Estradot Patches

Estradot Patches

What are Estradot Patches for?

Estradot patches are a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to relieve symptoms that occur after the menopause. During the menopause, oestrogen levels in the body drop, which can cause symptoms like hot flushes. Estradot is prescribed to help alleviate these symptoms in postmenopausal women.

The 50, 75 and 100 mcg strengths can also be prescribed to prevent osteoporosis (fragile bones) after the menopause, where other treatments are not suitable.

How do Estradot Patches work?

Estradot patches contain estradiol hemihydrate, a form of oestrogen. Each patch is applied to the skin and delivers a steady, controlled amount of estradiol directly into the bloodstream through the skin over a 24-hour period.

After the menopause, the body produces significantly less oestrogen. By replacing this oestrogen, Estradot helps to reduce the symptoms this decline can cause. Each patch is worn continuously for 3 to 4 days before being replaced, maintaining a consistent level of oestrogen in the body.

Who can use Estradot Patches?

Estradot is suitable for postmenopausal women who have not had a natural period for at least 12 months.

Don’t use Estradot if you:

• Are allergic to estradiol or any ingredients in the patch
• Have or previously had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, blood clots, stroke, liver disease, porphyria, or unexplained vaginal bleeding

Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you:

• Have high blood pressure, liver disease, epilepsy, SLE, otosclerosis, triglycerides, kidney problems, angiodema, diabetes, migraines, asthma, or gallbladder problems
• Have fibroids, endometriosis, or a family history of hormone-related cancers
• Have an increased risk of blood clots
• Smoke or have cardiovascular risk factors

How to Use Estradot HRT Patches

Each Estradot patch is replaced twice weekly, every 3 to 4 days. It helps to change your patch on the same two days each week (for example, every Monday and Thursday). Your pack includes a calendar checklist to help you keep track.

Where to Apply the Patch

Apply the patch to the lower abdomen, below the waistline. Don’t apply it to the breasts or any area near the breasts. Each time you change your patch, choose a different area of skin and avoid applying a new patch to the same spot for at least one week.

Before You Apply

Make sure the skin is:

• Clean, dry and cool
• Free of powder, oil, moisturiser or lotion
• Free of cuts or irritation

Applying the Patch

1. Tear open the protective pouch at the indentation and remove the patch. Don’t use scissors, as this could damage the patch.
2. Hold the patch with the protective backing facing you. Peel off one side of the backing and discard it. Avoid touching the sticky side with your fingers.
3. Apply the sticky side to a dry area of your lower abdomen and smooth down. Fold back the remaining side of the patch.
4. Grasp the straight edge of the remaining backing and pull it off.
5. Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds. Run your finger around the edges to ensure good contact with the skin.

When removing a patch, peel it off and fold it in half with the sticky side inwards before disposing of it safely. Don’t flush used patches down the toilet.

Women with a Uterus

If you still have your womb, your doctor or pharmacist will prescribe a progestogen alongside Estradot. This is taken for at least 12 to 14 days every month to reduce the risk of cancer of the womb lining. You may experience some irregular bleeding or spotting during the first few months of treatment. Tell your doctor if heavy bleeding continues or persists beyond a few months.

If the Patch Falls Off

If the patch comes off during bathing or showering, shake off any water, allow the skin to dry and cool, then reapply the same patch to a different area of the lower abdomen. If the patch doesn’t stick completely, use a new one. In either case, continue changing your patches on the same days as your original schedule.

If You Forget to Change Your Patch

Change the patch as soon as you remember and return to your original schedule from that point. Don’t apply an extra patch to make up for a forgotten one.

Possible Side Effects of Estradot

Like all medicines, Estradot can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common:

• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Skin redness or irritation at the patch site
• Nausea or bloating
• Vaginal spotting (in the first months)

Less common:

• Mood changes
• Fluid retention

Serious (seek medical help):

• Blood clot symptoms
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Sudden severe headache

For a complete list of side effects, read the Estradot Patient Information Leaflet.

Stop using Estradot and get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, painful swelling or redness in the legs, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. Should this happen, call 999 or go to A&E.

Reporting Estradot Side Effects

If you notice any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are not listed here. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme. This helps improve the safety of this medicine.

Estradot Patches Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Estradiol hemihydrate

Other Ingredients (adhesive layer): Acrylic adhesive, silicone adhesive, oleyl alcohol, dipropylene glycol, povidone (E1201)

Backing Layer: Ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate copolymer laminate

Release Liner: Fluoropolymer-coated polyester film

Important Information

• Estradot is not a contraceptive. If it has been less than 12 months since your last period, or you’re under 50, you may still need additional contraception. Speak to your doctor for advice.
• Go for regular breast screening as recommended by your doctor. Inform the healthcare professional taking your mammogram that you use HRT, as it can increase breast density and may affect the result.
• Some medicines can affect how Estradot works, including certain epilepsy medications, tuberculosis treatments, HIV medicines, hepatitis C treatments, and St John’s Wort. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist that you’re using Estradot if any new medicines are prescribed.
• Tell your surgeon you’re using Estradot before any planned surgery. You may need to stop using it 4 to 6 weeks before an operation to reduce the risk of a blood clot. Ask your doctor when it is safe to start again.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze Estradot patches. Store in the original packaging in a cool, dry place.
• Don’t use after the expiry date shown on the carton.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.