warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Estradiol (Estrace)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to estradiol, or if you have:

unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
liver disease;
a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
an increased risk of having blood clots due to a heart problem or a hereditary blood disorder; or
a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Do not use estradiol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Estradiol should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease;
liver problems, or jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones;
kidney disease;
gallbladder disease;
asthma;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
migraines;
lupus;
endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;
hereditary angioedema;
porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
a thyroid disorder; or
high levels of calcium in your blood.

Using estradiol may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Estradiol can slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Estradiol (Estrace)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
signs of a blood clot--sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;
swelling or tenderness in your stomach;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior;
unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain;
a lump in your breast; or
high levels of calcium in your blood--nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy.

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps;
mood changes, sleep problems (insomnia);
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat;
weight gain;
headache, back pain;
breast pain;
thinning scalp hair; or
vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Estradiol (Estrace)?

Use Estradiol (Estrace) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that can lead to uterine cancer. To help lower this risk, your doctor may also want you to take a progestin. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis and have a mammogram every year while using estradiol.

If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using estradiol.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Estradiol (Estrace)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.