Esterified Estrogens/Methyltestosterone (By Mouth)

Esterified Estrogens (es-TER-i-fide ES-troe-jenz), Methyltestosterone (meth-il-tes-TOS-te-rone)

Treats symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.Estrogens are female hormones and methyltestosterone is a male hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Estratest, Estratest H.S., Syntest HS, Syntest DS
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to estrogens or androgens. You should not use if you are pregnant (or think you may be pregnant), if you are breastfeeding, or if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding. You should not use if you have severe liver disease, or have heart or circulation problems, including a history of blood clots, or breast cancer.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

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 regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature; protect 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.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking blood thinners (such as Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have asthma, sugar diabetes, epilepsy, migraine headaches, heart disease, kidney disease, depressed mood, or liver disease.
• You should see your doctor regularly (usually every 6 months to 1 year) while taking this medicine.
• Unless you have had a hysterectomy (uterus removed), check with your doctor about whether you should also take progesterone.
• 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Severe stomach pain or swelling
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Chest or leg (calf) pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache or vomiting
• Breast lumps

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.