Estradiol and norethindrone transdermal

Generic name: Estradiol And Norethindrone (transdermal)
Brand names: Combipatch
Dosage form: transdermal film, extended release (0.05 mg-0.14 mg/24 hours; 0.05 mg-0.25 mg/24 hours)
Drug class: Sex hormone combinations

Usage of Estradiol and norethindrone transdermal

Estradiol and norethindrone transdermal (skin patch) is a combination medicine used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal changes. estradiol and norethindrone is also used before menopause to treat a lack of estrogen caused by conditions such as hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure, or surgical removal of the ovaries.

Estradiol and norethindrone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Estradiol and norethindrone transdermal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Remove the skin patch and call your doctor at once if you have:

heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed;

signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

signs of a blood clot--sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;

swelling or tenderness in your stomach;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain;

a breast lump;

memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior; or

high levels of calcium in your blood--nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy.

Common side effects of estradiol and norethindrone may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps;

bloating, swelling, weight gain;

breast pain;

light vaginal bleeding or spotting;

vaginal itching or discharge;

headache;

thinning scalp hair; or

redness or irritation where the patch is worn.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Estradiol and norethindrone transdermal

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to estradiol or norethindrone, or if you have:

unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

liver disease;

a bleeding disorder;

a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; or

a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Do not use estradiol and norethindrone if you have had your uterus (womb) removed.

Do not use estradiol and norethindrone if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Estradiol and norethindrone should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease;

liver problems;

kidney disease;

angioedema (swelling of face and tongue);

lupus;

asthma;

diabetes;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

migraines;

porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);

gallbladder disease;

endometriosis;

high levels of calcium levels in your blood;

a thyroid disorder; or

if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding.

Using estradiol and norethindrone may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

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How to use Estradiol and norethindrone transdermal

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using estradiol and norethindrone for a short time. Any doctor who treats you should know that you are using estradiol and norethindrone.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms while using estradiol and norethindrone.

Store estradiol and norethindrone in the refrigerator in the foil pouch, do not freeze. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before application.

Warnings

Using estradiol and norethindrone can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Estradiol and norethindrone should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

What other drugs will affect Estradiol and norethindrone transdermal

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect estradiol and norethindrone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.