Estraderm MX patches

Estraderm MX is used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve the symptoms of menopause. The menopause can occur naturally or as the result of surgery.

In the years leading up to menopause, women’s hormonal levels start to fluctuate and their bodies produce less and less oestrogen hormones. This change can cause a wide range of symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes (sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body).
• Dryness of mucous membranes.
• Vaginal discomfort.
• Sleeping problems.
• Feelings of depression.

Estraderm MX patches release an oestrogen hormone (estradiol) through the skin into the bloodstream to replace the falling hormone levels. This helps reduce menopausal symptoms.

Estraderm MX 50 and 75 patches can also be used to prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), when you have a high risk of future fractures, and if you are unable to take other medicines for this purpose.

Estraderm MX patches are applied to the skin. You wear them all the time. You should apply a new patch twice a week, i.e., every three or four days.

Where to apply the patch

Stick the patch on to a hairless area of skin below the waist. Most patients find that the buttock is the best place. Choose an area of the buttock where the skin is not inflamed, broken or irritated. You could also try the lower back, hip or abdomen. Never put a patch on or near the breasts.

Choose a clean, dry area of skin. To help the patch stick, the skin should be clean, dry, and free of creams, lotions, oil or powder. You should use a different area of skin each time. Wait a week before using the same area again. Avoid skin which is red or irritated.

Do not expose the patch to direct sunlight.

For more information on how to use, wear and remove Estraderm MX patches, please see the package leaflet.

 Some people must NOT use Estraderm MX. Talk to your doctor if:

• You have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to oestrogens or to any other components of the patch.
• You have, or have ever had, breast cancer (see the package leaflet for more information).
• You have, or have ever had, cancer of the endometrium (lining of the womb) or any other cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens (see the package leaflet for more information).
• You have a blood disease called porphyria.
• You have, or have ever had, a blood clot in a vein in your leg or anywhere else (a deep vein thrombosis) or a clot that has travelled to your lung or another part of your body (an embolus). See the package leaflet for more information.
• You have ever had a heart attack, stroke or angina (see the package leaflet for more information.
• You have had any unexpected bleeding or very heavy bleeding from the vagina.
• You have a history of liver disease.
• You have a condition called endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the lining of the womb).
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Estraderm MX should not be used in children.

Note: There are more warnings associated with Estraderm MX. All risks associated with HRT are listed in the package leaflet. Talk to your doctor before using Estraderm MX to see if this medicine is suitable for you.

Other medicines and Estraderm MX

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:

• Medicines to treat epilepsy such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine.
• Antibiotics and other medicines to treat infections (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir, nelfinavir).
• The herbal medicine St John’s Wort (also known as Hypericum perforatum).

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking.

• If you have not had a hysterectomy, your doctor will give you tablets containing another hormone called progestogen to offset the effects of oestrogens on the lining of the womb.
• Estraderm MX should be used only as long as needed, possibly for several months or more. This will help to control your symptoms. While you are using Estraderm MX you should go to the doctor regularly to discuss the possible risks and benefits associated with HRT, and whether you still need the treatment.
• If you’re going to have surgery, make sure your doctor knows about it. You may need to stop using HRT about four to six weeks before the operation, to reduce the risk of a blood clot.

Estraderm MX patches are only available on prescription. A doctor will determine if this HRT is suitable for you. You can order Estraderm MX patches from the pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription.

Would you like to know what Estraderm MX patches cost? You can find the current price of Estraderm MX on our order page. The price includes the cost of the online consultation and a service fee.

Estraderm MX is suitable for most people, but, like all medicines, there can be side effects.

Stop using Estraderm MX immediately and tell your doctor if you develop any of the following:

• Signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty in breathing, tight chest, itching all over, generalised swelling or itching).
• Migraine or unusually severe headaches, or signs of stroke.
• You become pregnant.
• Signs of jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

The side effects listed below have also been reported:

Up to 1 in 10 people have experienced:

• Headache.
• Feeling sick or bloated, stomach ache.
• Redness, pain and itching where the patch has been applied.
• Tender, painful or swollen breasts.
• Breakthrough bleeding.

Up to 1 in 100 people have experienced:

• Breast cancer.

Up to 1 in 1,000 people have experienced:

• Dizziness.
• Blood clots, bruising, worsening varicose veins, raised blood pressure.
• Abnormal liver function test results, jaundice.
• Rash and itching over large areas of the skin. This sensitivity reaction may become severe if you carry on using the patches without talking to your doctor.
• Changes in the pigmentation in your skin (lightening or darkening of your skin colour).
• Unusual weight changes, fluid retention (swelling or accumulation of fluid in the lower legs or ankles), leg pain.

Other side effects include:

• Oestrogen-dependent conditions such as cancer of the endometrium, heart attack, stroke, dementia (see the package leaflet) and gall bladder disease.
• Dry eyes.
• Contact lens discomfort.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Estraderm MX. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

The active substance in Estraderm MX is estradiol. The estradiol is derived from plants and is produced synthetically.

The other ingredients in Estraderm MX are: isopropyl palmitate, acrylic adhesive (in solution in ethyl acetate/hexane) and ethyl acetate. The backing film consists of ethylene vinyl acetate/polyester film laminate. The protective liner, which is removed before the patch is used, is a siliconized polyester film.

The estradiol is released gradually while you are wearing the patch.

• Estraderm MX 25 contains 0.75 mg estradiol releasing about 25 micrograms of estradiol a day.
• Estraderm MX 50 contains 1.5 mg estradiol releasing about 50 micrograms of estradiol a day.
• Estraderm MX 75 contains 2.25 mg estradiol releasing about 75 micrograms of estradiol a day.
• Estraderm MX 100 contains 3.0 mg estradiol releasing about 100 micrograms of estradiol a day.