Brand Names: Estrace, Femtrace, Gynodiol

Generic Name: estradiol oral (Pronunciation: ess tra DYE ole)

• What is estradiol oral (Estrace)?
• What are the possible side effects of estradiol oral (Estrace)?
• What is the most important information I should know about estradiol oral (Estrace)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using estradiol oral (Estrace)?
• How should I use estradiol oral (Estrace)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Estrace)?
• What happens if I overdose (Estrace)?
• What should I avoid while using estradiol oral (Estrace)?
• What other drugs will affect estradiol oral (Estrace)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is estradiol oral (Estrace)?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen. Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Estradiol is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It is also used to prevent osteoporosis in women and men. Estradiol is sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men.

Estradiol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Estrace 0.5 mg

round, white, imprinted with 021, MJ

Estrace 1 mg

round, purple, imprinted with MJ 755

Estrace 2 mg

round, turquoise, imprinted with MJ 756

Estradiol 0.5 mg-APH

round, white, imprinted with AP 025

Estradiol 0.5 mg-BAR

oval, white, imprinted with b, 899 1/2

Estradiol 0.5 mg-MYL

round, white, imprinted with M, E 3

Estradiol 0.5 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with WATSON 528

Estradiol 1 mg-APH

round, purple, imprinted with AP 026

Estradiol 1 mg-MYL

round, pink, imprinted with M, E 4

Estradiol 1 mg-WAT

round, gray, imprinted with WATSON 487

Estradiol 1mg-BAR

oval, lavender, imprinted with b, 886 1

Estradiol 2 mg-APH

round, turquoise, imprinted with AP 027

Estradiol 2 mg-BAR

oval, green, imprinted with b, 887 2

Estradiol 2 mg-MYL

round, blue, imprinted with M, E 5

Estradiol 2 mg-WAT

round, green, imprinted with WATSON 488

Femtrace 0.45 mg

round, white, imprinted with WC 389, LOGO

Femtrace 0.9 mg

round, white, imprinted with WC 390, LOGO

Gynodiol 0.5 mg

round, lavender, imprinted with 0768, Diamond

Gynodiol 1 mg

round, pink, imprinted with 1259, Diamond

Gynodiol 1.5 mg

round, blue, imprinted with 0158, Diamond

What are the possible side effects of estradiol oral (Estrace)?

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 any of these serious side effects:

• 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 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.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• 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.

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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about estradiol oral (Estrace)?

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

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

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.

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.