Active Drug Information

Oestrogel gel contains estradiol, which comes in an absorptive hydroalcoholic gel base. This synthetic hormone is a clear and colorless gel. Estradiol is a white crystalline powder, with an empirical formula C18H24O2 and molecular weight 272.39. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved estradiol in 1998. It has been approved to reduce hot flashes and to treat menopausal symptoms in and around the vaginal tract.

Mechanism of Action

Oestrogel (estradiol) gel offers systemic estrogen therapy by giving the body enough estradiol, a hormone secreted by the ovaries. Estrogen is responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in women. Circulating estrogens regulate the pituitary production of the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular-stimulating hormone. Estradiol helps to reduce vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Dosing Instructions

• Use Oestrogel gel exactly as recommended by your doctor and follow all instructions carefully before use.
• Apply the gel only to skin that is clean, dry, and unbroken. Never apply it to skin that is open, cracked, red, or irritated.
• Apply it at the same time every day. Apply it after your bath, or shower.
• To apply Oestrogel gel, collect the gel into your palm by pressing the tube firmly and fully with one fluid motion.
• Spread the gel as thinly as possible over the region and do not apply it directly to your breast.
• Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap after applying this gel.
• There is no need to rub or massage in Oestrogel gel. You should allow it to dry for up to five minutes after application.

Storage and Disposal

• Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture, heat or sunlight heat.
• Do not keep the medicine near an open flame, as it is flammable. Keep Oestrogel away from children, teenagers, and pets.
• Do not flush the medication down the toilet or drain it unless advised to do so.
• You should properly discard this product when you are no longer using it or if the medicine is outdated.

Precautions and Warnings

• Before using Oestrogel, tell your doctor if you are allergic to synthetic estrogen, or estradiol.
• Before using this medicine, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have idiopathic vaginal bleeding, certain cancers, blood disorders, stroke, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or any other issues.
• Stay away from smoking or using tobacco products. Estradiol combined with smoking could increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, hypertension, or heart issues.
• Oestrogel may cause dark, blotchy areas on your facial skin, called melasma, and sunlight may worsen such an effect. So, limit your time in the sun and sunlamps.
• Remember, this product is not designed for children and adolescents.
• This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. During treatment, if you become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
• Oestrogel may pass into breast milk and reduce the amount and quality of breast milk. So, consult with your doctor before you breast-feed your baby.

Drug Interactions

• Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Multivitamins
• Certain herbal supplements

Please check with your doctor to know more about the drugs that interact adversely with Oestrogel.

Contraindications

Oestrogel is contraindicated in women who have following medical conditions:

• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Breast cancer
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Allergic to estradiol
• Liver dysfunction
• Thrombophilia
• Suspected pregnancy

Common Side Effects

• vaginal itching or discharge
• breast pain
• headache
• scalp hair thinning
• nausea
• bloating
• stomach cramps

This is not a complete list of side effects of Oestrogel. One may experience other side effects as well. Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects.