Why is Estrogen Patches prescribed?

All of these products are used to reduce symptoms of menopause, including feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest; the sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating known as "hot flashes"; dry, itchy external genitals; and vaginal irritation. They are also prescribed for other conditions that cause low levels of estrogen, and some doctors prescribe them for teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate.

Along with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise, Alora, Estraderm, Climara, Vivelle, and Vivelle-Dot are prescribed to prevent osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and easily broken.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using the estrogen patch.

• More common side effects may include:
  Anxiety, upper respiratory tract infection, skin redness and irritation at the site of the patch, sinus problems, neck pain, nausea, indigestion, insomnia, hot flushes, high blood pressure, headache, flu-like symptoms, depression, constipation, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding, back pain, weight increase.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Estrogen Patches

If you take certain other drugs while using estrogen, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking the following:

Alcohol
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Dantrolene (Dantrium)
Epilepsy drugs such as Tegretol and Dilantin
Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab)
Grapefruit juice
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Rifampin (Rifadin)
Ritonavir (Norvir)
St. John's wort
Steroids such as Deltasone
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil

Most important fact about Estrogen Patches

Because estrogens have been linked with an increased risk of breast, uterine, and endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus), it is essential to have regular mammograms and checkups. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor immediately.

Hormone replacement therapy using estrogens, with or without progestin, should not be used to prevent heart disease. Recent studies have confirmed an increased rate of heart attack, stroke, and dangerous blood clots among women taking estrogen or estrogen combinations for 5 years. Blood clots can lead to phlebitis, a blockage in the blood vessels serving the eye, a loss of blood supply to the lungs, heart attack, stroke, and other serious disorders. Because of these risks, hormone replacement therapy should be given at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Your doctor will determine the dosage that is best for you.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of estrogen overdose may include:
  Nausea, vomiting, withdrawal bleeding

Why is Starlix prescribed?

Starlix combats high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (the kind that does not require insulin shots). Insulin speeds the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream to the body's cells, where it's burned to produce energy. In diabetes, the body either fails to make enough insulin, or proves unable to properly use what's available. Starlix attacks the problem from the production angle, stimulating the pancreas to secrete more insulin.

Starlix can be used alone or combined with another diabetes drug, such as Actos, Avandia, or Glucophage, that tackles the other part of the problem, working to improve the body's response to whatever insulin it makes. Starlix is prescribed only when diet and exercise--or aother diabetes drug alone--has failed to control blood sugar levels.

Special warnings about Starlix

You should periodically test your blood or urine for abnormal sugar (glucose) levels. Even people with well-controlled diabetes may find that injury, surgery, infection, or fever results in a temporary loss of blood sugar control. At such times, the doctor may recommend that you take insulin instead of Starlix.

The effectiveness of any antidiabetic drug, including Starlix, may decrease with time. This may occur because of either a diminished responsiveness to the medication or a worsening of the diabetes.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Take Starlix shortly before meals. The usual dose of Starlix, Avandia, whether taken alone or combined with Actos, or Glucophage, is 120 milligrams three times a day. If your doctor finds that your glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels are near normal before you start taking the drug, you may use the lower dose of 60 milligrams three times a day.

Why should Starlix not be prescribed?

If you have type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, you cannot use Starlix. The drug also cannot be used for diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening medical emergency caused by insufficient insulin and marked by excessive thirst, pain below the breastbone, fatigue, nausea, and fruity-smelling breath).

If you are already taking a drug that promotes insulin secretion, such as Micronase, you should not switch to Starlix or add it to your current drug. In addition, Starlix is not for you if you have been taking other antidiabetic drugs for a long time, or if Starlix gives you an allergic reaction.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Starlix

If Starlix is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Starlix with the following:

Airway-opening drugs such as Alupent and Proventil
Aspirin
Beta blockers such as the blood pressure medications Inderal and Tenormin
Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone)
Decongestants such as Sudafed
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn
Salicylates such as the arthritis drugs Disalcid and Trilisate
Thiazide diuretics such as the water pills Esidrix and HydroDIURIL
Thyroid medications such as Synthroid

Be careful about drinking alcohol, since excessive alcohol consumption can cause low blood sugar. Also be careful when having a liquid meal; it could reduce the effectiveness of the drug.