some people. Do not consume alcohol along with the drug. Do not drive or handle heavy machinery until you know how to react to the drug. Use only if prescribed.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Estrace if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Estrace;
you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, have recently given birth or are breast-feeding, or have vaginal bleeding of abnormal or unknown cause;
you have known or suspected breast cancer (unless directed by your doctor) or you have cancers that are estrogen-dependent;
you have blood clots, vein inflammation, or liver disease;
you have had a recent stroke or heart attack.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:
Estrace may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Estrace with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Limit alcoholic beverages while you are taking Estrace.
Estrace may cause dark skin patches on your face (melasma). Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding the use of sunscreens and protective clothing.
Estrace may increase the risk of blood clots. The risk may be greater if you smoke (especially in women older than 35 years of age).
Contact your doctor if vaginal bleeding of unknown cause occurs. This could be a sign of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Contact your doctor if vaginal discomfort occurs or if you suspect you have developed an infection while taking Estrace.
Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your breasts and report any lumps immediately.
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be necessary if you are presently taking an azole antifungal (e.g., itraconazole), carbamazepine, a macrolide antibiotic (e.g., erythromycin), ritonavir, cimetidine, or St. John's wort.
If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (e.g., a long plane flight), notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking Estrace.
Nonprescription therapy to help prevent bone loss includes a weight-bearing exercise plan, as well as adequate daily calcium and vitamin D intake. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Estrace may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Estrace.
Diabetes patients - Estrace may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Lab tests, including physical exams and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Estrace . You should have breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test at least once a year. You should also have periodic mammograms as determined by your doctor. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Estrace if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Estrace may be found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Estrace, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

breast pain or tenderness; headache; hair loss; mild nausea or vomiting; spotting or breakthrough bleeding; stomach cramps or bloating.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back pain;breast discharge or lump in the breast; calf or leg pain or swelling; chest pain; coughing up blood; dark urine; depression; dizziness; fainting; fever; memory problems; mental or mood changes; muscle pain; one-sided weakness; painful or difficult urination; persistent or severe breast pain or tenderness; persistent or severe headache, nausea, or vomiting; severe stomach pain or swelling; slurred speech; sudden shortness of breath; sunburn-like rash; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, itching, or odor; vision changes; vomiting; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Estrace, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Estrace is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.