This is a summary of the important points to note about the use of Oestrogel. Please read the
Oestrogel treatment – How to use Oestrogel
Your step-by-step guide
The instructions below, can also be viewed in the ‘How to use Oestrogel’ video
Think about when to apply Oestrogel
You should apply Oestrogel once every day
either in the morning or evening. Consistency
is important, so considering how the
Oestrogel fits into your daily routine will help you with managing your treatment.
Oestrogel should be applied at
roughly the same time each day.
You may find that setting a
reminder on your phone helps you
to remember to apply Oestrogel.
Some women find that applying Oestrogel after a shower fits their routine.
Set up your Oestrogel Pump-Pack
Oestrogel is provided in a convenient pump-
pack dispenser that delivers 64 metered doses
of the gel for application to your skin.
It comes in a conical (cone-shaped) or cylindrical
bottle. The steps below explain how to set up
your Oestrogel Pump-Pack before the first use.
Step 1:
Conical bottle A.
Remove the cap
Cylindrical bottle B.
Remove the cap then release the stopper without breaking it’s tether to the bottle – you will need to replace the stopper on the
nozzle after each use
Step 2:
Press the plunger down
three times, collecting the
gel in a tissue.
Step 3:
Do not use the gel just
dispensed, safely discard it
in a rubbish bin.
The pump-pack dispenser
is now ready to use.
Before using Oestrogel, make sure you know how many doses (pump actuations) you should use. Your doctor will have provided this information to you.
How to apply Oestrogel
Step 1:
Before applying Oestrogel, make sure that your hands and the skin you are treating are clean, dry and free from any cuts or abrasions.
Step 2:
Remove the cap to expose the plunger and remove the stopper from the spout. The conical bottle has no stopper.
Step 3:
Push the plunger down firmly — this will dispense one measure of the gel.
Step 4:
Apply the gel in a thin-layer to either the outer arm and shoulder of both arms or the mid-inner thigh of both legs. Do not apply the gel near the breast or on the vulval region.
Repeat this action if your doctor has prescribed multiple doses (pump actuations), distributing the gel evenly over your outer arms and mid-inner thighs, according to your prescription. Frequently changing your application sites is recommended.
Step 5:
Replace the stopper on your bottle and, if appropriate, replace the cap.
Step 6:
Leave the gel to dry for 5 minutes before covering the area with clothes. Please be aware that others, especially children, should not contact the area of skin where you have applied the gel.
This product is flammable until dry.
Step 7:
After you have applied the gel, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.Do not wash the skin you have applied the gel to or use other skincare products for at least one hour.
Oestrogel dosing schedule
Oestrogel should be administered once daily for the relief of vasomotor (hot flushes) symptoms.
Your doctor will advise you how many metered doses or pump actuations of the pump-pack you should apply. The usual starting dose is two metered doses (two pump actuations of the canister), however up to four metered doses may be prescribed. If after 1 month of treatment the prescribed dose does not provide relief, tell your doctor, the dosage may be increased if required. Your doctor will aim to prescribe the lowest effective dose to treat your symptoms for as short a time as necessary. If you have been prescribed two metered doses a day, your pump-pack will last approximately 4 weeks; if you have been prescribed four metered doses a day, your pump-pack will last 2 weeks.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Oestrogel can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them. Some of the common side effects are: Painful periods – menstrual periods which are heavier or last longer than usual, abnormal or irregular bleeding, white or yellow vaginal discharge. Please refer to the patient information leaflet inside the box for a full list of side effects, warnings, and precautions, including when not to take this medicine.
