Divigel
Generic Name:
Estradiol gel
Brand Names:
Divigel, Estrogel, Elestrin, Estrasorb topical
Divigel Description:
Divigel, Estrogel, Elestrin, Estrasorb topical
Divigel Uses:
Divigel is used to treat hot flashes experienced by post-menopausal women. Estradiol, the active ingredient in Divigel, is an estrogen hormone that is naturally produced in pre-menopausal women. After menopause, this hormone is no longer produced by the ovaries, commonly resulting in symptoms of hot flashes and heavy perspiration. Divigel supplies this hormone to the body in order to relieve and counteract the symptoms of menopause.
Divigel Interactions:
Do not take any new medicine without talking to your doctor first. The following medications may negatively interact with Divigel:
- Dantrium (dantrolene)
- Panhematin (hemin)
- Lenalidomide (Revlimid)
- Barbiturates, including butalbital (Fioricet, Fiorinal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal)
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Protease inhibitor HIV medications, including amprenavir (Agenerase), atazanavir (Reyataz), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir)
- Rifamycin antibiotics, including rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin), and rifapentine (Priftin)
- Seizure medications, including carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- St. John’s wort
- Thyroid replacement drugs, including liothyronine (Cytomel), liotrix (Thyrolar), levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid), thyroid (Armor Thyroid, Nature-Throid)
- Antifungal medications or antibiotics, including clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (Ery-Tab), isoniazid (Nydrazid), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole, telithromycin (Ketek)
Divigel Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Divigel is a transdermal gel that is supplied in individually wrapped, single-dose foil packets. Divigel is available in varying strengths: 0.25 mg estradiol per 0.25 g product, 0.5 mg estradiol per 0.5 g, and 1.0 mg estradiol per 1.0 g.
Divigel should be applied to the skin once daily at around the same time each day. Follow these steps to ensure proper treatment:
- Apply to clean, dry, unbroken skin
- Gently apply the packet contents onto the skin of the left or right upper thigh and allow to dry
- Alternate between the left and right leg each day to avoid irritation
- Wash hands with soap and water after application
- Allow the gel to thoroughly dry before putting on clothing or touching the area
- Do not allow others to come into contact with the treated area for at least one hour
- Never apply the gel to the face, breast, or vagina
- Do not allow others to apply the gel for you, unless they are wearing plastic gloves
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a dose of Divigel and the next scheduled application time is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and wait to apply the dose until the next day. If the next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away, apply the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule the following day. Never apply more than one dose in a day.
Overdosing:
Serious effects have not been reported following a Divigel overdose. Consult your doctor if you have any temporary vaginal bleeding. Ingesting Divigel can cause nausea and vomiting.
Divigel FDA Approval:
June 4, 2007
Divigel Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are no recalls for Divigel.
Endometrial Cancer Risk
Divigel carries a Black Box warning for the potential increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. This risk can be reduced by incorporating progestin into treatment. Make use of adequate endometrial diagnostic measures to monitor the status of the endometrium in case of abnormal genital bleeding.
Cardiovascular Risk
Divigel carries a Black Box warning for the potential risk of severe cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke when used along with progestin. Divigel should not be used to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, or dementia, as it has the potential to cause these events.
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
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September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
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August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
