Are you going through menopause? Or has your doctor told you that your hormone levels are low? If so, you may have been prescribed a medication called Estropipate. So today, let's talk about what Estropipate is, what it does to our bodies, and what we need to be especially careful about when using this medication.
What kind of medicine is Estropipate?
Simply put, Estropipate is a pill that contains the female hormone estrogen. It is mainly used as a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women who have gone through menopause.
As you may know, menopause brings with it discomforts like hot flashes, frequent sweating, and insomnia. Also, due to the decrease in estrogen hormone, bones become thinner and break easily, which means there is a risk of osteoporosis. So, these Estropipate tablets provide the body with the necessary estrogen hormone, helping to control these discomforts and protect bones.
Additionally, doctors prescribe this medication in some women who have low hormone levels, which are naturally produced by their ovaries.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is a very important point. Before starting Estropipate tablets, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health history. Especially, be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- A history of blood vessel disease or blood clots
- Breast, cervical, endometrial, or uterine cancer
- Diabetes
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids of the uterus
- Gallbladder disease
- Heart disease or recent heart attack
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- High level of calcium in the blood
- If the uterus has been surgically removed (hysterectomy)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Mental depression
- Migraine headaches
- The disease called porphyria
- If you have had a stroke
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- If you are a tobacco smoker
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
- Allergic reaction to estrogen or other hormones, medications, foods, or dyes
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If you are a breastfeeding mother
How should I use this medicine?
This is a pill to take by mouth. Take this pill with a glass of water. Take only the prescribed dose as prescribed by your doctor. It is very important to take the pill at the same time every day. This will help maintain the same hormone levels in your body.
If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications you are taking can affect the way Estropipate works. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal products, and pain relievers).
| Potentially problematic substances | Examples |
|---|---|
| Drugs that should never be taken with Estropipate | |
| Aromatase inhibitors | aminoglutethimide, anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole, testolactone |
| Other things that can cause interactions with Estropipate | |
| Some antiepileptic drugs | Barbiturates such as Carbamazepine and Phenobarbital |
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Erythromycin |
| Antifungals | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole |
| Medicines for tuberculosis | Rifabutin, Rifampin, Rifapentine |
| Other | Grapefruit juice, Ritonavir, St. John's Wort (herbal extract) |
Things you should pay attention to while taking the medicine
- Regular medical checkups: While taking this medicine, it is very important to see your doctor regularly to check your health. It is essential to have regular breast exams and Pap smears. Also, talk to your doctor about the need for mammograms and follow his or her instructions.
- Avoid smoking: This is very important! If you smoke while taking this medicine, especially if you are over 35 years of age, your risk of developing a blood clot or stroke is very high. Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid smoking completely.
- Swelling: This medicine may cause swelling in the hands, feet, or fingers due to fluid retention. Blood pressure may also increase. If you experience this, tell your doctor.
- Risk of uterine cancer: This medication carries a risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which is an abnormal growth of cells in the lining of the uterus. This can later develop into uterine cancer. To reduce this risk, your doctor may prescribe another hormone called progestin along with Estropipate if your uterus has not been surgically removed. Talk to your doctor about this and understand the benefits and risks for you.
- Pregnancy: If you suspect you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine immediately and consult your doctor.
- Surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, tell your doctor in advance. You may need to temporarily stop taking this medication before the procedure.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Estropipate can cause side effects. Below are some of the possible side effects.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, skin rash, itching) | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Breast changes, lumps, or fluid discharge | |
| Vision changes, chest pain, difficulty breathing | |
| Confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding | |
| Severe headache, difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of body balance | |
| Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg | |
| Pain, swelling, and warmth in a leg | |
| Pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting | |
| Abnormal vaginal bleeding | |
| Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or tarry stools | |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Hair loss | Talk to your doctor. |
| Feeling unusually tired or weak | |
| Symptoms of vaginal infections (itching, inflammation, abnormal discharge) | |
This list may not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other discomfort, consult your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Estropipate is a medication containing the hormone estrogen used to control symptoms associated with menopause and treat hormonal deficiencies.
- Before starting this medication, inform your doctor completely about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Smoking while taking this medicine greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. Therefore, avoid smoking completely.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, unusual vaginal bleeding, or breast lumps.
- Do not stop taking this medicine, change the dosage, or give it to others without your doctor's advice.
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