esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone

What is the most important information I should know about esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone?

Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone?

Esterified estrogens are female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.

Methyltestosterone is a sex hormone that is produced in a man's testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are also produced in a woman's ovaries and adrenal system.

Esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes or night sweats. This medicine is usually given only short-term (such as 3 to 6 months).

Esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone?

• unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
• severe liver disease;
• if you have had a stroke or blood clot;
• if you have had hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina; or
• if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;
• liver problems, or jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones;
• a thyroid disorder;
• gallbladder disease;
• kidney disease;
• asthma;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• migraine headaches;
• diabetes;
• depression;
• uterine fibroid tumors;
• a breast lump or abnormal mammogram; or
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).

How should I take esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

This medicine is usually taken in a cycle of 3 weeks on and 1 week off. Follow your doctor's instructions.

If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms while taking esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone.

When you stop using this medicine, follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include nausea and vaginal bleeding.

What should I avoid while using esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone?

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

What are the possible side effects of esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone?

• heart attack symptoms --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• signs of a blood clot --sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;
• swelling or tenderness in your stomach;
• nausea, vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• changes in skin color;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• a breast lump;
• memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior;
• high levels of calcium in your blood --nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy; or

Common side effects may include:

• swollen or painful breasts;
• vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps;
• darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
• vision changes, problems with contact lenses;
• swelling, weight gain or loss;
• increased or decreased libido;
• headache, dizziness, depression, anxiety; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• insulin; or
• a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01. Revision date: 11/22/2019.