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Generic Name: estradiol

An estrogen - It is mostly used as hormone replacement in menopausal women

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What is this medicine?

ESTRADIOL (es tra DYE ole) is an estrogen. It is mostly used as hormone replacement in menopausal women. It helps to treat hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to treat women with low estrogen levels or those who have had their ovaries removed.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

abnormal vaginal bleeding
blood vessel disease or blood clots
breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer
dementia
diabetes
gallbladder disease
heart disease or recent heart attack
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
high level of calcium in the blood
hysterectomy
kidney disease
liver disease
migraine headaches
stroke
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
tobacco smoker
an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

A patient information sheet will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

aromatase inhibitors like aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole, testolactone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

carbamazepine
certain antibiotics used to treat infections
certain barbiturates or benzodiazepines used for inducing sleep or treating seizures
grapefruit juice
medicines for fungus infections like itraconazole and ketoconazole
raloxifene or tamoxifen
rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine
ritonavir
St. John's Wort
warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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