Estrogens and Progestins (Ovarian Hormone Therapy) (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Medicine

Estrogens and progestins usually come with patient information or directions. Read them carefully before taking this medicine.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it and do not take or use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered . Try to take the medicine at the same time each day to reduce the possibility of side effects and to allow it to work better.

For patients taking estrogens and progestins by mouth:

• Nausea may occur during the first few weeks after you start taking estrogens. This effect usually disappears with continued use. If the nausea is bothersome, it can usually be prevented or reduced by taking each dose with food or immediately after food.

Dosing - The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For 17 beta-estradiol and norgestimate
• For oral dosage forms (tablets)
  • For treating a genital skin condition (vaginal or vulvar atrophy), or vasomotor symptoms of menopause:
    • Adults - Oral, 1 mg estradiol for three days followed by 1 mg of estradiol combined with 0.09 mg of norgestimate for three days. The regimen is repeated continuously without interruption.
  • To prevent loss of bone (osteoporosis):
    • Adults - Oral, 1 mg estradiol for three days followed by 1mg of estradiol combined with 0.09 mg of norgestimate for three days. The regimen is repeated continuously without interruption.

For ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone
• For oral dosage forms (tablets)
  • For treating vasomotor symptoms of menopause:
    • Adults - Oral, 5 mcg (0.05 mg) ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg norethindrone once daily.
  • To prevent loss of bone (osteoporosis):
    • Adults - Oral, 5 mcg (0.05 mg) ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg norethindrone once daily.

For estradiol and norethindrone
• For oral dosage forms (tablets)
  • For treating vasomotor symptoms of menopause or treatment of vaginal or vulvar atrophy:
    • Adults - Oral, 1 mg estradiol and 0.5 mg norethindrone once daily.
  • To prevent loss of bone (osteoporosis):
    • Adults - Oral, 1 mg estradiol and 0.5 mg norethindrone once daily.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom medicine cabinet because the heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.