Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Alora, Climara, Estraderm, Estradiol Patch, Menostar, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot

Generic Name: estradiol transdermal (Pronunciation: ess tra DYE ol tranz DERM al)

What is estradiol transdermal (Alora, Climara, Estraderm, Estradiol Patch, Menostar, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot)?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone the regulates many processes in the body.

Estradiol transdermal skin patches are used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as dryness, burning, and itching of the vaginal area. Estradiol transdermal also reduces urgency or irritation of urination.

Estradiol skin patches are also used to treat ovarian disorders, infertility, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Some estradiol skin patches are used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Transdermal skin patches release the drug slowly, and it is absorbed through your skin.

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

What are the possible side effects of estradiol transdermal?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
pain or swelling in your lower leg;
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
a lump in your breast.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
swollen breasts;
acne or skin color changes;
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
migraine headaches or dizziness;
vaginal pain, dryness, or discomfort;
swelling of your ankles or feet;
depression; or
changes in your menstrual periods, break-through bleeding.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about estradiol transdermal?

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a bleeding disorder, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol transdermal.

Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol transdermal.

The estradiol transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using estradiol transdermal?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.