Estropipate (es-troe-PIP-ate)

Treats hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness due to menopause, and helps prevent osteoporosis after menopause.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how estropipate works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, rifampin, ritonavir, St John's wort, or thyroid medicines.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Pregnancy after menopause is not likely, but if you think you could be pregnant, tell your doctor. This medicine could harm an unborn baby.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, endometriosis, epilepsy, migraine headaches, porphyria, lupus, an underactive thyroid, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hereditary angioedema, or a history of cancer. Tell your doctor if you had liver problems caused by pregnancy or estrogen, if you smoke, or if you had your uterus (womb) removed (hysterectomy). Tell your doctor if you are having surgery that will require inactivity for a long time.
• Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots
  • Increased risk of endometrial, breast, or ovarian cancer
  • Possible risk of dementia (especially in women 65 years of age or older)
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Eye or vision problems
  • High cholesterol or fats in the blood
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You should have regular pelvic exams, breast exams, and mammograms as directed by your doctor.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Breast lumps or tenderness
• Chest pain that may spread, coughing up blood, trouble breathing
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with speech or walking
• Redness, pain, burning, or itching in or near your vagina
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting, discharge, or itching
• Vision changes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in sexual desire
• Mild headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088