$Unique_ID{BRK01952}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ETHINYL ESTRADIOL}
$Subject{Estinyl (Schering)
Feminone (Upjohn)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Estinyl*0195201.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ETHINYL ESTRADIOL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Estinyl (Schering)
     Feminone (Upjohn)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Estrogen
INGREDIENT:
     ethinyl estradiol
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (0.02 mg, 0.05 mg, and 0.5 mg)
STORAGE:
     Ethinyl estradiol should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed container.

USES

     Ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic estrogen that is used to treat
menopausal symptoms, certain types of breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take ethinyl estradiol with
food or with a full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to
do otherwise).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal cramping, abnormal vaginal bleeding, acne, bloating, breast
tenderness, darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention,
frequent or painful urination, headache, nausea, nervousness, vomiting, or
weight gain.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should,
therefore, try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear
protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     Eating a full breakfast or having a midmorning snack may help to
relieve the nausea and vomiting.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, chest pain, convulsions, depression, hair loss, itching, pain
or inflammation of the calves or thighs, shortness of breath, skin rash, or
yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Ethinyl estradiol interacts with other types of medications:
     1. It can decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants (blood
thinners, such as warfarin).
     2. Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and rifampin can
reduce the effectiveness of ethinyl estradiol.
     3. Ethinyl estradiol can increase the side effects and decrease the
effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are
currently taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to ethinyl estradiol or other estrogens or to oral
contraceptives (birth control pills).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, blood
clot disorders, breast disease, depression, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy,
endometriosis, gallstones or gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood
pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, migraine headaches, porphyria, or
uterine tumors.
     * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (shortness of breath,
fainting, rash) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Estrogens can change your blood's clotting ability, so be especially
careful to avoid injuries.
     * Estrogens can cause a change in glucose tolerance in diabetic patients.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you notice any abnormalities in your urine or
blood glucose levels.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * A package insert titled "Information for the Patient" should be
dispensed with your prescription.  It is important that you understand the
possible risks and benefits of this medication.  If you have any questions,
check with your doctor or pharmacist.
     * Although it is not known if estrogens increase the risk of breast
cancer, it is important that you examine your breasts regularly for lumps or
discharge.
     * Cigarette smoking can greatly increase the risk of developing heart or
blood vessel disorders while taking this medication.  The risks increase with
the amount of smoking and the age of the smoker.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  If you suspect you
are pregnant, discontinue use of this medication immediately.  Estrogens have
been shown to cause birth defects in the offspring of women who received these
medications during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of estrogen pass into breast milk.
Ethinyl estradiol can also decrease milk production.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
