Estradot

Estradot is a form of treatment used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It comes as a stick-on patch and is used to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Product Name

ESTRADOT® (oestradiol) 25, 37.5, 50, 75 & 100 mcg/24* hrs Transdermal Patches

Composition

Estradot patches come in five forms:

• 25 micrograms oestradiol
• 37.5 micrograms oestradiol
• 50 micrograms oestradiol
• 75 micrograms oestradiol
• 100 micrograms oestradiol

Pharmaceutical Form

Estradot contains transdermal patches with round edges and a pressure-sensitive layer with Estradiol.

Therapeutic Indications

Estradot prescriptions are given for the following purposes.

• Oestrogen replacement therapy
• As a preventive measure against postmenopausal osteoporosis

How it works:

Typically, a woman produces oestradiol, one of the estrogen hormones. However, when a woman reaches menopause, usually between 45yrs and 55yrs, the body’s oestrogen production level decreases. Once this happens, some women begin experiencing various symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, and discomfort during or after sex. Here’s where Estradot comes in by releasing the oestrogen required to relieve these symptoms.

The Estradot patch releases oestradiol in a controlled manner,  mimicking what the ovaries did before menopause. Also, since this HRT does not need to go through the stomach, it allows the user to take a much lower dose than a tablet to relieve the symptoms mentioned.

Dosage and Administration

Dosage

The patient should use the transdermal patches twice per week, typically every three days.

Oestrogen deficiency symptoms

The lowest strength, i.e., 25mg, is suitable for first-time use individuals. The patient’s response to this dosage will then inform whether an increased dose is necessary to relieve symptoms. Also, if the patient exhibits overdose symptoms such as tender breasts, then the amount should be reduced.

Instructions

Estradot prescriptions are a form of continuous therapy. Patients with an intact uterus should receive combined HRT of oestrogen and progestogen in a continual dosing approach. The estrogen is the uninterrupted dose. The progestogen is then introduced for about 14 days of every 28-day cycle concurrently. Combined HRT is not suitable for patients who have undergone a hysterectomy unless diagnosed with endometriosis.

As for women who are moving from a combined HRT to oestrogen alone, unless the patient received a sequential HRT dose, they can begin the new dose the following day.

Administration

Patients should place the transdermal patches on any dry section of the abdomen. Estradot must never be placed on the breasts. The patient should replace their patch twice weekly. In addition, the patient must also rotate the patch application area, allowing at least one week to pass before placing the patch on that particular area.

Patients shouldn’t place Estradot on the waistline because of the risk of shifting the patch due to tight clothing. Once opened, the patient should place the patch immediately, press it firmly for at least ten seconds to ensure the transdermal patch is entirely in contact, especially around its corners.

The patch may be reused if it falls off. However, if necessary, the patient may apply a new patch while still following the recommended treatment schedule.

Contraindications

• Porphyria
• Current, past, or presumed breast cancer
• Hypersensitivity to oestradiol
• Known or presumed endometrial cancer and other estrogen-related malignant tumors
• Acute liver disease
• Untested genital bleeding
• Recent or current arterial thromboembolic disease
• Untreated endometrial hyperplasia
• Diagnosed thrombophilic conditions

Warnings and precautions

Estradot patches should only be given in cases where the symptoms affect the patient’s quality of life. A rigorous appraisal of the treatment’s risks and advantages should be done every year. Treatment using Estradot should continue if the benefits exceed the risks. Estradot 25 and 37.5 are not stipulated to treat osteoporosis.

Interactions with other medication

Any substance that releases cytochrome P450 enzymes tends to increase the metabolism of estrogen. Some of these drugs include anticonvulsants (phenytoin) and anti-infectives (rifabutin and efavirenz).

The CYP3A4 enzyme metabolizes oestradiol. Hence any prescriptions containing the enzyme inhibitors such as Ketoconazole may end up increasing oestradiol exposure. The administration of Estradot means the drug does not pass the stomach. Hence, the effect of oral inhibitors is less compared to the impact on oral estrogen hormone medication.

Pregnancy and Nursing

Estradot is not indicated during pregnancy or lactation. Experts recommend withdrawing this HRT during pregnancy.

Estradot Side Effects

Some of the side effects reported from clinical trials and consumer experiences include:

• Headaches
• Mild erythema, pruritus, and rashes on the patch application area
• Depression and nervousness
• Insomnia
• Decreased carbohydrate tolerance
• Hypersensitivity
• Gastrointestinal reactions, e.g., nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal distension
• Back pain
• Breast tension

Overdose

The administration method, i.e., transdermal patches, makes overdose cases rare. However, patients may still exhibit overdose symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness. Patients are advised to seek immediate help if this occurs.

Special Precautions

Estradot has a shelf life of two years. Patients should not freeze this medication. Also, the patches should remain in their original carton. Any used Estradot patch should be disposed of carefully with the adhesive side folded inwards.

Kiwi is a licensed shipper of Estradot HRT medication. All initial and continuing users should speak to a doctor for the correct prescription and the most up-to-date information before making an order. For more information, visit our conditions page, or reach out to us here.