Estrace (Generic name : Estradiol Valerate) is a hormonal combination prescribed as a birth-control pill or in order to regulate the patient's menstrual cycle.

• What should my health care professional know before I use Estrace?
• What side effects may I notice from taking Estrace?
• What should I watch for while taking Estrace?
• Where can I keep my medicine?

What should my health care professional know before I use Estrace?
They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:
•blood clots
•blood sugar problems, like diabetes
•cancer of the breast, cervix, ovary, uterus, vagina, or unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated by a health care professional
•depression
•fibroids
•gallbladder disease
•heart or circulation problems
•high blood pressure
•jaundice
•liver disease
•menstrual problems
•migraine, headaches
•tobacco smoker
•stroke
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Estradiol, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
 
What side effects may I notice from taking Estrace?
Severe side effects are relatively rare in women who are healthy and do not smoke while they are taking oral contraceptives. On average, more women have problems due to complications from getting pregnant than have problems with oral contraceptives. Many of the minor side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, the potential for severe side effects does exist and you may want to discuss these with your health care provider.
The following symptoms or side effects may be related to blood clots and require immediate medical or emergency help:
•chest pain
•coughing up blood
•dizziness or fainting spells
•leg, arm or groin pain
•severe or sudden headaches
•stomach pain (severe)
•sudden shortness of breath
•sudden loss of coordination, especially on one side of the body
•swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
•vision or speech problems
•weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body
Other serious side effects are rare. Contact your health care provider as soon as you can if the following side effects occur:
•breast tissue changes or discharge
•changes in vaginal bleeding during your period or between your periods
•headaches or migraines
•increases in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes
•increases in blood pressure, especially if you are known to have high blood pressure
•symptoms of vaginal infection (itching, irritation or unusual discharge)
•tenderness in the upper abdomen
•vomiting
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your health care provider if they continue or are bothersome):
•breakthrough bleeding and spotting that continues beyond the 3 initial cycles of pills
•breast tenderness
•mild stomach upset
•mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
•increased or decreased appetite
•increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light
•nausea
•skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the skin
•tiredness
•weight gain
If you are taking this medicine for emergency prevention of pregnancy, it is common to have nausea, headache, abdominal pain or cramping, breast tenderness and dizziness. You may vomit. If you throw-up within 1 hour of taking your dose, you will need to contact your health care professional for instructions. If any of the other side effects are severe or continue, contact your health care professional. After you finish your prescription, it is common for you to have changes in your next period, or to have spotting. If you do not get a period within 21 days of taking your prescription, you should see your health care professional and get a pregnancy test.
 
What should I watch for while taking Estrace?
Visit your prescriber or health care provider for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 to 12 months. If you have any unusual vaginal bleeding contact your doctor or health care provider for advice. If you miss a period, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered. See your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can.
Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.
If you stop taking these tablets and want to get pregnant, a return to normal ovulation can take some time. You may not return to normal ovulation and fertility for 3 to 6 months. Discuss your pregnancy plans with your health care provider.
If you are taking oral contraceptives for the treatment of acne, hirsutism (male-like hair growth), endometriosis or other hormone related problems, it may take several months of continued treatment to notice improvement in your symptoms or condition.
Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking oral contraceptives, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
Oral contraceptives can increase your sensitivity to the sun and you may burn more easily. Use sunscreen and protective clothing during long periods outdoors. Tanning booths should be used with caution.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.
You may get a vaginal yeast infection. If you have never had a yeast infection before, see your prescriber or other health care provider to confirm the problem. If you have had yeast infections in the past and are comfortable with self-medicating the problem, get and use a nonprescription medication to treat the yeast infection.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking your contraceptive pills one month beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.
Taking contraceptive pills does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.
 
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.