Evorel Patches

Evorel HRT Patches

Uses for Evorel Patches

Evorel patches are used as oestrogen-only HRT to relieve the symptoms of menopause. During menopause, the amount of oestrogen your body produces naturally drops, which can cause uncomfortable menopausal symptoms that affect your daily life, including:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness or itching
• Uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse
• Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances

Evorel 50, 75, and 100 can also be used to prevent osteoporosis (fragile bones) in women after menopause who are at increased risk of fractures. However, these patches are only used for osteoporosis prevention if other medicines have been tried first and haven’t worked, or if other medicines aren’t suitable for you.

How Does Evorel Work?

Evorel patches contain estradiol, a form of oestrogen that’s identical to the oestrogen your ovaries produce naturally. The patches deliver a steady, controlled amount of this hormone through your skin directly into your bloodstream.

Throughout your adult life, your ovaries produce oestrogen hormones that impact sexual development and control of your menstrual cycle. When you reach menopause, the level of oestrogen produced by your ovaries gradually drops. During this transition, oestrogen levels can fluctuate up and down, causing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause.

By replacing the oestrogen your body is no longer producing, Evorel patches help restore hormone levels and relieve menopause symptoms. The patch releases estradiol slowly and continuously through your skin, maintaining steady hormone levels throughout the day and night.

Who Can Use Evorel Patches?

Evorel patches are suitable for women who have reached menopause and need relief from menopause symptoms. However, they’re not right for everyone, and there are some situations where you shouldn’t use them.

Do not use Evorel if you:

• Have or have ever had breast cancer, or are suspected of having it
• Have cancer that’s sensitive to oestrogen (such as endometrial cancer or cancer of the womb lining), or are suspected of having it
• Have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have excessive thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia) that isn’t being treated
• Have or have ever had a blood clot in a vein, such as in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
• Have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke, or angina
• Have or have ever had liver disease, and your liver function tests haven’t returned to normal
• Have a rare blood problem called porphyria, which is passed down in families
• Are allergic to estradiol or any other ingredients in Evorel
• Are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or might become pregnant

Speak to your doctor before using Evorel if you:

• Have fibroids inside your womb
• Have endometriosis or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
• Have an increased risk of developing blood clots
• Have an increased risk of getting an oestrogen-sensitive cancer (such as having a mother, sister, or grandmother who has had breast cancer)
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a liver disorder, such as a benign liver tumour
• Have diabetes
• Have gallstones
• Have migraine or severe headaches
• Have a disease of the immune system that affects many organs of the body (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Have epilepsy
• Have asthma
• Have a disease affecting the eardrum and hearing (otosclerosis)
• Have a very high level of fat in your blood (triglycerides)
• Have fluid retention due to heart or kidney problems
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Your doctor will assess whether Evorel is safe for you based on your medical history and any risk factors you may have.

How to Use Evorel Patches

Evorel patches are changed twice a week on the same two days each week (for example, Monday and Thursday). Apply each patch to clean, dry, hairless skin below your waist – most women prefer the thigh or bottom.

1. Open the pouch and remove the patch
2. Peel off half the backing without touching the sticky side
3. Apply the open half to your skin
4. Remove the remaining backing and press down the rest of the patch
5. Press firmly with your palm for at least 10 seconds

Don’t apply the patch on or near your breasts, on irritated skin, or over cuts or spots. Avoid using creams or moisturisers before applying. Don’t put the patch on the same area of skin twice in a row.

When removing a patch, peel it away, fold it in half (sticky sides together), and dispose of it safely out of reach of children. Don’t flush patches down the toilet.

Side Effects of Evorel Patches

Like all medicines, Evorel can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and often settle down within the first few months as your body adjusts to treatment.

Very Common Side Effects

These may affect more than 1 in 10 people:

• Irritated, itchy skin and rash where the patch is applied

Common Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Red, puffy skin where the patch is applied
• Breast pain
• Rash or itching
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling depressed
• Headache
• Feeling sick or stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Joint pain
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting, or periods
• Weight gain

Uncommon Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:

• Vaginal thrush
• Wind
• Being aware of your heartbeat (palpitations)
• Fuller breasts
• Painful periods
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Water retention or fluid build-up under the skin
• Muscle pain
• Allergic reactions

Serious Side Effects

Stop using Evorel and seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Sudden swelling of the face or throat, which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing (signs of allergic reaction)
• Signs of a blood clot – such as painful swelling and redness in the legs, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness or numbness
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• Migraine-type headaches for the first time or more frequent headaches
• A large rise in your blood pressure (symptoms may include headache, tiredness, dizziness)
• If you become pregnant

For a complete list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

If you experience any side effects, whether listed here or not, contact your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme.

Evorel Patches Ingredients

Active ingredient: Estradiol (as hemihydrate)

• Evorel 25: Contains 1.6mg estradiol hemihydrate (delivers 2mg per day)
• Evorel 50: Contains 3.2mg estradiol hemihydrate (delivers 50mg per day)
• Evorel 75: Contains 4.8mg estradiol hemihydrate (delivers 75mg per day)
• Evorel 100: Contains 6.4mg estradiol hemihydrate (delivers 100mg per day)

Inactive ingredients: Duro-Tak 387-2287 (adhesive), guar gum, and Hostaphan MN19 (backing film).

Warnings & Precautions

• Keep Evorel out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not store above 25°C. Keep in the original pouch and carton.
• Do not use Evorel after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
• Do not use a patch if the protective pouch is already open.
• If you still have a womb, you’ll need to take a progestogen hormone alongside Evorel for at least 12 days of each 28-day cycle. This protects against excessive thickening of the womb lining. Your doctor will prescribe this separately. If you’ve had your womb removed (a hysterectomy), you can use Evorel on its own without a progestogen.
• HRT slightly increases your risk of blood clots, particularly in the first year of use or when restarting after a break.
• Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects when taking HRT, especially if you’re over 35.
• Evorel is not a contraceptive. If it’s less than 12 months since your last period or you’re under 50, you may still need to use additional contraception.
• If you need surgery, tell your doctor you’re using Evorel. You may need to stop treatment 4 to 6 weeks before the operation to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Go for regular breast screening and cervical smear tests as recommended by your doctor. Regularly check your breasts for any changes like dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, or any lumps you can see or feel.
• If you have brown patches on your face or body (chloasma) or have a history of them, avoid excessive sun exposure or sunbed use while using Evorel.