Estraderm MX 100 8 patches

Estraderm MX is used as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve the symptoms of the menopause. The menopause can occur naturally or as the result of surgery. 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. To relieve the symptoms of the menopause: Estraderm MX is used to help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms which you sometimes get during and after the menopause (the time when menstrual periods stop). Menopause occurs naturally in all women, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. It also occurs in younger women who have had their ovaries removed by surgery. The reduced levels of estrogen can cause unpleasant symptoms such as hot face, neck and chest, hot flushes (sudden waves of heat and sweating all over), sleep problems, irritability and depression. Some women also have problems with urine control, or with a dry vagina which may cause discomfort during or after sexual intercourse. Taking estrogens can reduce or eliminate these symptoms. To prevent osteoporosis: After the age of 40, and especially after the menopause, some women are at risk of developing osteoporosis. This is when the bones become thinner and weaker and more likely to break, especially the bones of the spine, hip and wrist. Lack of estrogens increases the risk of osteoporosis. Taking estrogens after the menopause slows down bone loss and can help to prevent it. The protective effects on the bone cease once treatment is stopped. You should discuss the benefits and risks of Estraderm MX and other therapies with your doctor.

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 and itching where the patch has been applied Tender or painful 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: Estrogen-dependent conditions such as cancer of the endometrium, heart attack, stroke, dementia (these are discussed in Section 2) and gall bladder disease. 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. Estraderm helps to treat the symptoms of the menopause but it may also increase the chances of getting certain types of cancers and certain heart or circulatory problems. Women who are on hormone replacement therapy will be advised by their prescriber to watch out for any symptoms of breast, endometrial or ovarian cancer. They may be advised to regularly examine their breasts for any changes or lumps or report any unusual vaginal bleeding to their prescriber. Treatment with hormone replacement therapy needs to be tailored to each individual.

Keep Estraderm MX out of the reach and sight of children both before and after use. Store below 25°C, away from direct sunlight. Do not use Estraderm MX after the expiry date shown on the pack. Do not use a new Estraderm MX pack that is damaged or shows signs of tampering. If your doctor tells you to stop using Estraderm MX, please take any patches left back to your pharmacist to be destroyed. Only keep them if the doctor tells you to. Do not throw them away with your normal household water or waste. This will help to protect the environment.