Elestrin Side Effects

Severe Side Effects of Elestrin

• Elestrin has caused strokes in some users.
• Elestrin may cause breast cancer and also endometrial cancer in the uterus (see black box warning).
• Life threatening blood clots have occurred in some patients taking Elestrin.
• Elestrin increases the risk of gallbladder disease.
• Some patients have reported pancreatitis while taking Elestrin.
• Dementia may occur when Elestrin is taken with Progesterone.

Common Side Effects of Elestrin

• Elestrin can alter the sex drive.
• Other side effects associated with Elestrin are vision problems, upset stomach and vomiting, edema (fluid buildup that causes swelling), changes in mood, migraines, high blood pressure, upper respiratory infection, and muscle cramps.

Warnings & Recalls for Elestrin

Black Box Warning

• Elestrin may cause dementia in women over 65 and should be used with extreme caution.

• Elestrin combined with Progesterone may increase the risk of breast cancer in women.

• There is an increased risk of heart attack if the patient is on both Elestrin and Progesterone.

Other Warnings

• In February 2012, the FDA issued a new safety warning which states that Elestrin should not be taken by women who have a history of hereditary angioedema as well as certain blood clotting issues such as antithrombin deficiency.

• Handle Elestrin with care and be careful not to spill or spray contents onto anyone else, especially children.
• Do not take Elestrin while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you have had a heart attack or a stroke before taking Elestrin.
• Elestrin is contraindicated in patients with liver problems.
• Do not take Elestrin if you have or have had breast cancer.
• There is an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer for patients taking Elestrin.
• Elestrin may worsen diabetes and asthma.
• Sunscreen may increase absorbency  of Elestrin and should be applied a minimum of 25 minutes after Elestrin.  If possible, avoid applying sunscreen to the same area of the skin as Elestrin.

Recalls

Elestrin Treatment and Use

Elestrin | Estradiol Gel is an estrogen hormone replacement therapy used to treat menopausal symptoms in women.  It is often prescribed for hot flashes or night sweats.   Elestrin was first approved in 1975 and is currently marketed by Jazz Pharmaceuticals and BioSante Pharmaceuticals.  In February 2012, the FDA issued new safety information for Elestrin which includes updated warnings and contraindications (see warnings and recalls).  Elestrin is often prescribed alongside with Progesterone in women who have not had a hysterectomy to reduce the risk of endiometrial cancer while undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

What does Elestrin do?

Elestrin adds a form of estrogen that is absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. It helps to regulate the female reproductive system.  During menopause, the body decreases estrogen production and this leads to hot flashes.  Elestrin helps to supplement the decreased levels by adding bioidentical or synthetic estrogen into the bloodstream.

Dosage

Elestrin is available as a topical gel in a pump spray container.  It should be sprayed on a freshly cleaned upper arm and rubbed into the skin.  The initial dose is one pump daily, which is .52 mg.  The dosage may be increased if the patient does not respond to the initial dose.

Other Names for Elestrin

Brand Name

• Elestrin


• Estrasorb


• Divigel

Generic

• Estradiol Gel

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Elestrin