Indications 

This pharmaceutical agent represents an exogenous female hormone employed in managing vaginal symptoms associated with menopause, including vaginal dryness, burning, and itching. These symptoms arise from the diminished production of endogenous estrogen within the female body. In cases where only treatment of vaginal menopausal symptoms is pursued, intravaginal preparations, such as the medication mentioned above, are recommended as the initial approach. Oral, transdermal, or injectable forms of estrogen carry a heightened likelihood of adverse effects due to increased systemic absorption of estrogen. 

Uses and Dosage 

Estrace (estradiol vaginal cream, USP, 0.01%) is approved for therapeutic managing vulvar and vaginal atrophy. The recommended dosage typically falls within the range of 2 to 4 grams, as indicated on the applicator, administered daily for one or two weeks. Subsequently, the dosage should be gradually reduced to one-half of the initial amount for a similar period. Once the restoration of the vaginal mucosa is achieved, a maintenance dosage of 1 gram, administered one to three times per week, may be employed. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects

Adverse effects that may arise include:  

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Bloating 
• Breast tenderness 
• Headache 
• Weight changes 

If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist. 

Severe Side Effects

Remember that your physician has prescribed this medication based on a thorough assessment of the potential benefits outweighing the risk of side effects. Serious side effects are infrequent among individuals utilizing this medication. 

If you experience any severe side effects, notify your doctor. These include  

• Persistent nausea or vomiting  
• Alterations in mental or mood states, such as  
  • Depression 
  • Memory loss 
• Presence of breast lumps 
• Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as  
  • Spotting 
  • Breakthrough bleeding 
  • Prolonged/recurrent bleeding 
• Heightened or new vaginal irritation, itching, odor, or discharge 
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain 
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin 
• Dark urine 
• Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet 
• Increased thirst or urination 

Cautions 

Before using this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies you have, including allergies to this specific medication or other substances. Inactive ingredients present in the product can trigger allergic reactions or other complications. For further details, consult with your pharmacist. 

Before starting this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. This includes any instances of:  

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding 
• Certain types of cancers (breast, uterine, or ovarian) 
• Blood clotting disorders 
• Strokes 
• Heart disease (including heart attacks) 
• Liver or kidney disease 
• Family history of medical conditions (primarily related to breast lumps, cancer, or blood clotting disorders) 
• Personal or family history of angioedema (a specific swelling disorder) 
• Blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency) 
• High blood pressure 
• Diabetes 
• Elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels 
• Obesity 
• Lupus 
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) 
• Mineral imbalances (such as low or high blood calcium levels) 
• Hypoparathyroidism (a hormone disorder) 
• Uterine problems (fibroids or endometriosis) 
• Gallbladder disease 
• Asthma 
• Seizures 
• Migraine headaches 
• Mental or mood disorders (such as dementia or depression) 
• Specific blood disorders (porphyria)