Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, breast, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
  • Carefully tear open the pouch when you are ready to put the patch on your skin. Do not cut it. Do not touch the sticky side of the patch.
  • Peel off the backing from the patch and apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hair-free area of the lower stomach or upper buttock area. This area must be free of powder, oil, or lotion for the patch to stick on to your skin.
  • Press the patch firmly in place with your hand for about 10 seconds.
  • Do not apply the patch on the breast or over any skin folds. Do not apply the patch on oily, broken, burned, or irritated skin, or areas with skin conditions (eg, birth marks, tattoos). Avoid applying the patch on the waistline or other places where tight clothing may rub it off.
  • Wear the patch at all times until it is time to put on a new patch. Do not expose it to the sun for long periods of time.
  • When replacing your patch, make sure to apply the new patch to a different area of your lower abdomen or stomach. Wait at least 1 week before applying a patch to the same area.
  • When changing a patch, slowly peel it off from your skin. If you have any patch adhesive left on your skin, allow it to dry for 15 minutes and gently rub the sticky area with oil or lotion to remove it. It is best to change your patch on the same days of each week to help you remember.
  • You may take a bath, shower, or swim while using this medicine. Doing so will not affect the patch.
  • If a patch falls off, just put it back on a different area. If the patch does not stick completely, put on a new patch but continue to follow your original schedule for changing your patch.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For transdermal dosage form (patch):
    • For hot flashes and other symptoms caused by menopause, and prevention of osteoporosis after menopause:
      • Adults—At first, apply one patch (0.045 milligrams (mg) of estradiol and 0.015 mg of levonorgestrel) to the lower stomach or upper buttocks area once a week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

To throw away a used patch: Fold the patch in half with the sticky side together and place it in a sturdy child-proof container. Throw this container in the trash away from children and pets. Do not flush the patch down the toilet.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.