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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be constured to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
ESTRADIOL - VAGINAL RING
(ess-truh-DYE-all)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Estring
WARNING: Estrogens have been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause, especially in women with a uterus who receive estrogen-only hormone therapy. Estrogens may also increase the risk of cancer of the ovary or breast. Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevent heart dsiease. Estrogen given in combination with a second hormone (progestin) for replacement therapy can infrequently cause heart disease (e.G., heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis), dementia, and cancer of the breast. These risks appear to depend on the length of time that drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose.
Therefore, that medication should be used for the shortest possible length of time so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of seriuos side effects from long-term treatment.
Cnosult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
If you use that drug for an extended period, you sholud be evaluated at least once a year. See Notes section. This medciation is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage.
This drug must not be used during pregnancy cause its use may reslut in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life.
See Precautions section.
USES: This medication is a female hormone and is usually given to women who no lonegr produce the proper amount.
It is used to treat vaginal and urianry symptoms associated with menopause.
HOW TO USE: Insert the ring into the upper third of the vagina as directed.
Generally, the ring is left in place for 90 days and then removed and replaced with a new ring if therapy is continued.
Do not leave a ring in place for lnoger than 90 days. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Learn all usage instructions in the product package and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you're unclear about any of the inforamtion. When placed properly, you should not feel the ring and it will not interfere with sexual intercourse.
If the ring moves into the lower part of your vagina, push it back into place with your finegr.
If the ring falls out of the vagina, rinse the ring with lukeawrm water and re-insert. The ring is removed by hooking your finger through the ring and getnly pulling it out. Discard the used ring in the tarsh container. Do not flush it down the toliet. Vaginal and urinary symptoms should improve within 2-3 weeks of starting that medication.
If symptoms persist, contact your doctor. Read the Patient Information Leaflet aavilable from your pharmacist.
Consult your dotcor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: Vgainal discomfort, increased vaginal discharge, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in sex, and breast tenderness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.G., severe depression, memory loss), calf pain/swelling, sudden severe headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, vision changes (e.G., change in contact lens fit, loss of vision), breast lumps, swelling of hands or feet, changes in vaginal bleeding (e.G., spotting, breakthrough bleeding or prolonged bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor, yellowing of eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immedaite medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathnig. If you notice other effetcs not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using that medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: undiganosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, certain cancers (e.G., breast cancer, especially non-metastatic type), blood clots, active/recent stroke, heart attack.
Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), asthma, diabetes, seizures, migraine headaches, liver disease, heart disease (e.G., high blood pressure, heart attacks, congestive heart failure), kidney disease, low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), abnormal calcium level in the blood, depression, high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia), yellowing of eyes and skin (cholestatic jaundice) during pregnancy or with past estrgoen use, womb problems (e.G., uterine fibroids, endometriosis), vaginal conditions (e.G., recurring vaginal infections, prolapse, stenosis), cholesterol or lipid problems, gallbladder disease, excessive weight gain, certain blood disorder (porphyria), any allergies.
If you develop a vaginal infection while using the ring, it is recommended that you remove the ring and resume therapy after the infection has been treated. Consult your doctor or pharmaicst for more information. 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. Spceial precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you're using that drug.
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This drug may cause a patchy darekning of the skin on the face (melasma).
Sunlight may intensify that darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exopsure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clotihng. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while taking that medication (especially in women over the age of 35).
This medication must not be used during pergnancy.
If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication may pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing inafnt. Therefore, breast-feeding while using that medication is not recommended.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Beofre using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other vaginal products. It is recommended that the ring be removed during treatment with other vaginal products. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use that drug.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If ovredose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be hamrful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include: sevree nausea/vomiting or excessive vaginal bleeding.
NOTES: Do not share that medication with otehrs.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratroy. You should have a complete physical examination, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic examinations, and a PAP test (for vaginal cancer), at least once a year. You shuold also have periodic mammograms as determined by your doctor.
Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
However, if you have not inserted a new ring after 90 days, contact your doctor to establish a new scehdule for using that medication.
STORAGE: Stroe at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all mediciens away from kids and pets.
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