Estrabet Gel (Estrogen)

Estrabet 0.06% Gel is a prescription medication containing Estradiol (17β-Estradiol) 0.06% w/w, manufactured by Abbott India Ltd. Available in an 80-gram tube, it is a topical estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to relieve menopausal symptoms in women. The gel, with a hydroalcoholic base containing 42.5% w/w alcohol, is applied to the skin, allowing estradiol to be absorbed into the bloodstream. It is primarily used to manage moderate to severe hot flashes, vaginal dryness, itching, and burning associated with menopause, and may also prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. In some cases, it supports fertility treatments like IVF by preparing the endometrium. Estrabet requires a doctor’s prescription due to potential risks, including increased chances of endometrial cancer and blood clots.

Uses

Estrabet 0.06% Gel is used for:

• Relieving moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, itching, and burning

• Treating vaginal atrophy (thinning, drying, and inflammation of vaginal walls) in postmenopausal women

• Preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis by maintaining bone density

• Supporting endometrial preparation in fertility treatments, such as frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, often with progesterone

• Managing estrogen deficiency in conditions like irregular menstrual cycles or ovulation issues (off-label use)

• Treating breast or prostate cancer in combination with other anticancer drugs (off-label use in specific cases)

Side Effects

Estrabet 0.06% Gel may cause:

• Common: Headache, breast pain or tenderness, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, hair loss, flatulence, edema

• Rare: Mood swings, depression, skin irritation at application site, metrorrhagia (bleeding between periods), changes in libido

• Serious: Increased risk of endometrial cancer (in women with a uterus using unopposed estrogen), blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing), liver dysfunction (e.g., jaundice), gallbladder issues

Seek immediate medical help for severe symptoms like unusual vaginal bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling/pain in limbs, or severe headache. Consult a doctor if side effects persist or worsen.

How to Use

• Dosage: Apply as prescribed, typically 1.25 g (one pump depression, delivering 0.75 mg estradiol) daily for menopausal symptoms, or as directed for other indications (e.g., 6 mg/day for FET cycles). The dose and duration depend on the condition and patient response.

• Administration: Apply a thin layer to clean, dry, intact skin on one arm (wrist to shoulder) or both thighs/calves, as directed. Gently massage until absorbed. Wash hands with soap and water after application. Allow the gel to dry for 5 minutes before dressing. Avoid applying to breasts, face, vagina, or irritated/broken skin. For vaginal use (if prescribed), use the provided applicator to insert a measured dose before bedtime.

• Missed Dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as remembered, unless it’s within 12 hours of the next dose. Skip the missed dose if late and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Overdose: Seek immediate medical help for symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding. Overdose is rare with topical application but possible with excessive use.

How Gel Works

Estrabet 0.06% Gel contains Estradiol, a bioidentical estrogen hormone identical to that produced by the ovaries. Applied transdermally, it is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver’s first-pass metabolism, which ensures higher bioavailability and more stable estradiol levels compared to oral forms. Estradiol replaces declining estrogen levels during menopause, alleviating symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss by binding to estrogen receptors in target tissues (e.g., reproductive system, bones, brain). It promotes vaginal tissue health, reduces vasomotor symptoms by regulating body temperature, and supports bone density. In fertility treatments, it thickens the endometrium to prepare for embryo implantation. Effects on menopausal symptoms may be noticeable within weeks, with full benefits taking months.

Safety Advice

• Allergies: Avoid if allergic to Estradiol or any components (e.g., alcohol, carbomer 934P, triethanolamine). Check for soy or peanut allergies if applicable.

• Health Conditions: Contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, history of breast or endometrial cancer, blood clots (e.g., DVT, PE), stroke, heart attack, severe liver disease (Child-Pugh C), or bleeding disorders. Use cautiously in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, migraine, lupus, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, high/low calcium levels, or thyroid/kidney issues.

• Drug Interactions: May interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) or inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine), affecting estradiol levels. Increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants (e.g., Apixaban, previously mentioned by user). Avoid concurrent use with other vaginal products unless advised. Inform your doctor of all medications/supplements, including St. John’s wort and grapefruit juice.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Highly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential fetal harm and toxicity to infants. Consult a doctor if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

• Driving: No significant impact on driving ability.

• Alcohol: No established interaction, but limit alcohol to reduce overall health risks. Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.