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| Dosing, Application, Cost
Dosing MENOSTAR® (estradiol transdermal system) is provided as a micro-dose of estradiol delivered in a convenient, once-a-week, transdermal system. MENOSTAR should only be prescribed to postmenopausal women who are at significant risk of osteoporosis. Nonestrogen medications should be carefully considered. Risk factors for postmenopausal osteoporosis include low bone mineral density, low estrogen levels, family history of osteoporosis, previous fracture, small frame (low BMI), light skin color, smoking, and alcohol intake. Response to therapy can be assessed during treatment by measuring biochemical markers of bone formation/resorption, and/or bone mineral density. When estrogen is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, a progestin should also be used to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. A woman without a uterus does not need progestin. For women with a uterus, adequate diagnostic measures, such as endometrial sampling, when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is recommended that women who have a uterus and are treated with MENOSTAR receive a progestin for only 14 days every 6 to 12 months and undergo an endometrial biopsy at yearly intervals or as clinically indicated. MENOSTAR: a micro-dose of estradiol in a convenient, once-a-week, transdermal delivery system MENOSTAR is provided in a 3.25 cm2 transparent patch applied weekly
In the ULTRA study,
Transdermal delivery of estradiol avoids the first-pass hepatic effect
No upper GI effects seen2 *Clinical significance is unknown. Application The adhesive side of the MENOSTAR transdermal system should be placed on a clean, dry area of the lower abdomen. MENOSTAR should not be applied to or near the breasts. The sites of application must be rotated, with an interval of at least 1 week allowed between applications to a particular site. The area selected should not be oily, damaged, or irritated. The waistline should be avoided, since tight clothing may rub and remove the transdermal system. Application to areas where sitting would dislodge the transdermal system should also be avoided. The transdermal system should be applied immediately after opening the pouch and removing the protective liner. The transdermal system should be pressed firmly in place with the fingers for about 10 seconds, making sure there is good contact, especially around the edges. This will help prevent against any "patch lift." If the transdermal system lifts, apply pressure to maintain adhesion. In the event that a transdermal system should fall off, a new transdermal system should be applied for the remainder of the 7-day dosing interval. Only one system should be worn at any one time during the 7-day dosing interval. Swimming, bathing, or using a sauna while using MENOSTAR (estradiol transdermal system) has not been studied, and these activities may decrease the adhesion of the transdermal system and the delivery of estradiol. Removal of the Transdermal System: Used patches still contain some active hormones. Each patch should be carefully folded in half so that it sticks to itself before throwing it away. How MENOSTAR Is Supplied MENOSTAR (estradiol transdermal system), 14 mcg/day — each 3.25 cm2 system contains 1 mg of estradiol USP
Do not store above 86°F (30°C). Do not store unpouched. Apply immediately upon removal from the protective pouch. Cost Priced approximately 40% less than SERMs and bisphosphonates based on Red Book (6/04).† (Actual retail price may vary; price comparison does not imply comparability in any other respect for these products.)3 †Price includes recommended progestin. References: |
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