Estropipate (By mouth)

Estropipate (es-troe-PIP-ate)

Treats the symptoms of menopause or removal of the ovaries. Estropipate is an estrogen female hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Ortho-Est

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use estropipate if you are pregnant (or may become pregnant) or breastfeeding. You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any estrogens. Before using estropipate, tell your doctor if you have known or suspected breast cancer, unusual vaginal bleeding, or a history of blood clots.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
May be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store at room temperature in a closed container.
Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Check with your doctor before taking estropipate if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, seizure disorders (epilepsy), high blood calcium or triglyceride levels, breast lumps, migraine headaches, heart disorders, or liver or kidney problems.
Regular visits to your doctor (usually every 6 months to 1 year) are needed while taking this medicine.
Large doses of this medicine taken over long periods of time may increase the risk of some kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
Unless you have had a hysterectomy (uterus removed), check with your doctor about whether you should also take progesterone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Severe abdominal pain or swelling
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Chest or leg (calf) pain
Shortness of breath or coughing blood
Severe headache
Severe vomiting
Severe dizziness
Vision changes
Breast lumps
Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild nausea or vomiting
Bloated feeling
Mild dizziness
Headache
Changes in sexual desire
Swollen or tender breasts
Fluid retention and weight gain
Contact lens discomfort
Depressed mood

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017