Estradiol; Norethindrone skin patches
Estradiol; Norethindrone skin patches
What is this medicine?
ESTRADIOL; NORETHINDRONE (es tra DYE ole; nor eth IN drone) contains a mixture of female hormones. This medicine helps to relieve the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness and irritation. It is also used to treat women with low estrogen levels or those who have had their ovaries removed.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use exactly as directed. Tear open the pouch, do not use scissors. Remove the stiff protective liner covering the adhesive. Try not to touch the adhesive. Apply the patch, sticky side to the skin, to an area of the lower abdomen that is clean, dry and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Do not apply the skin patches to your breasts or around the waist area. Use a different site each time to prevent skin irritation. You should change your patch on the same days each week. Do not cut or trim the patch. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breast tissue changes or discharge
changes in vision
chest pain
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
dark urine
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
nausea, vomiting
pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
right upper belly pain
severe headaches
shortness of breath
sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
unusual vaginal bleeding
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
acne
brown spots on the face
change in appetite
change in sexual desire
depressed mood or mood swings
fluid retention and swelling
stomach cramps or bloating
unusually weak or tired
weight gain
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
aromatase inhibitors like aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole, testolactone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
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
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to change your patch as scheduled, apply it as soon as possible. Remember to remove the old patch. If it is almost time to apply the next patch, skip the missed patch and get back on your normal schedule. Do not wear more than one patch at a time unless you are told to do so by your doctor or health care professional.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) in the sealed foil pouch. Throw away any unused medicine after 6 months or the expiration date on the package, whichever is sooner.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
blood vessel disease or blood clots
breast, cervical, endometrial, or uterine cancer
diabetes
endometriosis
fibroids
gallbladder disease
heart disease or recent heart attack
high blood cholesterol
high blood pressure
high level of calcium in the blood
hysterectomy
kidney disease
liver disease
mental depression
migraine headaches
porphyria
stroke
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
tobacco smoker
vaginal bleeding
an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your health care professional 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 health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines.
This medicine can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant; stop taking this medicine at once and contact your doctor or health care professional.
Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
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 have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medicine beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.
If you are going to have a MRI procedure, let your MRI technician know about the use of these patches. Some drug patches contain an aluminized backing that can become heated when exposed to MRI and may cause burns. You may need to temporarily remove the patch during the MRI procedure.
You may bathe or participate in other activities while wearing your patch. If your patch falls off reapply it. If you cannot reapply the patch, apply a new patch to another area and continue to follow your usual dose schedule.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018