This is a summary of the important points to note about the use of Oestrogel.
Please read the package leaflet for the full instructions and precautions, warnings and contraindications and always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you.
Oestrogel is a clear colourless gel which contains estradiol and acts as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which may
help to relieve some of your
menopausal symptoms.
By reducing menopausal symptoms patients receiving this treatment may have an improved quality of life. It may be used by women who have a uterus, or by women who do not have a uterus (i.e. have had a hysterectomy). For women with a uterus, your doctor will also prescribe a progestogen alongside the oestrogen treatment. Talk to your healthcare professional for more information.
Estradiol is derived from plants.
Oestrogel is applied to the skin (known as transdermal application), and the active ingredient is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
The active ingredient is estradiol, which is identical in structure to that produced by your body is and often referred to as body-identical oestrogen.
*Not a real patient
What is Oestrogel used for?
During the menopause, the amount of the oestrogen produced by a woman’s body drops. Oestrogel replaces the oestrogen your body has lost and may alleviate these symptoms.
Symptoms can include:
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Headaches and migraines
• Sleep problems
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Vaginal dryness/discomfort
• Low mood
• Brain fog
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. For further information please contact your healthcare professional.
Check-ups
It is recommended that you have an appointment with your doctor to review your treatment after 3 months of using HRT, to check how well it is working and how your body is responding. After which, an annual appointment may be sufficient, unless you experience any problems with your treatment in which case you should consult your doctor straight away.
At these check-ups, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of continuing with Oestrogel.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Common side effects of HRT, which may affect up to 1 in 10 patients:
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.
Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the below points.
Do not use Oestrogel:
- If you have or have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspected of having it
- If you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it
- If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
- If you have excessive thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that is not being treated
- If you have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
- If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
- If you have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
- If you have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited)
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to estradiol or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Additional ingredients include: Ethanol, Carbomer, Trolamine and purified water.
If any of the above conditions appear for the first time while using Oestrogel, stop using it at once and consult your doctor immediately.
Stop using Oestrogel and see a doctor immediately
If you notice any of the following when taking HRT:
- any of the conditions mentioned in the ‘Do not use Oestrogel’ section above
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice). These may be signs of a liver disease
- a large rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may be headache, tiredness, dizziness)
- migraine-like headaches which happen for the first time
- if you become pregnant
- if you notice signs of a blood clot, such as:
- painful swelling and redness of the legs
- sudden chest pain
- difficulty in breathing
- Swollen face, tongue, and/or throat and/or difficulty swallow or hives, together with
difficulty breathing which are suggestive of an angioedema
SAFETY WARNING FOR OESTROGEL
This product is flammable until dry. Patients should be informed that others, especially children, should not come into contact with the area of the body where gel was applied on.
