Evorel

What is it?

Oestrogen patches available in a number of different strengths delivering 25, 50, 75 or 100µg of oestradiol in each 24 hour period.

Medical Uses

Hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women. Prevention and treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis, especially when there is a fracture risk.

Dosage

Apply patch to hairless area of skin below waist and change for a new patch in a different site after 3 or 4 days. Women who have not had a hysterectomy should Also, receive a progestogen preparation for 12 out of each 28 day period of treatment. For menopausal symptoms, start with the 50µg patch and adjust after one month, according to response. The lowest dose to be effective should be used for maintenance and the maximum is 100µg per 24 hour period. For osteoporosis, use 50, 75 or 100µg doses.

Special Care

Patients with history of or considered to be at risk of thrombosis, those with liver disease. Careful monitoring of women with any of the following is required: fibroids in uterus, otosclerosis, porphyria, tetany, epilepsy, gallstones, migraine, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, diabetes. Regular examination of pelvic organs and breasts required during course of therapy, especially in women with family history of breast cancer.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, women with breast cancer or other cancers which are hormone-dependent, e. g. of genital tract; serious heart, liver or kidney disease, endometriosis, thrombosis, Dublin Johnson or Rotor syndrome, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that induce liver enzymes.

Known Side Effects

Enlargement and tenderness of breasts, nausea and vomiting, weight gain, breakthrough bleeding, gastro-intestinal upset, headache, giddiness. Withdraw drug immediately if any sign of thrombosis, rise in blood pressure, severe and frequent headaches, migraines, disturbance of vision, jaundice, pregnancy. Stop before planned surgery.