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Estropipate |
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What is Estropipate and why is it prescribed? Estropipate is an estrogen replacement drug. The tablets are used to reduce symptoms of menopause, including feelings of warmth in face, neck, and chest, and the sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating known as "hot flashes." It may be prescribed for teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate. In addition, either the tablets or Estropipate vaginal cream can be used for other conditions caused by lack of estrogen, such as dry, itchy external genitals and vaginal irritation. Along with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise, Estropipate tablets are also prescribed to prevent osteoporosis. Some doctors also prescribe Estropipate to treat breast cancer and cancer of the prostate. Because estrogens have been linked with increased risk of endometrial cancer in women who have had their menopause, it is essential to have regular check-ups and to report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately. How should you take Estropipate? Follow your doctors directions for taking Estropipate. Be careful to follow the cycle of administration your doctor establishes for you. When using Estropipate Vaginal Cream, follow the instructions printed on the carton. It is for short-term use only. Remove the cap from the tube and make sure the plunger of the applicator is all the way into the barrel. Screw the nozzle of the applicator onto the tube and squeeze the cream into the applicator. The number on the plunger, which indicates the dose you should take, should be level with the top of the barrel. Unscrew the applicator and replace the cap on the tube. Insert the applicator into the vagina and push the plunger all the way down. Between uses, take the plunger out of the barrel and wash the applicator with warm, soapy water. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Estropipate at room temperature. Are there any Estropipate side effects? Estropipate side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Estropipate side effects may include abdominal cramps, bloating, breakthrough bleeding, breast enlargement, breast tenderness and secretions, change in amount of cervical secretion, changes in sex drive, changes in vaginal bleeding patterns, chorea, depression, dizziness, enlargement of benign tumors, excessive hairiness, fluid retention, hair loss, headache, inability to use contact lenses, menstrual changes, migraine, nausea, reduced ability to tolerate carbohydrates, spotting, spotty darkening of the skin, especially around the face, skin eruptions with bleeding, skin irritation, skin redness and scaling, vaginal yeast infection, vision problems, vomiting, weight gain or loss, and yellow eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Estropipate? If Estropipate 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 combining Estropipate with Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), Blood thinners (such as Coumadin), Epilepsy drugs (Tegretol, Dilantin, others), Insulin, Tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil, Tofranil, others), or Rifampin (Rifadin). Are there any special warnings about Estropipate? 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 increased risk of breast cancer in women who take estrogen for an extended period of time. Women who take estrogen after menopause are more likely to develop gallbladder disease. Estropipate also increases the risk of blood clots. These blood clots can cause stroke, heart attack, or other serious disorders. Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly. While taking Estropipate, get in touch with your doctor right away if you notice any of the following: Abdominal pain, tenderness, or swelling, Abnormal bleeding from the vagina, Breast lumps, Coughing up blood, Pain in your chest or calves, Severe headache, dizziness, or faintness, Speech changes, Sudden shortness of breath, Vision changes, Vomiting, Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or Yellowing of the skin. Estropipate may cause fluid retention in some people. If you have asthma, epilepsy, migraine, or heart or kidney disease, use this medication with care. Estrogen therapy may cause uterine bleeding or breast pain. |
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