Part Two of Esclim Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of estradiol topical patches?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using estradiol topical patches and seek emergency medical attention:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • shortness or breath or pain in your chest;
    • a painful, red, swollen leg;
    • abnormal vaginal bleeding;
    • pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen;
    • severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, faintness or changes in vision or speech;
    • yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
    • a lump in a breast.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use estradiol topical patches and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • decreased appetite, nausea, or vomiting;
    • swollen breasts;
    • acne or skin color changes;
    • decreased sex drive;
    • migraine headaches or dizziness;
    • vaginal pain, dryness, or discomfort;
    • water retention (swollen hands, feet, or ankles);
    • irritation at the application site;
    • depression; or
    • changes in your menstrual cycle or break-through bleeding.
  • Estradiol increases the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, while using estradiol lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while using estradiol topical patches. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
  • It is unclear to what extent estrogen treatments may affect the risk of breast cancer.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect estradiol topical patches?

  • Before using estradiol topical patches, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
    • an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
    • a thyroid medication such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, and others;
    • insulin or an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol) and glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase);
    • tamoxifen (Nolvadex);
    • a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), and others;
    • didanosine (Videx);
    • phenytoin (Dilantin) or ethotoin (Peganone);
    • carbamazepine (Tegretol);
    • phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal);
    • primidone (Mysoline); or
    • rifampin (Rifadin).
  • A dosage adjustment or special monitoring may be required during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with estradiol topical patches. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about estradiol topical patches written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified 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. 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, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

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Version: 5.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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