Estropipate



Ogen®; Ortho-Est®







Estropipate

(ES troe pih pate)

U.S. Brand Names
Ogen®; Ortho-Est®
Canadian Brand Names
Ogen®
Mexican Brand Names
Ogen®
Pharmacologic Category
Estrogen Derivative
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Estrogens, when used in females after menopause, may increase the risk of uterine cancer. Progestins may decrease this risk. A warning sign for cancer of the uterus is unusual vaginal bleeding. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to healthcare provider. Do not take estrogens if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, call healthcare provider right away.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to estropipate or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Blood clots, diseased arteries in the brain, disease of a heart valve with complications, endometrial cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, liver tumor, severe headache, tumor where estrogen makes it grow, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
  • If you have major surgery and need bedrest.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used as an estrogen replacement in ovarian removal, malfunction, or failure.
  • This medicine is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal females.
  • This medicine is used to stop or reduce the symptoms of menopause.
  • This medicine is used to treat vaginal irritation and dryness caused by menopause.
How does it work?
  • This medicine is used as an estrogen replacement.
  • Estrogens reduce bone destruction.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Osteoporosis:
  • This medicine works best when used with calcium/vitamin D supplements and weight-bearing exercises like walking or physical therapy.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • There may be a higher risk of endometrial or breast cancer.
  • If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Breast pain.
  • Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.
  • Gallbladder disease, blood clots, heart attacks, and other vascular problems can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
  • Check blood work (cholesterol panel). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Have a yearly eye exam.
  • Bone density test.
  • Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider yearly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • A lump in the breast or breast tenderness.
  • For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
  • Read the package insert for more details.
Brand Names: