Ethinyl Estradiol

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to stop or reduce the symptoms of menopause. Especially hot flashes vaginal dryness, itching, and burning.
• It helps prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones; can lead to breaks) in women past menopause. This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercises like walking, or physical therapy. May also be used to lower high cholesterol in women who have gone through menopause.
• It is rarely used, for the treatment of certain types of breast or prostate cancer.
• It is also used for the treatment of hypogonadism and primary ovarian failure.

How does it work?

• After menopause, when the body no longer produces estrogen, ethinyl is used as a simple replacement of estrogen.

How is it best taken?

• Take with food as directed by your healthcare provider. There may be days when you will not take the medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor) if you are taking this medicine for menopause. May increase risk of breast cancer.
• Avoid cigarette smoking. Persons older than 35 and/or smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day are at risk for heart disease.
• This medicine does not treat depression or nervous problems.
• Use caution if you have a weakened heart or high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you have ever had any circulation problems or blood clots in your legs, arms, or lungs.
• Do not use if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been examined by healthcare provider.
• Do not use if you have had breast or uterine cancer or if someone in your family (sister, mother, or aunt) has had breast cancer. Talk with healthcare provider.
• There may be a higher risk of endometrial or breast cancer. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust during use of medicine and for 1 month after stopping it.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Belly pain and cramps.
• Swelling or bloating.
• Breast enlargement or tenderness.
• For women, vaginal bleeding (breakthrough bleeding, spotting) may occur.
• Change in sexual ability or desire. This can return to normal after medicine is stopped. Talk with healthcare provider about other medicines without this side effect.

What should I monitor?

• For women, periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and gynecologic exams are important.
• Follow diet plan (calcium supplementation) and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider at least every year. Talk about duration of treatment.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe headaches.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Swelling or pain of a leg or arm, sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
• A lump in the breast.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Read the package insert for more details (given with the medicine).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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