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Esclim |
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What is Esclim and why is it prescribed? Esclim is used to reduce symptoms of menopause. Esclim is also prescribed for other conditions that cause low levels of estrogen, and some doctors prescribe them for teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate. Along with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise, Esclim is prescribed to prevent osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and easily broken. Because estrogens have been linked with increased risk of endometrial cancer, it is essential to have regular checkups and to report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately. How should you take Esclim? Follow your doctors directions for taking Esclim. Each patch is individually sealed in a protective pouch and is applied directly to the skin. A stiff protective liner covers the adhesive side of the patch. Remove the liner by sliding it sideways between your thumb and index finger. Holding the patch at one edge, remove the protective liner and discard it. Try to avoid touching the adhesive. Use immediately after removing the liner. Peel off one side of the protective liner and discard it. Use the other half of the liner as a handle until you have applied the sticky area, then fold back the remaining side of the patch, pull off the rest of the liner, and smooth the second half of the patch onto your skin. Apply the adhesive side to a clean, dry area of your skin on the trunk of your body (including the buttocks and abdomen). Do not apply to your breasts or waist. Firmly press the patch in place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds, to make sure the edges are flat against your skin. Contact with water during bathing, swimming, or showering will not affect the patch. The application site must be rotated. Allow an interval of at least 1 week between applications to a particular site. Esclim patches should be replaced twice a week. If you forget to apply a new patch when you are supposed to, do it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to change patches anyway, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not apply more than the prescribed number of patches at a time. Store Esclim at room temperature, in their sealed pouches. Are there any Esclim side effects? Esclim side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Esclim side effects may include back pain, headache, and skin redness and irritation at the site of the patch. Less common or rare Esclim side effects may include abdominal cramps, bloating, breakthrough bleeding, breast enlargement, breast tenderness, change in cervical secretions, change in menstrual flow, change in sex drive, change in weight, darkening of skin, dizziness, fluid retention, growth of benign fibroid tumors in the uterus, intolerance to contact lenses, migraine, nausea, rash, severe allergic reaction, vaginal bleeding, vomiting, and yellowing of eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Esclim? If Esclim is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking the following: Alcohol, Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital and Seconal), Blood thinners (such as Coumadin), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Dantrolene (Dantrium), Epilepsy drugs (such as Tegretol and Dilantin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Steroids (such as Deltasone), or Tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil and Tofranil). Are there any special warnings about Esclim? The risk of cancer of the uterus increases when estrogen is used for a long time or taken in large doses. There also may be a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in women who take estrogen. Women who take Esclim after menopause are more likely to develop gallbladder disease. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with your circulation. Estrogen also increases the risk of blood clots. These blood clots can cause stroke, heart attack, or other serious disorders. While taking Esclim, get in touch with your doctor right away if you notice any of the following: Abdominal pain, tenderness, or swelling, Abnormal bleeding of the vagina, Breast lumps, Coughing up blood, Difficulty with speech, Pain in your chest or calves, Severe headache, dizziness, or faintness, Skin irritation, redness, or rash, Sudden shortness of breath, Vision changes, Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, or Yellowing of the skin or eyes. A complete medical and family history should be taken by your doctor before starting any estrogen therapy. In general, you should not take estrogen for more than 1 year without another physical examination by your doctor. Estrogen may cause fluid retention in some people. If you have asthma, epilepsy, migraine, or heart or kidney disease, use this medication cautiously. Estrogen therapy may cause uterine bleeding or breast pain. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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