Evorel Patches (25, 50, 75 & 100)

Evorel directions

Apply the patch to an area of skin which is dry and clean. Press down firmly to ensure that the patch is in place. Many women choose to place the patch on the thighs or bottom. Each patch contains enough medicine for three to four days, so it must be changed twice each week. This should be done on the same two days each week. Do not place the new patch on the exact same section of skin. Do not leave an interval between each patch.

Evorel should not be used on or around the breasts, or under elasticated parts of clothing.

Evorel ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Evorel is estradiol.

Evorel also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Duro-Tak 387-2287, guar gum, hostaphan MN19.

Evorel side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Evorel, however if you do they may include:

Itchy or inflamed skin where the treatment is applied, dizziness, breast pain, mood swings, nausea, stomach pain, headache, diarrhoea, joint pain, breakthrough bleeding, weight gain

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Evorel warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Evorel is unsuitable for you if you:

• Have ever had breast cancer
• May have a cancer which is sensitive to oestrogen (including uterine cancer)
• Have untreated endometrial hyperplasia (an excessively thick womb lining)
• Suffer from a blood clotting disorder, or have ever had a blood clot
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have a history of heart attack or stroke
• Suffer from porphyria (a rare hereditary blood disease)
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in the patch.

Inform your GP if you plan on using Evorel and have ever had any of the following health complications:

• Fibroids
• Impaired liver function
• Uterine problems including endometriosis or endometrial hyperplasia
• Circulation problems (e.g. angina, heart attack)
• High risk of blood clots
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Migraine
• Gallstones
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Asthma
• Epilepsy
• Fluid retention
• High blood pressure
• High fat levels in the blood
• Otosclerosis (a hereditary ear disorder)
• A family history of breast cancer or another oestrogen-sensitive cancer
• A history of severe allergic reactions.

Tell your GP or pharmacist if you have taken or plan to take any of the following medicines:

• Epilepsy medicines (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• Tuberculosis medicines (e.g. rifampicin)
• HIV medicines (e.g. nevirapine, ritonavir, nelfinavir)
• Bosentan (to reduce blood pressure in the lungs)
• St John’s Wort.

HRT may increase your risk of breast cancer. The extent of this risk will vary depending on the length of your HRT treatment and whether you are taking combined or oestrogen-only HRT. Check your breasts regularly for changes to the skin or nipple, or for any noticeable lump. For women who use HRT for more than five years, there may also be a slight increase in the risk of ovarian cancer.

Women over the age of 65 who use Evorel may have a slightly increased risk of developing dementia.

Stop using Evorel and seek medical attention immediately if you notice early signs of any of the following:

• Blood clots – pain and swelling of the legs, difficulty breathing
• Stroke – sudden migraines, blurred vision
• Heart disease – chest pain which extends to the neck or arm
• Liver disease – yellow colouration of the skin or eyes.

Discuss with your doctor whether your personal benefits of HRT outweigh the risks mentioned above.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.