Estradot 75mcg

Estradot general information

What is Estradot used for?

Estradot 75 is a transdermal delivery system (skin patch) containing oestrogen that is used as a short-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to substitute for a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries that happens during menopause or following surgical removal of the ovaries.  Using Estradot 75 patches helps relieve symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy.  Estradot 75 is also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis) and reduce risk of fracture.  Estradot 75 stimulates the development of female sexual characteristics and is used as part of a transgender hormone therapy for male to female transsexuals. 

How does Estradot work?

Estradot 75 is a skin patch containing the active ingredient oestradiol, the major and the most active form of the female hormone oestrogen.  When the patch is applied to the skin, the oestradiol diffuses out of the patch through the skin and into the blood, delivering a dose of 75mcg oestradiol per day.  Oestrogen is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries that binds to specific receptors inside oestrogen-responsive cells and stimulates them to make proteins involved in producing secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen also has several other actions in various metabolic processes including maintaining bone mass and lipid (fat) metabolism.  Because the oestadiol in Estradot 75 enters the blood directly and continuously, it is not metabolised (broken down) by the liver, as happens when taking oral oestrogen tablets, which means that Estradot 75 patches are effective at a lower dose and provide more even blood levels similar to the natural release of oestrogen by the ovaries.

What does Estradot contain?

Estradot 75 contains the active ingredient oestradiol (1.17 mg of oestradiol in each patch, delivered at 75mcg per day), which is used for oestrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.  Each patch also contains:

• adhesive matrix: acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, oleyl alcohol, dipropylene glycol and povidone.
• backing layer: ethylene vinyl acetate/polyethylene copolymer and vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride copolymer
• release liner: Fluoropolymer-coated polyester.

Treating symptoms of menopause with Estradot

Estradot 75 patches contain oestradiol that is used to substitute for the loss of oestrogen production by the ovaries that occurs during menopause and is the cause of symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, dry vagina, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration loss of energy and bone loss (osteoporosis).  Estradot 75 is a transdermal delivery system (skin patch) that contains oestradiol, the active form of the female hormone oestrogen that alleviates moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. 

Estradot for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Estradot 75 is a transdermal delivery system (skin patch) containing oestrogen that is used as a short-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to substitute for a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries during the menopause.  Estradot 75 is used to relieve symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy.  Estradot 75 is also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis), which is also caused by lack of oestrogen, and reduce risk of fracture. 

Estradot for transgender treatment

Estradot 75 can be used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals, by providing a source of oestradiol, the active form of the female hormone oestrogen.  Estradot 75 is a transdermal delivery system (skin patch) for oestrogen that stimulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induces metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.  The consistent and prolonged release of oestradiol provides an effective approach to feminising hormone therapy.

What are the side effects of Estradot?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Estradot 75 patches include itching under the patch, reddening of the skin after the patch has been removed (but this usually disappears within a few days), breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, skin rash and itching, insomnia and depression.  More severe side effects include changes in liver function at higher doses. 

What are the health risks of Estradot?

Long-term HRT with Estradot 75 does have associated health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke and deep vein thrombosis.  For women with an intact uterus adding a progestogen to an oestrogen replacement regimen like Estradot 75 patches is recommended to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. 

When should Estradot not be used?

You should not use Estradot 75 patches if you:

• are allergic to oestradiol or any ingredients in Estradot
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular accident associated with oestrogen use
• have abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
• are taking medicines that interact with Estradot, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepine, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, some medicines to help you sleep, including barbiturates and meprobamate or preparations containing St John's Wort. 

How should Estradot be used?

Estradot 75 patches can be used continually (which means you will usually have a patch on all the time) or in cycles (interrupted for one week after every 3 weeks) as recommended by your doctor.  You should apply new patch twice weekly (every 3 or 4 days) and there are 8 patches in the packet, enough for a 4-week cycle.  Each patch should be used only for 3-4 days and then changed and only one patch should be worn at any time. 

1. Before you apply your patch, make sure your skin is clean and dry and is not oily, broken or irritated.
2. Remove the protective liner from the adhesive side of the patch and apply the patch to your skin either on your lower abdomen, hips or buttocks (areas that remain covered) but never on your breasts.  Do not put the patch on your waistline where tight clothes may rub it and avoid areas where the skin is hairy or folded or the patch may not stick. 
3. Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of the hand for about 10 seconds and make sure the patch sticks well, especially around the edges.
4. Leave the patch in place for 3-4 days and then remove it and replace with a new patch straight away or as advised by your doctor. 
5. Apply the next patch to a different part of your body as you should not use the same area of skin twice running. 
6. If your patch accidentally falls off, dry your skin and reapply it or apply a new patch for the remainder of the 3-4 days dosing period.

How long should you use Estradot?

Estradot 75 patches can be used continually or in cycles (interrupted for one week after every 3 weeks) for as long as recommended by your doctor. 

Missed dose of Estradot

Estradot 75 patches are intended to last for 3-4 days.  If your patch accidentally falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch for the remainder of the 3-4 day dosing period.  If you lose a patch or forget to replace it for several days, irregular bleeding may occur.  Replace the patch as soon as possible. 

How should Estradot be stored?

You should store your Estradot 75 patches below 25°C in a cool dry place.