Estrogel 0.060 %

It was found that some herbal products (e.g. St. John’s wort) which are available as over-the-counter (OTC) products might interfere with steroid metabolism and therefore alter the efficacy and safety of estrogen/progestin.

Physicians and other health care providers should be made aware of other non-prescription products concomitantly used by the patient, including herbal and natural products obtained from the widely spread health stores.

Acute alcohol ingestion during HRT may lead to elevations in circulating estradiol levels.

Interaction of ESTROGEL with food has not been established.

Drug products containing ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds or induce the conjugation of other compounds.

The results of certain endocrine and liver function tests may be affected by estrogen-containing products:

• increased prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time; increased levels of fibrinogen and fibrinogen activity; increased coagulation factors VII, VIII, IX, X; increased norepinephrine-induced platelet aggregability; decreased antithrombin III;

  
  

• increased thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone (T4) as measured by column or radioimmunoassay; T3 resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG; free T4 concentration is unaltered;

  
  

• other binding proteins may be elevated in serum i.e., corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), leading to increased circulating corticosteroids and sex steroids respectively; free or biologically active hormone concentrations are unchanged;

  
  

• impaired glucose tolerance;

  
  

• increased serum triglycerides and phospholipids concentration.

  
  

Administration of ESTROGEL, alone or in combination with oral micronized progesterone has no effect on antithrombin III. Postmenopausal women treated with ESTROGEL and oral micronized progesterone for three months showed no significant variations in platelet count, thromboelastinogram, factors II, VII, IX, X, prothrombin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III and plasminogen. No shift towards hypercoagulability was observed. A moderate decrease in platelet aggregation was observed without any related clinical symptoms. In combination with oral micronized progesterone, ESTROGEL does not negatively affect the balance between the vasoactive prostanoids PGI2 and TxA2.

A study has shown that transdermal estradiol improves the anticoagulant response to activated protein C (APC-sensitivity), probably as a result of a decreased factor VIII.

Clinical trials demonstrated no increase of SHBG with percutaneous estradiol or increase to a lesser extent compared to oral conjugated estrogens.

Based on a study, transdermal estradiol did not significantly increase circulating levels of TBG and CBG.

The results of the above laboratory tests should not be considered reliable unless therapy has been discontinued for two to four weeks. The pathologist should be informed that the patient is receiving HRT therapy when relevant specimens are submitted.

Estrogens may diminish the effectiveness of anticoagulant, antidiabetic and antihypertensive agents.

Preparations inducing liver enzymes (e.g., barbiturates, hydantoins, carbamazepine, meprobamate, phenylbutazone or rifampin) may interfere with the activity of orally administered estrogens.

Because of the variable absorption of ESTROGEL between individuals due to the technique of self administration on the skin, it is recommended to obtain measurement of serum estradiol level after initiation of treatment. This measurement should be done when the patient has developed her technique for ESTROGEL application when she comes for her regular follow-up visit. This measurement should be similar to the serum estradiol level normally produced by the ovary before menopause during the middle part of the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (150-400 pmol/L).

In women who are not currently taking oral estrogens, treatment with ESTROGEL can be initiated at once. In women who are currently taking oral estrogen, treatment with ESTROGEL can be initiated 1 week after withdrawal of oral therapy or sooner if symptoms reappear before the week's end.

In women with intact uteri, a progestin should be sequentially co-administered for a minimum of 12-14 days each cycle to prevent endometrial hyperplasia.

Continuous, non-cyclic therapy may be indicated in hysterectomized women or in cases where the signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency become problematic during the treatment-free interval.

There have been no reported cases of biologically significant estradiol transfer from a patient using ESTROGEL to their male partner.

Treatment is usually initiated with 2.5 g ESTROGEL, daily. ESTROGEL is usually administered on a cyclic schedule from day 1 to day 25 of each calendar month or from day 1 to day 21 of a 28-day cycle.

The dose of ESTROGEL should be adjusted as necessary to control symptoms. Attempts to adjust the necessary dosage should be made after two months of treatment. Breast discomfort and/or breakthrough bleeding are generally signs that the dose is too high and needs to be lowered. However, if the selected dose fails to eliminate the signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency, a higher dose may be prescribed. For maintenance therapy, the lowest effective dose should be used.

Two metered-actuations will deliver 2.5 g of gel (1.5 mg E₂). All of the gel should be applied with the hands over a large area of skin (>2000 cm²) in a thin, uniform layer.

To measure a 2.5 g dose of ESTROGEL (1.5 mg E₂), press firmly on the pump once and apply the gel to one arm. Repeat applying the gel to the opposite arm. It is recommended to apply ESTROGEL to both arms. Alternate sites of application are the abdomen or the inner thighs. It is not necessary to rotate the site of administration. ESTROGEL must not be applied to the breasts. ESTROGEL must not be applied to the face or to irritated or damaged skin. Allow the gel to dry approximately 2 minutes before covering with clothing. ESTROGEL does not stain or smell.

When a new metered-dose pump is opened, it may be necessary to prime the pump by pressing the pump once or twice. The first metered-actuation may not be accurate and should therefore be discarded. The pump contains enough gel for approximately a month's use (i.e. 64 metered-actuations). After that, the amount of gel delivered may be lower and thus, it is recommended to change the pump.

ESTROGEL should be prescribed with an appropriate dosage of a progestin for women with intact uteri in order to prevent endometrial hyperplasia/carcinoma. Progestin therapy is not required as part of hormone replacement therapy in women who have had a previous hysterectomy.

If a dose of ESTROGEL has been missed, the missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. The dose of ESTROGEL should not be doubled.

breakthrough bleeding; spotting; change in menstrual flow; dysmenorrhea; vaginal itching/discharge; dyspareunia; endometrial hyperplasia; pre-menstrual-like syndrome; reactivation of endometriosis; changes in cervical erosion and amount of cervical secretion; breast swelling and tenderness.

neuro-ocular lesions (e.g. retinal thrombosis, optic neuritis); visual disturbances; steepening of the corneal curvature; intolerance to contact lenses.

increased blood sugar levels; decreased glucose tolerance.

fatigue; changes in appetite; changes in body weight; change in libido.

palpitations; increase in blood pressure (see Warnings and Precautions); coronary thrombosis.

aggravation of migraine episodes; headaches; dizziness; neuritis.

cystitis; dysuria; sodium retention; edema.

chloasma or melasma, which may persist when drug is discontinued; erythema multiforme; erythema nodosum; hemorrhagic eruptions; loss of scalp hair; hirsutism and acne.

Musculoskeletal pain including leg pain not related to thromboembolic disease (usually transient, lasting 3-6 weeks) may occur.

gallbladder disorder; asymptomatic impaired liver function; cholestatic jaundice.

Twenty one (21) patients reported adverse events summarized in Table 1. Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort was reported by 10 patients, 2 in the placebo group, 5 in the calcium only group, 1 in the ESTROGEL only group and 2 in the ESTROGEL + calcium group. The GI effects were attributed to the calcium supplementation. Two incidents of application site pruritus with erythema were reported: 1 in the ESTROGEL group (dropped out of the study before 1 month of treatment) and 1 in the calcium group, who reported application site pruritus with erythema for the first 3 to 6 months. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding with vaginal erosion was reported by 4 patients treated with ESTROGEL or ESTROGEL + calcium. There were no significant changes in any laboratory parameters.

If adverse symptoms persist, the prescription of HRT should be reconsidered.

isolated cases of: thrombophlebitis; thromboembolic disorders.

See Warnings and Precautions regarding potential induction of malignant neoplasms and adverse effects similar to those of oral contraceptives.

The following adverse reactions have been reported with estrogens/progestin combination in general:

altered coagulation tests (see Warnings and Precautions, Drug Interactions, Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions).

mental depression; nervousness; irritability.

nausea; vomiting; abdominal discomfort (cramps, pressure, pain, bloating).

No clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of ESTROGEL on women more than 65 years old.

ESTROGEL should not be used in children.

Numerous reports of the ingestion of large doses of estrogen products and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives by young children have not revealed acute serious ill effects. Overdosage with estrogen may cause nausea, breast discomfort, fluid retention, abdominal cramps, headache, dizziness, bloating or vaginal bleeding in women.

ESTROGEL does not contain progestins. However, in the case where a progestin is co-administered, progestin (norethindrone acetate) overdosage has been characterized by depressed mood, tiredness, acne and hirsutism.

Symptomatic treatment should be given.

Available epidemiological data indicate that use of estrogen with or without progestin by postmenopausal women is associated with an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE).

In the estrogen plus progestin arm of the WHI trial, among 10 000 women on combined HRT over a one-year period, there were 18 more cases of venous thromboembolism, including 8 more cases of pulmonary embolism.

In the estrogen-alone arm of the WHI trial, among 10 000 women on estrogen therapy over a one-year period, there were 7 more cases of venous thromboembolism, although there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of pulmonary embolism.

Generally recognized risk factors for VTE include a personal history, a family history (the occurrence of VTE in a direct relative at a relatively early age may indicate genetic predisposition), severe obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m²) and systemic lupus erythematosus. The risk of VTE also increases with age and smoking.

The risk of VTE may be temporarily increased with prolonged immobilization, major surgery or trauma. In women on HRT, attention should be given to prophylactic measures to prevent VTE following surgery. Also, patients with varicose veins should be closely supervised. The physician should be alert to the earliest manifestations of thrombotic disorders (thrombophlebitis, retinal thrombosis, cerebral embolism and pulmonary embolism). If these occur or are suspected, hormone therapy should be discontinued immediately, given the risk of long-term disability or fatality.

If feasible, estrogens should be discontinued at least 4 weeks before major surgery which may be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization.

Patients who develop visual disturbances, classical migraine, transient aphasia, paralysis, or loss of consciousness should discontinue medication.

Women using hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) sometimes experience increased blood pressure. Blood pressure should be monitored with HRT use. Elevation of blood pressure in previously normotensive or hypertensive patients should be investigated and HRT therapy may have to be discontinued.

Because the prolonged use of estrogens influences the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, estrogens should be used with caution in patients with metabolic and malignant bone diseases associated with hypercalcemia and in patients with renal insufficiency.

In the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) of postmenopausal woman with documented heart disease (n=2763, average age 66.7 years), a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of CHD, treatment with 0.625 mg/day oral conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) plus 2.5 mg oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. Specifically, during an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CEE plus MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established CHD. There were more CHD events in the hormone-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during the subsequent years. From the original HERS trial, 2321 women consented to participate in an open label extension of HERS known as HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. After 6.8 years, hormone therapy did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in women with CHD.

Estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema, in particular in women with hereditary angioedema.

Particular caution is indicated in women with epilepsy, as estrogen, with or without progestins, may cause an exacerbation of this condition.

ESTROGEL must not be used during pregnancy. Both estrogens and progestins may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman (see Contraindications).

No clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of ESTROGEL on women more than 65 years old.

Before ESTROGEL is administered, the patient should have a complete physical examination including a blood pressure determination. Breasts and pelvic organs should be appropriately examined and a Papanicolaou smear should be performed. Endometrial biopsy should be done only when indicated. Baseline tests should include mammography, measurements of blood glucose, calcium, triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver function tests.

The first follow-up examination should be done within 3-6 months after initiation of treatment to assess response to treatment. Thereafter, examinations should be made at intervals at least once a year. Appropriate investigations should be arranged at regular intervals as determined by the physician.

The importance of regular self-examination of the breasts should be discussed with the patient.

Estrogens should be used with caution in patients with otosclerosis.

Pre-existing uterine leiomyomata may increase in size during estrogen use. Growth, pain or tenderness of uterine leiomyomata requires discontinuation of medication and appropriate investigation.

A worsening of glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism has been observed in a significant percentage of peri- and post-menopausal patients. Therefore, diabetic patients or those with a predisposition to diabetes should be observed closely to detect any alterations in carbohydrate or lipid metabolism, especially in triglyceride blood levels.

Women with familial hyperlipidemias need special surveillance. Lipid lowering measures are recommended additionally, before treatment is started.

A 2- to 4-fold increase in the risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery in women receiving postmenopausal estrogens has been reported.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, due to its prolongation, irregularity or heaviness, occurring during therapy should prompt diagnostic measures to rule out the possibility of uterine malignancy and the treatment should be re-evaluated.

Available epidemiological data indicate that the use of combined estrogen plus progestin by postmenopausal women is associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer.

In the estrogen plus progestin arm of the WHI trial, among 10 000 women over a one-year period, there were:

• 8 more cases of invasive breast cancer (38 on combined HRT versus 30 on placebo).

  
  

The WHI study also reported that the invasive breast cancers diagnosed in the estrogen plus progestin group were similar in histology but were larger (mean [SD], 1.7 cm [1.1] vs 1.5 cm [0.9), respectively; p=0.04) and were at a more advanced stage compared with those diagnosed in the placebo group. The percentage of women with abnormal mammograms (recommendations for short-interval follow-up, a suspicious abnormality, or highly suggestive of malignancy) was significantly higher in the estrogen plus progestin group versus the placebo group. This difference appeared at year one and persisted in each year thereafter.

In the estrogen-alone arm of the WHI trial, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of invasive breast cancer in hysterectomized women treated with conjugated equine estrogens versus women treated with placebo.

It is recommended that estrogens not be given to women with existing breast cancer or those with a previous history of the disease. (See Contraindications.)

There is a need for caution in prescribing estrogens for women with known risk factors associated with the development of breast cancer, such as strong family history of breast cancer (first degree relative) or who present a breast condition with an increased risk (abnormal mammograms and/or atypical hyperplasia at breast biopsy).

Other known risk factors for the development of breast cancer such as nulliparity, obesity, early menarche, late age at first full term pregnancy and at menopause should also be evaluated.

It is recommended that women undergo mammography prior to the start of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and at regular intervals during treatment, as deemed appropriate by the treating physician and according to the perceived risks for each patient.

The overall benefits and possible risks of HRT should be fully considered and discussed with patients. It is important that the modest increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer after 4 years of treatment with combined estrogen plus progestin HRT (as reported in the results of WHI-trial) be discussed with the patient and weighed against its known benefits.

Other doses of conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate and other combinations of estrogens and progestins were not studied in the WHI trial. In the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar.

Instructions for regular self-examination of the breasts should be included in this counselling.

Particular caution is indicated in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Caution is advised in patients with a history of liver and/or biliary disorders. If cholestatic jaundice develops during treatment, the treatment should be discontinued and appropriate investigations carried out.

Available epidemiological data indicate that the use of combined estrogen plus progestin in women age 65 and over may increase the risk of developing probable dementia.

The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a clinical substudy of the WHI, was designed to assess whether postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (oral estrogen plus progestin or oral estrogen-alone) reduces the risk of dementia in women aged 65 and over (age range 65-79 years) and free of dementia at baseline.

In the estrogen plus progestin arm of the WHIMS (n=4532), women with intact uteri were treated with daily 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or placebo for an average of 4.05 years. The results, when extrapolated to 10 000 women treated over a one-year period showed:

• 23 more cases of probable dementia (45 on combined HRT versus 22 on placebo).

  
  

In the estrogen-alone arm of the WHIMS (n=2947), women with prior hysterectomy were treated with daily 0.625 mg CEE or placebo for an average of 5.21 years. The results, when extrapolated to 10 000 women treated over a one-year period showed:

• 12 more cases of probable dementia (37 on estrogen-alone versus 25 on placebo), although this difference did not reach statistical significance.

  
  

When data from the estrogen plus progestin arm of the WHIMS and the estrogen alone arm of the WHIMS were combined, as per the original WHIMS protocol, in 10 000 women over a one-year period, there were:

• 18 more cases of probable dementia (41 on estrogen plus progestin or estrogen-alone versus 23 on placebo).

Particular caution is indicated in women with hepatic hemangiomas, as estrogen may cause an exacerbation of this condition.

Women with porphyria need special surveillance.

Estrogen-only HRT increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia/carcinoma (if taken by women with intact uteri).

There is evidence from several studies that estrogens, unopposed by progestins, increase the risk of carcinoma of the endometrium in humans. However, administration of a progestin for at least the last 12 to 14 days of an estrogen treatment cycle protects the endometrium from hyperplasia and reduces the risk of endometrial hyperplasia/carcinoma cancer to that of untreated women.

Morphological and biochemical studies have shown that 12-14 days of progestin treatment provides maximal control of endometrial mitotic activity. There are possible additional risks, which may be associated with the inclusion of a progestin in estrogen replacement regimens; therefore the manufacturers' labelling should be consulted. The long-term effects generally depend on the dosage and type of progestin used.

Estrogens should be prescribed with an appropriate dosage of a progestin for women with intact uteri in order to prevent endometrial hyperplasia/carcinoma.

Symptoms and physical findings associated with a previous diagnosis of endometriosis may reappear or become aggravated with estrogen use.

ESTROGEL should not be used in children.

Some recent epidemiological studies have found that the use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin therapies), in particular for five or more years, has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Contact sensitization is known to occur with topical applications. Although it is extremely rare, patients who develop contact sensitization to any component of the gel should be warned that a severe hypersensitivity reaction may occur with continuing exposure to the causative agent.

Estrogens may cause fluid retention. Therefore, particular caution is indicated in cardiac or renal dysfunction or asthma. If, in any of the above-mentioned conditions, a worsening of the underlying disease is diagnosed or suspected during treatment, the benefits and risks of treatment should be reassessed based on the individual case.

In the combined estrogen plus progestin arm of the WHI trial, among 10 000 women over a one-year period, there were:

• 8 more cases of stroke (29 on combined HRT versus 21 on placebo)

  
  

• 7 more cases of CHD (37 on combined HRT versus 30 on placebo).

  
  

In the estrogen-alone arm of the WHI trial of women with prior hysterectomy, among 10 000 women over a one-year period, there were/was:

• 12 more cases of stroke (44 on estrogen-alone therapy versus 32 on placebo)

  
  

• no statistically significant difference in the rate of CHD.

ESTROGEL must not be used while breastfeeding (see Contraindications).

Patients who require thyroid hormone replacement therapy and who are also taking estrogen should have their thyroid function monitored regularly to assure that thyroid hormone levels remain in an acceptable range (see Drug Interactions, Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions).

The results of the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Studies (HERS and HERS II) and the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial indicate that the use of estrogen plus progestin is associated with an increased risk of CHD in postmenopausal women. The results of the WHI trial indicate that the use of estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin is associated with an increased risk of stroke in postmenopausal women.

Liver function tests should be done periodically in subjects who are suspected of having hepatic disease. For information on endocrine and liver function tests, see Monitoring and Laboratory Tests.

The distribution of exogenous estrogens is similar to that of endogenous estrogens. Estrogens are widely distributed in the body and are generally found in higher concentrations in the sex hormone target organs. Estrogens circulate in blood largely bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.

Daily percutaneous administration of ESTROGEL results in increasing plasma estradiol levels, which plateau after 4-5 days of treatment, remaining relatively stable thereafter.

Percutaneous administration of ESTROGEL produces plasma concentrations of estradiol and estrone that are similar to those observed in the follicular phase of the ovulary cycle.

No clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of ESTROGEL® on women more than 65 years old.

ESTROGEL is a transdermal preparation which is comprised of a hydro-alcoholic gel containing 0.06% of the physiological hormone, 17β-estradiol (E₂).

Serum Concentration Time Curves of Estradiol And Estrone on Days 11-13 Following Multiple Administration of ESTROGEL 2.5 g to Postmenopausal Women

Estradiol, estrone and estriol are excreted in the urine along with glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.

ESTROGEL should be used in women only.

Exogenous estrogens are metabolized in the same manner as endogenous estrogens. Circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions. These transformations take place mainly in the liver. Estradiol is converted reversibly to estrone, and both can be converted to estriol, which is the major urinary metabolite. Estrogens also undergo enterohepatic recirculation via sulfate and glucuronide conjugation in the liver, biliary secretion of conjugates into the intestine, and hydrolysis in the gut followed by reabsorption. In postmenopausal women, a significant proportion of the circulating estrogens exist as sulfate conjugates, especially estrone sulfate, which serves as a circulating reservoir for the formation of more active estrogens. Although the clinical significance has not been determined, estradiol from ESTROGEL does not go through the first pass liver metabolism.

With daily administration of 2.5 g or 5 g ESTROGEL (corresponding to 1.5 mg or 3 mg estradiol, respectively), mean serum estradiol concentrations of approximately 80 pg/mL (294 pmol/L) and 150 pg/mL (551 pmol/L), respectively, are maintained. Administration of ESTROGEL also results in increased serum estrone concentrations, producing a physiological estradiol/estrone ratio of approximately one. Therefore, serum concentrations of both estradiol and estrone and the serum estradiol/estrone ratio provided by ESTROGEL are consistent with physiological levels observed during the follicular phase of the normal menstrual cycle.

Estrogen exerts a dose-dependent stimulating effect on mitosis (proliferation) of the endometrium. Unopposed estrogen increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia/carcinoma. Therefore, ESTROGEL should be prescribed with an appropriate dosage of progestin for women with intact uteri.

Mean concentrations-time profiles for estradiol and estrone are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Treatment of postmenopausal women with ESTROGEL provides swift and effective relief from climacteric symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal atrophy and insomnia. Co-administration of a progestin does not affect the efficacy of ESTROGEL to relieve climacteric symptoms and has been shown to be an effective method to prevent estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia.

In general, administration of ESTROGEL, in combination with a progesterone substitute, does not lead to significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure or heart rate in normotensive women. In only one open study, examining normotensive and hypertensive women, was a slight but significant reduction in blood pressure (remaining within the normal range) observed after 3 years of treatment. Administration of ESTROGEL does not lead to any significant change in rennin substrate, even when administered to diabetic patients.

Administration of ESTROGEL has no significant effect on carbohydrate metabolism, even when administered to non-insulin dependent diabetics.

ESTROGEL should not be used in children.