estradiol and levonorgestrel (topical patche... Health Article

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Doctor-reviewed Information, Multum Drug Directory, 2006

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Generic name(s):

estradiol and levonorgestrel (topical patches)

Brand name(s):

estradiol-levonorgestrel, Climara Pro

What is the most important information I should know about estradiol and levonorgestrel?

This medication should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia. Using estrogens long-term may actually increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, dementia, breast cancer, blood clots.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to have regular physical exams every 3 to 6 months. You may also need breast mammograms. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Call your doctor at any time if you have unusual vaginal bleeding.

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

What are estradiol and levonorgestrel?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female hormone involved in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system. Levonorgestrel is a form of progesterone, a female hormone important for regulating ovulation and menstruation.

Estradiol and levonorgestrel is used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, and to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss) in menopausal women. This medication will not prevent dementia, heart attack, heart disease, or stroke.

Estradiol and levonorgestrel may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using estradiol and levonorgestrel?

You should not use estradiol and levonorgestrel if you have had a hysterectomy, or if you have any of the following:

a history of stroke, heart attack, or blood clots;
liver disease;
unusual vaginal bleeding; or
a history of breast, uterine, or hormone-related cancer.

Before using estradiol and levonorgestrel, tell your doctor if you have:

high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;
kidney disease;
a history of gallbladder disease;
asthma;
epilepsy;
migraines;
a thyroid disorder; or
endometriosis.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use estradiol and levonorgestrel, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

You may need to stop using estradiol and levonorgestrel for a short time if you will have surgery or you become ill and must stay in bed for any length of time. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medication.

This medication should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia. Using estrogens long-term may actually increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, dementia, breast cancer, or blood clots. This risk is higher if you are overweight, if you smoke tobacco or have diabetes, high blood pressure, systemic lupus erythematosus, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits if you plan to use estradiol and levonorgestrel long-term.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that can lead to cancer of the uterus. Using levonorgestrel (a progestin) with estradiol can lower the risk of developing this condition.

Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol and levonorgestrel. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Call your doctor at any time if you have unusual vaginal bleeding.

FDA pregnancy category X: This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use estradiol and levonorgestrel if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Estradiol and levonorgestrel may cause problems with breast-feeding and can affect breast milk. Do not use estradiol and levonorgestrel without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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