Combipatch (estradiol transdermal patches) are used to treat hot and/or vaginal dryness, itching, and burning in women who are experiencing menopause (the end of monthly menstrual periods). Transdermal estradiol is also used to prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who are experiencing or have experienced menopause. Women whose only bothersome symptoms are vaginal dryness, itching, or burning may benefit more from an estrogen product that is applied topically to the vagina. Women who only need a medication to prevent osteoporosis may benefit more from a different medication that does not contain estrogen. Most brands of estradiol transdermal patches are also sometimes used as a source of estrogen in young women who do not produce enough estrogen naturally. Estradiol is in a class of medications called estrogen hormones. It works by replacing estrogen that is normally produced by the body.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Peel off the backing from the patch and apply the patch to a clean, dry area of the lower stomach. Press the patch firmly in place for about 10 seconds to make sure it stays on. Do not apply the patch on the breast or on oily, broken, or irritated skin. When wearing the patch, do not expose it to the sun for long periods of time. Use this medication as directed by your doctor. The patch is usually replaced twice a week (every 3 to 4 days. When replacing your patch, make sure to apply the new patch to a different area. If a patch falls off, reapply it to a different area. Do not wear 2 patches at the same time.

Before using transdermal estradiol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any brand of transdermal estradiol, any other estrogen products, any other medications, or any adhesives
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following:
  • asthma seizures, migraine headaches, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially during pregnancy or while you were using an estrogen product; very high or very low levels of calcium in your blood; porphyria (condition in which abnormal substances build up in the blood and cause problems with the skin or nervous system)or gallbladder, thyroid, pancreas, liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using transdermal estradiol, call your doctor
• if you are using transdermal estradiol to prevent osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about additional ways to prevent the disease such as exercising and taking vitamin D and/or calcium supplements

Transdermal estradiol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• breast pain or tenderness r
• edness or irritation of the skin that was covered by the estradiol patch
• swelling, redness, burning, irritation or itching of the vagina
• vaginal discharge

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these, call your doctor immediately:

• stomach tenderness, pain, or swelling
• hives
• rash, blisters on skin, or other skin changes
• swelling, of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Transdermal estradiol may increase your risk of developing cancer of the ovaries and gallbladder disease that may need to be treated with surgery.

Transdermal estradiol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

Q: What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

A: Keep estradiol patches sealed in their original pouches and out of reach of children. Store the patches at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.

Q: Is there a generic name for Combipatch?

A: Yes; the generic name is Transdermal Estradiol Patches. It contains a mixture of female hormones including estradiol and norethindrone. Estradiol and norethindrone is used as a hormone replacement in menopausal women who still have their uterus.