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Estratest
Tablets
Chemical Name: ESTERIFIED ESTROGENS (ES-troe-jenz) and METHYLTESTOSTERONE (meth-il-tes-TOS-te-rone)
Common uses
This medicine is an estrogen and androgen used to control moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevent heart disease.
Before using
WARNING: Estrogen has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause. It also may increase the risk of cancer of the ovary or breast. Therefore, use of estrogen without progesterone hormone therapy (e.g., in women without a uterus) must be cautious. These risks of treatment appear to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or lumps in the breast, notify your doctor promptly. This medicine is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency to lose a fetus (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of losing a fetus. This drug must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to discuss the risk to the fetus. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking carbamazepine or anticoagulants. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of cancer, liver disease, or pulmonary embolism. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine should be used for the shortest possible length of time so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term therapy. Consult your doctor for more details. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES USING INSULIN, this medicine may alter blood sugar and insulin requirements. Check with your doctor if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar. SMOKING WHILE USING THIS MEDICINE may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include acne, deepening of voice, nausea, or change in desire for sex. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss); breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or change in menstrual periods; breast tenderness; difficulty wearing contact lenses; facial hair; weight change; swelling of fingers or ankles; changes in vision. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience calf/leg pain or swelling; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; chest pain; one-sided weakness; slurred speech; lumps in the breast; sudden severe headache, dizziness, or fainting; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; or abdominal pain, swelling, or tenderness; vomiting; or coughing up blood. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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