CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) is a type of hormone replacement therapy. It treats symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. This combination medication also restores estrogen levels in people with medical conditions that cause low estrogen. It's a patch that's applied onto the skin twice a week. Common side effects include headache and breast pain.
In people who have a healthy uterus:
CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) is a combination of two hormones. They work to balance hormonal changes that your body goes through during menopause and with certain medical conditions that cause low estrogen.
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding
itching of the vagina or genital area
pain during sexual intercourse
rapid weight gain
thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Incidence not known
Abdominal or stomach bloating or fullness
abdominal or stomach pain
blurred vision
change in vaginal discharge
clay-colored stools
clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
dark urine
dimpling of the breast skin
dizziness
gaseous abdominal or stomach pain
headache, severe and throbbing
hoarseness
inverted nipple
irritation
joint pain, stiffness or swelling
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
lump in the breast or under the arm
nervousness
pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvis
persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
pounding in the ears
rash
recurrent fever
redness of the skin
redness or swelling of the breast
severe cramping of the uterus
slow or fast heartbeat
sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing or swallowing
unpleasant breath odor
unusual tiredness or weakness
vaginal bleeding
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
back pain
belching
body aches or pain
breast pain
burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
congestion
cramps
difficulty with moving
discouragement
dryness or soreness of the throat
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
feeling sad or empty
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
increased clear or white vaginal discharge
indigestion
irritability
lack or loss of strength
loss of interest or pleasure
muscle aches and pains
muscle stiffness
pain during sexual intercourse
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
passing gas
shivering
stomach discomfort or upset
stuffy or runny nose
sweating
tender, swollen glands in the neck
thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
Less common
Blemishes on the skin
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
longer or heavier menstrual periods
Incidence not known
Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
change in color of the treated skin
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
dizziness or lightheadedness
dull ache or feeling of pressure or heaviness in the legs
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
inability to have or keep an erection
increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
increased interest in sexual intercourse
itching skin near damaged veins
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
sensation of spinning
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where to apply CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone):
How to apply CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone):
How to remove and throw away used CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone):
No, CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) isn't meant to be placed on the arm. You should put the patch onto your lower stomach. Be sure to avoid your waistline because the patch can fall off if any tight clothing rubs against it.
Yes, keep the unopened pouches of CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) in the refrigerator. When you're ready for a new patch, take one pouch out of the refrigerator. Let the pouch get to room temperature before you open it and apply the patch onto your skin.
People who took CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) didn't report either weight loss or weight gain during clinical studies. Keep in mind that estrogen/progestin combination therapies like CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) have a tendency to make your body hold onto extra fluids. This can appear as water weight, which might be a factor in any weight gain that you might experience while you're taking this medication. Speak with your care team if you notice any concerning weight changes.
It's not quite clear, but studies suggest that taking estrogen/progestin combination therapies like CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) might put you at risk for breast cancer. Other studies also suggest that people who take hormonal therapy for menopausal symptoms might be at risk for ovarian cancer. And people who take medications that contain estrogen might have a risk for endometrial cancer. Be aware of signs of symptoms of these types of cancers, including changes in how your breasts look or feel, pelvic pain, and unusual vaginal bleeding. Speak with your prescriber if you're concerned about your risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Taking CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) at the lowest dose for the shortest period of time possible to treat your symptoms might help lower your risk.
People who took CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) during clinical studies didn't report hair loss. But keep in mind that hair loss can be a possible side effect of hormonal therapy containing estrogens and progestins. Let your care team know if you experience concerning hair loss while you're taking CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone). They can discuss with you about possible causes and ways to manage hair loss.
The most common side effects of CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) include breast pain, menstrual cramps, and headache. In addition, it's possible for your skin to get irritated where you applied the patch. Skin irritation can include itchiness, redness, swelling, rash, and dry skin. Speak with your care team if these side effects become too bothersome while you're taking CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone). Your care team can discuss ways to manage these side effects.
No, don't cut CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) in half. The patch is designed to release a specific amount of estradiol and norethindrone into the body over a few days. Cutting the patch might affect how quickly these hormones get released from the patch, which can affect how well the medication works and how safe it is for you.
No, CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) isn't a type of birth control that works to prevent pregnancy. Instead, CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) is FDA approved as hormone replacement therapy that treats symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It also helps restore estrogen levels in people with certain medical conditions that cause low estrogen (e.g., ovaries aren't making enough estrogen).
If CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) falls off before it's time for you to replace it, try to stick the same patch back on. But if the same patch doesn't stay on, apply a new patch to a different area of skin. Replace this new patch when you were originally planning to replace the patch that fell off. Don't place a new patch to the same area of skin in the same week.
CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Estrogen/progestin combination therapies such as CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) can raise your risk for blood clots. Sometimes, these blood clots can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Because of these risks, estrogen/progestin therapies shouldn't be used to prevent heart disease.
Tell your prescriber about your full medical history so they can check your risk for blood clots. Also tell your prescriber about any planned procedures that you might need a long period of bedrest afterwards. Your prescriber will let you know when to stop the medication before your procedure and restart it afterwards to lessen your risk for blood clots. In general, you should take the lowest dose of CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) for the shortest period of time possible to lower your risk for blood clots.
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a blood clot, heart attack, and stroke.
Take off CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) and get medical help right away if you have any signs or symptoms of a blood clot.
Studies suggest that estrogen/progestin combination therapies like CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) might raise the risk for breast cancer. This risk might be higher than that with estrogen-only therapy. The risk might also be greater if you've taken hormonal therapy before or if you've taken hormonal therapy for several years. Don't take CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) if you currently have or have had breast cancer in the past.
To lower your risk for breast cancer, you should take the lowest dose of CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) for the shortest period of time possible. Regularly check your breasts for any changes and get recommended breast scans (mammograms) done. Let your prescriber know if you notice any unusual changes in breast shape, size, or color.
CombiPatch contains estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone (a progestin). Estrogens can thicken and change the lining of your uterus called the endometrium. This can lead to uncontrolled growth of the uterine lining and put people with a healthy uterus at risk for uterine cancer (or endometrial cancer). The progestin that's in CombiPatch helps balance out estrogen's effect on the growth of the uterine lining, which helps protect the uterus.
Even though CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) has a progestin to protect the uterus against the potential effects of estrogen, it's important to be aware of the warning signs of endometrial cancer, including vaginal bleeding that doesn't go away or keeps coming back and pelvic pain. Talk with your prescriber if you're worried about the risk for endometrial cancer. Let your prescriber know if you notice any unusual vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain.
Some studies suggest that people who take hormonal therapy like CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) for menopausal symptoms might be at a slightly higher risk for ovarian cancer. Speak with your prescriber if you're concerned about the risk for ovarian cancer. Let your care team know if you notice any unusual bloating, pelvic pain, trouble eating, or feeling full quickly. These can be signs of ovarian cancer.
People age 65 years and older who take estrogen/progestin combination therapies like CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) might be at greater risk for dementia. Estrogen/progestin combination therapies shouldn't be used to prevent dementia.
Be aware of the early signs and symptoms of dementia, such as becoming confused or more forgetful, getting lost, and having trouble doing familiar things at home or at work. Speak with your prescriber if the risk of dementia worries you.
The risk for gallbladder problems is higher for people who've gone through menopause and are taking estrogen therapy like CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone). Let your prescriber know if you've previously had jaundice (yellowing of your skin or whites of the eyes). Tell your care team if you start having jaundice, stomach pain that doesn't go away, nausea, or vomiting while you're taking this medication. These can be signs of liver damage or gallbladder problems.
Estrogen/progestin combination therapies like CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) can make your body hold onto extra fluids. This can cause swelling of your hands, ankles, and feet. Fluid retention can worsen certain heart conditions, like heart failure, and kidney damage. Tell your healthcare team if you notice any signs of worsening fluid retention while you're taking CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) if you have heart or kidney problems.
Let your prescriber know if you have a history of having high triglyceride levels. It's possible that estrogens like estradiol can raise the triglyceride (fat) levels in your blood. And having too much triglycerides in the blood can lead to swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Tell your care team right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, like stomach pain that spreads to your back, stomach tenderness, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Estrogen-containing therapies, like CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone), can cause changes to the thyroid hormone levels in the body. It's harder for people with low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) to adjust to these changes than for an average person. If you have hypothyroidism, work with your prescriber to adjust the dose of your thyroid medication while you're taking CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone).
Estrogen therapy, such as CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone), can change the calcium levels in your blood. People with breast cancer and cancer that's spread to the bones are at higher risk of dangerously high calcium levels while they're taking estrogens. Let your care team know if you have any symptoms of high calcium levels, like tiredness, muscle weakness, bone pain, nausea, and constipation.
On the other hand, estrogen therapy can make calcium levels drop in people with low parathyroid hormone levels. Contact your care team if you have symptoms of low calcium levels, such as muscle cramps; brittle nails; and tingling in your lips, fingers, or feet.
Typically, you'll start with a patch that releases 0.05 mg of estradiol and 0.14 mg of norethindrone per day. You can switch to a patch with a higher dose of norethindrone, if needed (this patch releases 0.05 mg of estradiol and 0.25 mg of norethindrone per day).
The dose depends on whether you're taking CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) by itself or with an estradiol-only patch like Climara.
Taking CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) by itself
Taking CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) together with an estradiol-only patch
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because CombiPatch (estradiol / norethindrone) will not be safe for you to take.
In people who have a healthy uterus: