Elestrin
Estradiol · Gel, Metered · Topical
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELESTRIN is an estrogen indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause
Dosage and administration
Generally, when estrogen is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, consider addition of a progestin to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Generally, a woman without a uterus does not need to take a progestin in addition to her estrogen therapy. In some cases, however, hysterectomized women who have a history of endometriosis may need a progestin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , (5.14) ] . Use estrogen-alone, or in combination with a progestin, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Reevaluate postmenopausal women periodically as clinically appropriate to determine if treatment is still necessary. ELESTRIN is applied onto the skin in a thin layer. The recommended area of application is the upper arm to shoulder (approximately 320 cm 2 ). Start therapy with daily administration of one pump actuation to deliver 0.87 grams of gel providing 0.52 mg estradiol to the upper arm. Dosage adjustment should be guided by the clinical response ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause ELESTRIN is applied once daily to the upper arm for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause using a metered-dose pump which delivers 0.87 grams of estradiol gel (0.52 mg estradiol) per actuation (1 pump). Start therapy with one pump per day (0.87 grams per day, which contains 0.52 mg of estradiol). Make dosage adjustments based on clinical response.
Dosage forms and strengths
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS ELESTRIN is available in a metered dose pump which delivers 0.52 mg of estradiol in 0.87 grams of gel per pump actuation. Metered dose pump: 0.87 grams of gel per pump actuation delivers 0.52 mg of estradiol
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ELESTRIN is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions:
• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
• Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer [see Warnings and precautions (5.2) ] .
• Estrogen-dependent neoplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
• Active DVT, PE, or history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
• Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI) or a history of these conditions [see warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
• Known anaphylactic reaction, or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to ELESTRIN.
• Hepatic impairment or disease.
• Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders.
• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding ( 4 )
• Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer ( 4 , 5.2 )
• Estrogen-dependent neoplasia ( 4 , 5.2 )
• Active DVT, PE, or history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 )
• Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI) or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 )
• Known anaphylactic reaction or angioedema or hypersensitivity with ELESTRIN ( 4 )
• Hepatic impairment or disease ( 4 , 5.10 )
• Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
• Estrogens increase the risk of gallbladder disease ( 5.4 )
• Discontinue estrogen if severe hypercalcemia, loss of vision, severe hypertriglyceridemia or cholestatic jaundice occurs ( 5.5 , 5.6 , 5.9 , 5.10 )
• Monitor thyroid function in women on thyroid replacement therapy ( 5.11 , 5.21 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Disorders Increased risk of stroke and DVT are reported with estrogen-alone therapy. Increased risk of PE, DVT, stroke and MI are reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Immediately discontinue estrogen with or without progestin therapy if any of these occur or is suspected. Manage appropriately any risk factors for arterial vascular disease (for example, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) (for example, personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus). Stroke The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (45 versus 33 strokes per 10,000 women-years, respectively). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year 1 and persisted [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Immediately discontinue estrogen-alone therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected. Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest no increased risk of stroke for those women receiving CE (0.625 mg)-alone versus those receiving placebo (18 versus 21 per 10,000 women-years). 1 The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (33 versus 25 strokes per 10,000 women-years) [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted. 1 Immediately discontinue estrogen plus progestin therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected. Coronary Heart Disease The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI and CHD death) in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo 2 [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age, who were less than 10 years since menopause, suggest a reduction (not statistically significant) in CHD events in those women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (8 versus 16 per 10,000 women-years). 1 The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk of CHD events (not statistically significant) in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (41 versus 34 per 10,000 women-years) 1 . An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5 [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n = 2,763, average 66.7 years of age), in a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study; HERS) treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE plus MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established coronary heart disease. There were more CHD events in the CE plus MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during the subsequent years. Two thousand, three hundred and twenty-one (2,321) women from the original HERS trial agreed to participate in an open label extension of HERS, HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. Rates of CHD events were comparable among women in the CE plus MPA group and the placebo group in HERS, HERS II, and overall. Venous Thromboembolism In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy, the risk of VTE (DVT and PE) was increased for women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (30 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 versus 15 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first 2 years 3 [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Immediately discontinue estrogen-alone therapy if a VTE occurs or is suspected. The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically significant 2-fold greater rate of VTE in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (35 versus 17 per 10,000 women-years). Statistically significant increases in risk for both DVT (26 versus 13 per 10,000 women-years) and PE (18 versus 8 per 10,000 women-years) were also demonstrated. The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first year and persisted 4 [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Immediately discontinue estrogen plus progestin therapy if a VTE occurs or is suspected. If feasible, discontinue estrogens at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization. 5.2 Malignant Neoplasms Endometrial Cancer An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in a woman with a uterus. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2 to 12 times greater than in non-users and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with an increased risk of 15 to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more. This risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued.
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
• Cardiovascular Disorders [see Boxed Warning , and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
• Malignant Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning , and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5 percent) in any ELESTRIN treatment group are: breast tenderness, metrorrhagia, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infections. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda at 1-877-999-8401 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. ELESTRIN was studied in a placebo-controlled trial that included a total of 484 postmenopausal women. The adverse reactions that occurred at a rate greater than 5 percent in any of the treatment groups are summarized in Table 1. TABLE 1 - Incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 5 Percent of Women Body System / Signs and Symptoms Number (%) of Women Placebo (n = 137) ELESTRIN 0.87 g/day (n = 136) ELESTRIN 1.7 g/day (n = 142) Reproductive system & breast disorders Breast tenderness 5 (3.6) 9 (6.6) 11 (7.7) Metrorrhagia 3 (2.2) 6 (4.4) 13 (9.2) Respiratory, thoracic & mediastinal disorders Nasopharyngitis 10 (7.3) 14 (10.3) 12 (8.5) Upper respiratory tract infection 5 (3.6) 8 (5.9) 5 (3.5) 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ELESTRIN. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Genitourinary System Changes in vaginal bleeding pattern and abnormal withdrawal bleeding or flow; breakthrough bleeding; spotting; dysmenorrhea; increase in size of uterine leiomyomata; vaginitis, including vaginal candidiasis; change in amount of cervical secretion; changes in cervical ectropion; ovarian cancer; endometrial hyperplasia; endometrial cancer. Breasts Tenderness; enlargement, pain, nipple discharge, galactorrhea; fibrocystic breast changes; breast cancer. Cardiovascular Deep and superficial venous thrombosis; pulmonary embolism; thrombophlebitis; myocardial infarction; stroke; increase in blood pressure. Gastrointestinal Nausea, vomiting; abdominal cramps, bloating; cholestatic jaundice; increased incidence of gallbladder disease; pancreatitis, enlargement of hepatic hemangiomas. Skin Chloasma or melasma that may persist when drug is discontinued; erythema multiforme; erythema nodosum; hemorrhagic eruption; loss of scalp hair; hirsutism; pruritus, rash. Eyes Retinal vascular thrombosis, intolerance to contact lenses. Central Nervous System Headache; migraine; dizziness; mental depression; chorea; nervousness; mood disturbances; irritability; exacerbation of epilepsy, dementia. Miscellaneous Increase or decrease in weight; reduced carbohydrate tolerance; aggravation of porphyria; edema; arthralgias; leg cramps; changes in libido; urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions; hypocalcemia; exacerbation of asthma; increased triglycerides.
Drug interactions
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism. Inducers of CYP3A4, such as St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) preparations, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin, may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile. Inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, and grapefruit juice, may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and result in adverse reactions.
• Inducers and/or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism and decrease or increase the estrogen plasma concentrations ( 7 )
Use in specific populations
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary ELESTRIN is not indicated for use in pregnancy. There are no data with the use of ELESTRIN in pregnant women; however, epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies or limb-reduction defects) following exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogen and progestins) before conception or during early pregnancy. Animal studies to evaluate embryo/fetal toxicity were not conducted with ELESTRIN. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Estrogens are present in human milk and can reduce milk production in breast-feeding women. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breast-feeding is well-established. The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for ELESTRIN and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from ELESTRIN or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use ELESTRIN is not indicated in pediatric patients. Clinical studies have not been conducted in the pediatric population. 8.5 Geriatric Use There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric women involved in clinical studies utilizing ELESTRIN to determine whether those over 65 years of age differ from younger subjects in their response to ELESTRIN. The Women’s Health Initiative Study In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg]-alone versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of stroke in women greater than 65 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg] plus MPA [2.5 mg] versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of nonfatal stroke and invasive breast cancer in women greater than 65 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . The Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study In the WHIMS ancillary studies of postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age, there was an increased risk of developing probable dementia in women receiving estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin when compared to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Since both ancillary studies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women 8 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] .
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary ELESTRIN is not indicated for use in pregnancy. There are no data with the use of ELESTRIN in pregnant women; however, epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies or limb-reduction defects) following exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogen and progestins) before conception or during early pregnancy. Animal studies to evaluate embryo/fetal toxicity were not conducted with ELESTRIN.
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use ELESTRIN is not indicated in pediatric patients. Clinical studies have not been conducted in the pediatric population.
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric women involved in clinical studies utilizing ELESTRIN to determine whether those over 65 years of age differ from younger subjects in their response to ELESTRIN. The Women’s Health Initiative Study In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg]-alone versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of stroke in women greater than 65 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg] plus MPA [2.5 mg] versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of nonfatal stroke and invasive breast cancer in women greater than 65 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . The Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study In the WHIMS ancillary studies of postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age, there was an increased risk of developing probable dementia in women receiving estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin when compared to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Since both ancillary studies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women 8 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] .
Overdosage
Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, drowsiness and fatigue, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in women. Treatment of overdose consists of discontinuation of ELESTRIN therapy with institution of appropriate symptomatic care.
Description
(estradiol gel) contains 0.06% of estradiol, in a colorless, non-staining hydroalcoholic gel base. One pump actuation delivers ELESTRIN in a unit dose of 0.52 mg of estradiol in 0.87 g of gel. Estradiol is a white crystalline powder, chemically described as estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diol, (17β)-. It has a molecular formula of C 18 H 24 O 2
• ½H 2 O and molecular weight of 281.4. The structural formula is: The active component of ELESTRIN is estradiol. The remaining components of the gel (ethanol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, carbomer homopolymer type C, triethanolamine, edetate disodium, and purified water) are pharmacologically inactive. Elestrin Structural Formula
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Endogenous estrogens are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Although circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions, estradiol is the principal intracellular human estrogen and is substantially more potent than its metabolites, estrone and estriol, at the receptor level. The primary source of estrogen in normally cycling adult women is the ovarian follicle, which secretes 70 to 500 mcg of estradiol daily, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, most endogenous estrogen is produced by conversion of androstenedione, secreted by the adrenal cortex, to estrone in the peripheral tissues. Thus, estrone and the sulfate-conjugated form, estrone sulfate, are the most abundant circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women. Estrogens act through binding to nuclear receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. To date, two estrogen receptors have been identified. These vary in proportion from tissue to tissue. Circulating estrogens modulate the pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH through a negative feedback mechanism. Estrogens act to reduce the elevated levels of these hormones seen in postmenopausal women.
How supplied
16.1 How Supplied Elestrin (estradiol gel) 0.06% in a colorless, non-staining hydroalcoholic gel supplied in a non-aerosol, metered-dose pump container constructed of polypropylene. The drug product is contained within a collapsible inner liner/bag consisting of an inner and outer layer of low density polyethylene with a resealable polypropylene cap. Each pump container holds 35 g of gel and is capable of delivering 26 g of gel as 30 metered doses. Each metered dose delivers 0.87 g of gel which contains 0.52 mg of estradiol. NDC 0037-4801-70.....Carton containing two ELESTRIN 35 g pump containers. 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Storage
16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Patient information
Advise women to read the FDA-approved patient labeling ( Patient Information and Instructions for Use ). Vaginal Bleeding Inform postmenopausal women to report any vaginal bleeding to their healthcare provider as soon as possible [see Warning and Precautions (5.2) ] . Possible Serious Adverse Reactions with Estrogen-Alone Therapy Inform postmenopausal women of possible serious adverse reactions of estrogen-alone therapy including Cardiovascular Disorders, Malignant Neoplasms, and Probable Dementia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3) ] . Possible Common Adverse Reactions with Estrogen-Alone Therapy Inform postmenopausal women of possible less serious but common adverse reactions of estrogen-alone therapy such as headache, breast pain and tenderness, nausea and vomiting.
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Viatris Specialty LLC (revised Dec 15, 2023). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Estradiol in 1 product
Elestrin NDC products (1)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0037-4801 | Estradiol .52 mg/.87g Gel, Metered | Viatris Specialty LLC | NDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Elestrin used for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ELESTRIN is an estrogen indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause
What are the side effects of Elestrin?
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiovascular Disorders [see Boxed Warning , and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. • Malignant Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning , and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5 percent) in any ELESTRIN treatment group are: breast tenderness, metrorrhagia, nasopharyngitis, and upper… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Elestrin?
Elestrin is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Viatris Specialty LLC.