Q: Should I rub Oestrogel into my skin until it’s dry?
A: There is no need to rub the gel in, simply spread the gel with one movement on either your outer arm or mid-inner thigh. Leave to dry for 5 minutes before covering with clothes.
Q: After applying Oestrogel, how long do I have to wait before I can take a shower?
A: Do not shower until at least one hour after application.
Q: How long after applying the gel can I apply skincare products?
A: Do not use skin care products on the area where the gel has been applied for at least one hour after application.
Q: What do I do if I suspect I have accidentally transferred the gel to my child?
A: Oestrogel can be accidentally transferred from the skin to others. Do not allow others, especially children, to come into contact with the exposed area of your skin and cover the area after the gel has dried. If a child comes in contact with the area of the skin where Oestrogel was applied, wash the child’s skin with soap and water as soon as possible. Remember to always speak with your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Q: How long after swimming can I apply the gel?
A: After swimming, make sure your hands and the skin where you’ll be applying the gel are completely dry before application.
Q: Do the cylindrical and conical Oestrogel bottles contain the same formulation?
A: Yes, the bottle shape is different but the formulation is the same.
Q: Is Oestrogel still effective if decanted into another container?
A: To ensure your dose is effective and accurate it should be used directly after it has been pumped from the bottle. If decanted into another container, you risk not knowing the correct dose. The recommendation would be to always use Oestrogel exactly AS THE DOCTOR RECOMMENDED AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH the package leaflet. Check with your healthcare professional if you are not sure.
Q: Do I need a progestogen as well?
A: If you still have your womb your doctor should prescribe progesterone for you as well. This may be in the form of a soft capsule, a pill or a hormonal intrauterine device. This is needed because the oestrogen you are replacing causes the lining of your womb to grow as it did when you had your periods. Taking progesterone causes the lining of the womb to shed, preventing problems caused by the build-up of the womb lining.
Q: Is Oestrogel a body-identical HRT?
A: Oestrogel contains estradiol which is identical in molecular structure to the estradiol women make naturally in their bodies.
Q: Can Oestrogel be taken in hand luggage on aeroplanes?
A: Oestrogel contains approximately 100ml of gel and is considered a liquid. As recommendations can change, please contact the airline/airport prior to travelling for further information.
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.
Oestrogel is flammable until dry.
