Ovestin
Ovestin is a hormone replacement therapy containing estriol, used to relieve menopausal symptoms in women whose last natural menstrual period was at least 12 months ago.
How to Use
Dosage
For menopausal symptoms, start with 4-8 mg daily (2-4 tablets of 2 mg, or 4-8 tablets of 1 mg) for the first few weeks. Then, gradually reduce the daily dose to 1-2 mg (1/2-1 tablet of 2 mg, or 1-2 tablets of 1 mg). Lower doses may be prescribed for other conditions.
Method
Swallow the tablets with water or another liquid. Take the entire daily dose at once, at approximately the same time each day.
Do not exceed the maximum daily dose of 8 mg, and do not use this highest dose for more than a few weeks, to prevent thickening of the womb lining.
Possible Side Effects
- •Breast swelling and tenderness
- •Light vaginal bleeding
- •Increased vaginal discharge
- •Nausea
- •Swelling (fluid retention), typically in ankles or feet
- •Flu-like symptoms
- •Gallstones
- •Skin discoloration on face and neck (chloasma/pregnancy spots)
- •Painful, red skin lumps (erythema nodosum)
- •Target-shaped rash with blisters or sores (erythema multiforme)
Important Warnings
- Do not use Ovestin if you have or have had breast cancer, womb cancer, or other estrogen-sensitive cancers, or if these are suspected.
- Do not use Ovestin if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Do not use Ovestin if you have or have had a blood clot in your leg (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), heart attack, or stroke.
- Stop using Ovestin and contact a doctor immediately if your skin or eyes turn yellow (a sign of liver disease), or if your face, tongue, or throat swell (a sign of a severe allergic reaction).
- If you become pregnant, stop using Ovestin and contact your doctor immediately.
Use in Elderly Patients
The classification depends on the dosage form. Systemic use (for example estrogen patch, tablet, gel): Avoid use in older adults. In systemic use, consider potential adverse effects, such as risk of cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism. Consider potential interactions. Topical treatment of the vagina: Suitable for older adults. No significant systemic absorption. (updated 21.10.2024)