Estraderm is a skin patch used to treat symptoms of menopause and prevent osteoporosis. It contains estradiol, a form of the female sex hormone estrogen.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Estraderm exactly as prescribed.

• Apply a new patch on the same days twice a week (ie. Monday and Thursday)
• Apply patch to clean, dry skin below your waist (lower abdomen or buttocks). Press firmly for at least 10 seconds.
• Choose a different spot each time you apply a patch. Avoid irritated or broken skin and areas that it might be rubbed by clothing.
• Do not apply the patch to your breasts.
• Apply a new patch on the same day you remove an old one. Stick to the same patch removal schedule, and never use two patches at once.
• Fold old patches in half and discard safely away from pets and children.

Estraderm and other estradiol medications can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Long-term use has been linked to breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer

Before taking Estraderm, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Liver or coronary artery disease
• Bleeding disorders
• History of stroke, heart attack, blood clots
• Hormone related cancers or breast, uterine, or cervical cancer
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

Common side effects of Estraderm include:

• Breast pain
• Headache
• Abdominal or back pain
• Bloating, cramps, nausea
• Cold symptoms – stuffy nose, sore throat, sinus pressure
• Swelling and weight gain

Remove the patch and contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Heart attack symptoms – chest pain spreading in your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating
• High blood pressure – blurred vision, severe headache, pounding in neck and ears, nosebleed, anxiety
• Stroke symptoms – numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, poor balance and coordination
• Jaundice
• Breast lumps
• High blood calcium – muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy, increased thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Confusion, memory problems, unusual behavior

What if an Estraderm patch falls off?

Try sticking the patch back on, holding down for at least 10 seconds. If the patch falls off again, place a new patch in a different area. Leave it on for the rest of your wearing time, and don’t change your patch removal schedule.

How can I reduce my risk of blood clots or stroke while using Estraderm?

Quit smoking and keep control of your blood pressure and cholesterol. Keeping an active lifestyle and losing weight (if necessary) can also minimize these risks.