Menostar (estradiol)

Estrogens Transdermal Patch, Transdermal Weekly

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Estradiol (a principal endogenous estrogen) is a steroidal estrogen.

USES: This medication is a hormone (estrogen). It is used by women after menopause to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). However, there are other medications (such as raloxifene, bisphosphonates including alendronate) that are also effective in preventing bone loss and may be safer.

These medications should be considered for use before estrogen treatment.

Generic name: estradiol
Pronunciation: (ES-tra-DYE-ol)
Drug class: Estrogens
Therapeutic class: Endocrine

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Menostar:

  • Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis Prevention

Also known as: Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Prophylaxis.

Dosing

Dosage of estradiol, estradiol acetate, estradiol cypionate, estradiol valerate, and ethinyl estradiol must be individualized according to the condition being treated and the tolerance and therapeutic response of the patient. To minimize the risk of adverse effects, the lowest possible effective dosage should be used. When short-term estrogen therapy is indicated (e.g., for the management of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause; vulvar and vaginal atrophy), therapy should be discontinued as soon as possible; attempts to reduce dosage or discontinue the drug should be made at 3- to 6-month intervals. Because of the potential increased risk of cardiovascular events, breast cancer, and venous thromboembolic events, estrogen and estrogen/progestin therapy should be limited to the lowest effective doses and shortest duration of therapy consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Estrogen and estrogen/progestin therapy should be periodically reevaluated.

Estrogen therapy is administered continuously or cyclically. While estrogen therapy alone may be appropriate in women who have undergone a hysterectomy, many clinicians currently recommend that a progestin be added to estrogen therapy in women with an intact uterus. Addition of progestin therapy for 10 or more days of a cycle of estrogen administration or daily with estrogen in a continuous regimen reduces the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia and the attendant risk of endometrial carcinoma in women with an intact uterus. Morphologic and biochemical studies of the endometrium suggest that 10-13 days of progestin are needed to provide maximum maturation of the endometrium and to eliminate any hyperplastic changes. The manufacturer of Menostar(R) recommends that women with an intact uterus receive a progestin for 14 days every 6-12 months. When a progestin is used in conjunction with an estrogen, the usual precautions associated with progestin therapy should be observed. Clinicians prescribing progestins should be aware of the risks associated with these drugs and the manufacturers' labeling should be consulted. The choice and dosage of a progestin may be important factors in minimizing adverse effects.

When long-acting parenteral preparations are used in the management of conditions associated with estrogen deficiency, the drugs are usually administered once every 3-4 weeks.

Drug interactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindications

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Adverse reactions

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Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Post-menopausal osteoporosis prevention
Z78.0ICD10CMAsymptomatic menopausal state

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data