What is Menostar?

QUICK LINKS

• Blackbox Warning
• Overview
• Proper Use
• Dosing
• Missed Dose
• Use & Storage
• Before Using
• Allergies
• Pediatric
• Geriatric
• Pregnancy
• Breast Feeding
• Drug Interactions
• Other Interactions
• Other Medical Problems
• Precautions

Blackbox WarningTOP

OverviewTOP

Estradiol transdermal gel, patch, and spray are used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause or low amounts of estrogen. It is also used to treat changes in and around the vagina (such as vaginal dryness, itching, and burning) caused by low estrogen levels or menopause. This medicine is also used to treat certain conditions in women before menopause if their ovaries do not make enough estrogens naturally, and prevent osteoporosis after menopause.

Estradiol is an estrogen hormone. The hormone from the patch, gel, and spray is absorbed through your skin into your body. It works by preventing symptoms, such as feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating (hot flashes) in women during menopause.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Proper UseTOP

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, breast, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

To use the patch:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Carefully tear open the pouch when you are ready to put the patch on your skin. Do not cut it.
• Peel off the backing from the patch and apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hair-free area of the lower stomach or upper buttock area. This area must be free of powder, oil, or lotion for the patch to stick on to your skin.
• Press the patch firmly in place with your hand for about 10 seconds.
• Do not apply the patch on the breast or over any skin folds. Do not apply the patch on oily, broken, burned, or irritated skin, or areas with skin conditions (such as birth marks, tattoos). Avoid applying the patch on the waistline or other places where tight clothing may rub it off.
• Wear the patch at all times until it is time to put on a new patch. Do not expose it to the sun for long periods of time.
• When replacing your patch, make sure to apply the new patch to a different area of your lower abdomen. Wait at least 1 week before applying a patch to the same area.
• When changing a patch, slowly peel it off from your skin. If you have any patch adhesive left on your skin, allow it to dry for 15 minutes and gently rub the sticky area with oil or lotion to remove it. It is best to change your patch on the same days of each week to help you remember.
• You may take a bath, shower, or swim while using this medicine. Doing so will not affect the patch.
• If a patch falls off, just put it back on a different area. If the patch does not stick completely, put on a new patch but continue to follow your original schedule for changing your patch.
• To throw away a used patch: Fold the patch in half with the sticky side together and place it in a sturdy child-proof container. Throw this container in the trash away from children and pets. Do not flush the patch down the toilet.

To use the spray:

• The spray form of this medicine comes in an applicator that delivers a measured amount of estradiol to the skin with each spray. When using a new spray applicator, prime the pump by holding the spray upright and pumping 3 times. Priming is only necessary the first time you use a new spray applicator; do not prime again.
• Apply the medicine to clean, dry, and unbroken skin on the inside of the forearm between the elbow and the wrist. Do not apply the medicine directly to your breasts or in or around the vagina.
• Allow the medicine to dry for at least 2 minutes before dressing, and at least 1 hour before washing.
• If your doctor tells you to increase your dose, move the applicator to an area of the skin next to your previous application site, before applying the second or third spray.
• Do not rub Evamist® spray into your skin.
• Do not allow your child to touch the area of the arm where the medicine was sprayed. If you cannot avoid being close with your child, wear clothes with long sleeves to cover the application site.
• If your child comes in direct contact with the arm where the medicine was sprayed, wash your child's skin right away with soap and water.
• Do not allow your pets to lick or touch the arm where the medicine was sprayed.
• Always place the protective cover back on the applicator of the spray.
• Do not use the applicator for more than 75 sprays.
• Apply sunscreen at least 1 hour before applying Evamist®.

To use the gel:

• The gel form of this medicine comes in a pump. Each time you press the pump you will get the same amount of medication. You may need to prime the pump by pumping 3 times (EstroGel®) or 10 times (Elestrin™) the first time you use it. Follow the patient instructions for the container you use. After you prime the pump, do not press the pump more than 1 time each time you use it.
• Apply the gel to clean, dry, and unbroken skin. Spread the gel as thinly as possible over the entire area on the inside and outside of your upper arm and shoulder area. Do not apply the medicine directly to your breasts or in or around your vagina.
• Do not allow others to come in contact with the area of skin where you applied the gel for at least 1 hour after you use the medicine. Do not allow others to apply the gel for you. Allow the medicine to dry for at least 5 minutes before you dress.
• Apply sunscreen at least 25 minutes after using the gel. Avoid applying sunscreen on the same application site for 7 days or more.

The gel and spray contain alcohol and are flammable. Avoid using it near an open flame or while smoking.

DosingTOP

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For hot flashes and other symptoms caused by menopause:
  • For transdermal dosage form (gel):
    • Adults—
      • Elestrin™: Apply one dose (0.87 grams) of the gel to the upper arm once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • EstroGel®: Apply one dose (1.25 grams) of the gel to the arm once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use is not recommended.
  • For transdermal dosage form (patch):
    • Adults—
      • Climara®: At first, apply one patch (0.025 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttocks area once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Minivelle®: At first, apply one patch (0.0375 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttocks area two times a week (every 3 to 4 days). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use is not recommended.
  • For transdermal dosage form (spray):
    • Adults—At first, one spray once a day, usually in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use is not recommended.
• For prevention of osteoporosis after menopause:
  • For transdermal dosage form (patch):
    • Adults—
      • Climara®: At first, apply one patch (0.025 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttock area once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Minivelle®: At first, apply one patch (0.025 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttock area two times a week (every 3 to 4 days). Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use is not recommended.
• For the treatment of low estrogen levels:
  • For transdermal dosage form (patch):
    • Adults—At first, apply one patch (0.025 milligrams (mg)) to the lower stomach or upper buttock area once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed DoseTOP

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Do not use Evamist® spray if it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your last dose.

Use & StorageTOP

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Before UsingTOP

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

AllergiesTOP

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

PediatricTOP

Use of estradiol transdermal patch, gel, and spray is not indicated in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

GeriatricTOP

Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of estradiol transdermal patch, gel, and spray have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date. However, elderly patients are more likely to have breast cancer, stroke, or dementia, which may require caution in patients receiving estradiol transdermal patch, gel and spray.

PregnancyTOP

Breast FeedingTOP

Studies suggest that this medication may alter milk production or composition. If an alternative to this medication is not prescribed, you should monitor the infant for side effects and adequate milk intake.

Drug InteractionsTOP

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.

• Tranexamic Acid

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.

• Aprepitant
• Bosentan
• Bupropion
• Carbamazepine
• Ceritinib
• Conivaptan
• Dabrafenib
• Darunavir
• Dexamethasone
• Donepezil
• Eliglustat
• Enzalutamide
• Fosaprepitant
• Fosphenytoin
• Griseofulvin
• Idelalisib
• Isotretinoin
• Lesinurad
• Lixisenatide
• Lumacaftor
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• Netupitant
• Oxcarbazepine
• Phenytoin
• Pitolisant
• Pixantrone
• Prednisone
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• St John's Wort
• Sugammadex
• Theophylline
• Tizanidine
• Topiramate
• Valproic Acid

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.

• Alprazolam
• Amprenavir
• Atazanavir
• Bacampicillin
• Betamethasone
• Bexarotene
• Clarithromycin
• Colesevelam
• Cyclosporine
• Delavirdine
• Efavirenz
• Fosamprenavir
• Ginseng
• Ketoconazole
• Lamotrigine
• Levothyroxine
• Licorice
• Mycophenolate Mofetil
• Mycophenolic Acid
• Nelfinavir
• Prednisolone
• Rifapentine
• Ritonavir
• Rosuvastatin
• Rufinamide
• Selegiline
• Tacrine
• Telaprevir
• Tipranavir
• Troglitazone
• Troleandomycin
• Voriconazole
• Warfarin

Other InteractionsTOP

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. 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 may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

• Caffeine

Other Medical ProblemsTOP

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding or
• Blood clots (eg, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), active or history of or
• Breast cancer, known or suspected, or history of or
• Heart attack, active or recent (within the past 12 months) or
• Liver disease or
• Protein C or protein S deficiency, or other known blood clotting disorders or
• Stroke, active or recent (within the past 12 months) or
• Surgery with a long period of inactivity or
• Tumors (estrogen-dependent), known or suspected—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Asthma or
• Cancer, history of or
• Diabetes or
• Edema (fluid retention or body swelling) or
• Endometriosis or
• Epilepsy (seizures) or
• Gallbladder disease or
• Heart disease or
• Hereditary angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) or
• Hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood) or
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
• Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides or fats in the blood) or
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood), severe or
• Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or
• Jaundice during pregnancy or from using hormonal therapy in the past or
• Liver tumors or
• Migraine headache or
• Porphyria (an enzyme problem) or
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

PrecautionsTOP

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects. Pelvic exam, breast exam, and mammogram (breast x-ray) may be needed to check for unwanted effects, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

It is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman may become pregnant. But, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Using this medicine may increase your risk for having blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks. This risk may continue even after you stop using the medicine. Your risk for these serious problems is even greater if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol in your blood, diabetes, or if you are overweight or smoke cigarettes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience confusion, difficulty speaking, double vision, headaches, an inability to move arms, legs or facial muscle, or an inability to speak.

Using this medicine over a long period of time may increase your risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer. Talk with your doctor about this risk. If you still have your uterus (womb), ask your doctor if you should also use a progestin medicine. Check with your doctor if you have unusual vaginal bleeding.

Using this medicine may increase your risk of dementia, especially in women 65 years of age and older.

Using this medicine may increase your risk for gallbladder disease. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine before any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment. Your doctor will decide whether you should continue using this medicine. This medicine may also affect the results of certain medical tests.

Check with your doctor immediately if severe headache or sudden loss of vision or any other change in vision occurs while you are using this medicine. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Check with your child's doctor right away if your child starts to have the following symptoms: nipple or breast swelling or tenderness in females, or enlargement of the breasts in males. Your child may have been exposed to this medicine.

Do not allow your pets to lick or touch the arm where this medicine was applied. Small pets may be sensitive to this medicine. Call your pet's veterinarian if your pet starts to have the following symptoms: nipple or breast enlargement, swelling of the vulva, or any signs of illness.

Do not take other medicines or drink grapefruit juice unless you discuss it with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.