What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Estraderm Patch (Estradiol)
Also Known as Estraderm MX / TTS
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Information About Estraderm Patch
Estraderm patch is a synthetic female hormone. It is used by women to help reduce vaginal symptoms such as burning, itching, or vaginal dryness. Estraderm patch reduce menopause symptoms and allow women to produce estrogen.
When treating only vaginal symptoms, it is better to apply products directly inside the vagina or around it as estrogen taken orally may get absorbed through the skin and increase the risk of side effects due to more estrogen being absorbed.
This medication can be used by women who are unable to produce estrogen due to hypogonadism or primary ovarian failure. Certain estrogen products can be used by women after menopause to help prevent bone loss which is osteoporosis. However, there are other medications that are safe and more effective in preventing bone loss, and they must be considered when treating estrogen production.
You can buy Estraderm patch from Canada Pharmacy.
Directions
Once you are prescribed and buy Estraderm patch, this medication must be used as directed by your physician. You may peel off the back off the patch and apply the patch to a clean and dry area of your body as directed. Make sure that this patch is only applied to certain areas of the body.
Different brands of patches are applied to different areas and if you have any question regarding where the Estraderm patch can be applied, ask your doctor about it.
Place the Estraderm patch firmly in one place for around 10 seconds and make sure that it stays there. Do not apply this patch to an oily or broken skin place such as the breasts.
Avoid placing the patch in an area where it may be easily rubbed off.
This patch is used twice a week and every 3 to 4 days, follow the dosage carefully. The dosage of this drug depends on the severity of your medical condition and your response to treatment. If the patch falls, apply it again to a different area and do not wear 2 patches at the same time.
Ingredients
The active ingredient is estradiol. The patch may also contain alcohol and other non-medicinal components that make up its layers, including hydroxypropyl cellulose, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer membrane and backing film, an adhesive made of light mineral oil and polyisobutylene, and a siliconized polyester protective liner that is removed before use.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Estrogens, with or without a progestin, can increase the risk of serious conditions, including cancer of the uterine lining, also called endometrial cancer; breast cancer; blood clots; stroke; and heart attack; and, in older women, a possible increased risk of dementia. For this reason, Estraderm should be used at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed.
If you still have your uterus, a progestin is usually added to your treatment to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Report any unusual or persistent vaginal bleeding to your provider so it can be checked.
Tell your provider if you have or have had high blood pressure, high triglycerides, which are a blood fat, gallbladder disease, an underactive thyroid, asthma, migraines, epilepsy, diabetes, lupus, or conditions that can be worsened by fluid retention, such as heart or kidney problems, as estrogen may affect these.
Estrogen can affect calcium and certain blood tests. If you have a history of low blood calcium, or if you are having lab work or surgery, let your healthcare provider know you use Estraderm.
Apply the patch only to the recommended areas of skin and not to the breasts, and choose skin that is not sunlit, oily, broken, or irritated, since doing so can affect how the patch works and sticks.
Estraderm must not be used during pregnancy. Tell your provider if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Do not store the patches above 30°C (86°F). Keep each patch sealed in its pouch until you are ready to apply it, and keep it out of reach of children. Because the patch contains alcohol, keep it away from open flame.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed.
- A current or past history of breast cancer, or any cancer that is known or suspected to be sensitive to estrogen.
- A current or past blood clot in the legs or lungs, also called deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, or a clotting disorder such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency.
- A current or past stroke or heart attack, also called arterial clot-related disease.
- Liver problems or liver disease.
- A known allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Estraderm.
- Known or suspected pregnancy.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Estraderm include:
- Redness and irritation of the skin where the patch is applied
- Skin rash
- Breast tenderness, discomfort, or pain
- Vaginal spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Headache or migraine
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain and bloating
- Mood changes, nervousness, dizziness, or changes in sex drive
- Fluid retention, or swelling, weight change, or skin darkening, such as facial pigmentation
Stop using Estraderm and get medical help if you have signs of a serious problem, such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, pain or swelling in a leg, sudden severe headache, vision or speech changes, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body, which can be signs of a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack. Also, seek immediate medical care for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or hives; yellowing of the skin or eyes or other signs of liver or gallbladder problems; a new breast lump; or unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding. Contact your healthcare provider if skin irritation at the patch site is severe or does not go away.
References
Estraderm Prescribing Information. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2017.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 1512
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