Like other prescription medications, EstroGel will not be right for everyone. It’s important that you and your healthcare provider consider your medical history when weighing the risks and benefits of EstroGel.

Who should not use EstroGel?1
Do not start using EstroGel if you have any of the following:
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Have or have had certain cancers

Estrogens may increase the chances of getting certain types of cancer, including cancer of the breast or uterus. If you have or have had cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should use EstroGel.

• Had a stroke or heart attack in the past year
• Currently have or have had blood clots
• Currently have or have had liver problems
• Are allergic to EstroGel or any of its ingredients
• Think you may be pregnant

Adverse events1
In clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse events for EstroGel were headache, infection, breast pain, vaginitis, abdominal pain, pain, and rash.

The benefits of EstroGel
EstroGel is an easy-to-use, low-dose estrogen therapy gel providing relief from common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness and itching.1

What should you avoid while using EstroGel?1
It is important that you do not spread the medicine to others, especially men and children. Be sure to wash your hands after applying EstroGel. Do not allow others to make contact with the area of skin where you applied the gel for at least 1 hour after application. Alcohol-based gels are flammable. Avoid fire, flame or smoking until the gel has dried.

For additional information on adverse events related to estrogens, click here to see the EstroGel patient information (PDF).

What can you do to lower your chances of having an adverse event with EstroGel?1
Talk with your healthcare provider regularly about whether you should continue using EstroGel. If you have a uterus, talk with your healthcare provider about whether the addition of a progestin is right for you. See your healthcare provider right away if you have unusual vaginal bleeding while using EstroGel. Have a breast exam and mammogram (breast x-ray) every year unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. If members of your family have had breast cancer or if you have ever had breast lumps or an abnormal mammogram, you may need to have breast exams more often. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol (fat in the blood), diabetes, are overweight, or if you use tobacco, you may have higher chances of getting heart disease. Ask your healthcare provider for ways to lower your chances of getting heart disease.

Have an annual gynecologic exam.

General information about the safe and effective use of EstroGel1
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use EstroGel for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EstroGel to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Keep EstroGel out of the reach of children.

While you may find a lot of practical menopause and treatment information on this web site, the information you learn here is not intended to replace the advice you get from your healthcare provider. He or she knows your medical history and what therapies make the most sense for you. Please always consult your healthcare provider first.