Estrace

A form of estrogen, Estrace drug is used for many conditions. The drug is used for treating hot flashes, vaginal burning, vaginal dryness and vaginal irritation. The medicine is given to postmenopausal women for treating osteoporosis and for women who lack estrogen in their body. Estrace drug is also used for treating certain cancers in men and women.

The Generic Name of Estrace is estradiol oral and comes in brands like Estrace, Gynodiol and Femtrace. The drug has to be bought through prescription only. Estrace prescribed for one person should not be used by another person if she has the same prevailing conditions.

This drug is not prescribed if a woman is carrying or feeding. This is because the medicine can cause harm to the unborn or the new born. The doctors also do not prescribe Estrace if a woman has unusual vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, uterine cancer, liver issues, history of stroke or heart attack and hormone dependent cancers. When taking Estrace, hormone related drugs have to be discarded as it can lead to blood clots, heart attack and stroke.

A person talking Estrace for long duration should always be in touch with the doctor as longer treatments with Estrace are known to increase the risk of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer. This is why the doctor advises frequent check ups. Moreover, a patient should not deviate from his prescription. If an overdose is used, there is a possibility of many complications.

Estrace is also known to affect certain test results. So before going for any medical test, the doctor or the lab technician should be told about Estrace medication. When contacting the physician for the problems, it is better that he knows every aspect of the medical conditions. The doctor should know if the person is having heart disease, blood clot history, kidney problems, jaundice, lupus, endometriosis, porphyria, underactive thyroid, epilepsy, asthma, gallbladder disease, low calcium levels and migraine. In case a patient has any of the above-mentioned problems, the doctor may alter the dosage and request special tests.

Estrace is not to be used with some drugs and they include warfarin, cimetidine, carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, St. John's wort, antibiotics and anti-fungal medicines. But in case, these drugs cannot be avoided, the doctor may adjust the doses or may prescribe some other drug.

There is a possibility of minor and serious side effects when taking Estrace. Breathing problems, hives, rashes and swelling are some allergies that some patients can come across while using Estrace. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy feeling, pain in the chest, nausea, weakness, severe headache, vision problems, speech and balance problems, cough, fast heart beat, appetite loss, nausea and lump in breast are some of the severe side effects with Estrace. Some persons can also come across mild side effects like mild vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, darkening of skin in the face, breast pain, loss of hair in the scalp, tenderness, changes in menstrual periods, swelling, vaginal itching and vaginal discharge.