Indications
Estrace vaginal cream is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause. It can help to relieve symptoms such as dryness, itching, burning, and pain during sex. It contains the hormone estradiol, which is a form of estrogen. It works by replacing the estrogen that the body stops producing after menopause.
Uses and Dosage
Estrace Vaginal Cream is applied directly inside the vagina using an applicator that comes with the medication. The dosage and duration of treatment may vary, depending on the individual's condition and response to therapy.
To use Estrace Cream with an applicator:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before using the medication.
- Remove the cap from the tube of Estrace Cream and attach the applicator to the tube.
- Squeeze the tube to fill the applicator with the prescribed amount of cream.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent or stand with one foot on a chair or step stool.
- Gently insert the applicator high into the vagina, as far as it comfortably goes.
- Slowly push the plunger on the applicator to release the cream into the vagina.
- Remove the applicator from the vagina and discard it.
- Rinse the applicator with warm, soapy water and allow it to dry for reuse.
Note: Do not use the applicator that may come with the prescription for the estrogen cream. Use only the applicator that comes with the medication.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Estrace Vaginal Cream (Estradiol):
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight changes
Serious Side Effects of Estrace Vaginal Cream (Estradiol):
- Breast lumps
- Chest, jaw, or left arm pain
- Confusion
- Coughing up blood
- Dark urine
- Depression
- Fainting
- Increased or new vaginal irritation (itching, odor, or discharge)
- Increased thirst or urination
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Pain, redness or swelling in one or both legs
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Severe stomach pain
- Slurred speech
- Sudden dizziness
- Sudden severe headache
- Sudden vision changes
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual sweating
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or recurrent bleeding)
- Weakness (particularly in one side)
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Estrace Vaginal Cream (Estradiol) is available in the following forms and strength:
Estrace Vaginal Cream: Cream
- 0.01%
Estradiol: Vaginal Cream
- 0.01%
Caution
- The use of estrogen-only therapies may increase the risk of endometrial cancer in women with an intact uterus. Adding a progestin may reduce this risk.
- The use of estrogen therapies may increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer.
- Estrogen therapies should not be used in women with a history of breast cancer or a history of blood clots or stroke.
- The cream should be used with caution in women with liver problems or a history of jaundice.
- The risk of side effects may be increased in women with asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, migraines, or a history of depression.
- Estrace cream should not be used by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
- The cream may interact with other medications, including some antibiotics, antifungal medications, and drugs used to treat HIV.
- Women with a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of these conditions may be at an increased risk of developing these conditions while using estrogen therapies.
- The cream should be used with caution in women with a history of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or abnormal mammograms.
- Estrace may increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women who have taken it for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Estrace Vaginal Cream used for?
Estrace Vaginal Cream is used to treat the symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, such as dryness, itching, burning, and pain during sex.
Can Estrace Vaginal Cream be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Estrace Vaginal Cream should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Are there any medication interactions with Estrace Vaginal Cream?
Estrace Vaginal Cream may interact with some antibiotics, antifungal medications, and drugs used to treat HIV.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-56968/estrace-vaginal/details
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19770-estradiol-vaginal-cream
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=dfc41fcd-c5ba-4b25-b647-cf04d3988b3e
- https://www.rxlist.com/estrace-vaginal-cream-drug.htm
- https://www.goodrx.com/estrace/what-is
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