Warnings & Recalls for Alora
Risks of Using Alora
Using Alora skin patches as a treatment can increases your risk of developing excessive cell growth along the inner lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). Your doctor may prescribe you progestin to decrease the risk of developing this disease.
Alora may increase the risk for the development of blood clots, resulting in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary emboli. Patients who are 65 years of age or older may be at increased risk for the development of dementia while taking this medication.
Taking Alora for an extended period of time could increase the possibility for developing breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Do not take Alora for longer than prescribed. Your doctor may require you to have check-ups frequently to monitor your progress and determine the length of treatment necessary.
While treating your symptoms with Alora, it is important to self-examine and have physical exams on a frequently to check for any breast lumps or irregularities.
Do not wear the Alora skin patch during an MRI test, this may cause severe burning of your skin.
Alora is
not recommended for all women. If you have a history of any of the following, you
should not use Alora as it may cause serious side effects:
- stroke or blood clotting
- blood flow disorders or bleeding problems
- breast or uterine cancer, or any hormone-related cancers
- unusual vaginal bleeding
Before using Alora, be sure to ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
- any allergies, especially to any ingredient in Alora
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- chest pain or heart disease
- liver or kidney disease
- breathing problems including asthma
- epilepsy or any disorder which may cause seizures
- migraines
- diabetes
- depression
- gallbladder disease
- had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines while using Alora.
Alora and Pregnancy
Alora is an
FDA pregnancy Category X and
should not be used by women who are
pregnant. Alora may cause
birth defects. Alora may also be passed through
breast-milk and cause harm to a
nursing baby. Alora
should not be used while breast-feeding.If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the
risks of using Alora and
do not use Alora unless recommended to do so by your doctor.
Alora Treatment and Use
Alora | Estradiol Transdermal is an estrogen containing skin patch marketed by Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminisration in 1996 for treating symptoms of menopause in women. Alora may be prescribed to reduce the following:
- dryness, burning or itching sensations of the vagina
- ovarian problems
- infertility
- hot flashes and night sweats
- irritation while urinating or frequency of urination
Alora may also be used to treat osteoporosis developed after menopause.
How Does Alora Work?
Alora works by releasing estradiol, the main female estrogenic hormone, over the span of 14 days. Women who are undergoing menopause or have an estrogen deficiency can suffer from unwanted side effects, and may be at risk for developing osteoporosis. By replacing estrogen in the body, Alora can restore balanced levels of hormones to relieve symptoms and prevent future bone-loss in these women.
How to Use Alora
Alora should be used only as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use Alora longer than recommended. To apply the Alora skin patch:
- clean the surface of skin with water, do not apply soap, lotion or any other chemicals to the area
- apply the patch to your stomach, lower back or buttocks; the skin patch should be applied to an area where it will not fall off due to shifting or tightness of clothing
- hold and press the patch onto your skin for 10 seconds. Be sure the edges stick to the skin.
- after use, remove the patch and fold it sticky-side-in and dispose
- do not apply Alora to the same area twice in a row
While using Alora, self-examine your breasts for any possible lumps and have regular physical exams by your healthcare provider.
