-
ESTRADIOL; NORGESTIMATE (es tra DYE ole; nor JES ti mate) reduces the number and severity of hot flashes due to menopause. It may also help relieve the symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal irritation, dryness, or pain during sex. It may also be used to prevent osteoporosis after menopause. It works by increasing levels of the hormones estrogen and progestin in your body. It is a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
-
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. The sheet may change often.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
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.
-
-Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
-Benzodiazepines
-Bosentan
-Bromocriptine
-Carbamazepine
-Cimetidine
-Cyclosporine
-Dantrolene
-Grapefruit juice
-Griseofulvin
-Hydrocortisone, cortisone, or prednisolone
-Isoniazid (INH)
-Medications for diabetes
-Methotrexate
-Mineral oil
-Phenytoin
-Raloxifene
-Rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine
-Tamoxifen
-Thyroid hormones
-Topiramate
-Tricyclic antidepressants
-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.
-
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 months. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your care team, and follow their guidelines.
This medication can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your care team if you feel you are retaining fluid.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy.
Talk to your care team if you use tobacco products. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed. Tobacco increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking this medication. The risk is higher if you are 35 years or older.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
If you are going to need surgery or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.
-
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.
-
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
-Breast tissue changes, new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple
-Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
-Increase in blood pressure
-Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
-Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
-Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
-Vaginal bleeding after menopause, pelvic pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Bloating
-Breast pain or tenderness
-Hair loss
-Nausea
-Stomach pain
-Vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
-
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer wanted or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
En Español
