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ESTRING®
(estradiol) Vaginal Ring
WARNINGS
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER
Adequate diagnostic measures, including endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. (See WARNINGS, Malignant neoplasms, Endometrial cancer.)
CARDIOVASCULAR AND OTHER RISKS
Estrogens with or without progestins should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia. (See Clinical Studies and WARNINGS, Cardiovascular disorders and Dementia.)
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 6.8 years and 7.1 years, respectively, of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) relative to placebo. (See Clinical Studies and WARNINGS, Cardiovascular disorders.)
The estrogen plus progestin WHI substudy reported increased risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, invasive breast cancer, pulmonary emboli, and DVT in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral CE 0.625 mg combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg), relative to placebo. (See Clinical Studies and WARNINGS, Cardiovascular disorders and Malignant neoplasms, Breast cancer.)
The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy of the WHI, reported increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older during 5.2 years of treatment with daily CE 0.625 mg alone and during 4 years of treatment with daily CE 0.625 mg combined with MPA 2.5 mg, relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women. (See Clinical Studies and WARNINGS, Dementia and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use.)
In the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar for other doses of CE and MPA and other combinations and dosage forms of estrogens and progestins. Because of these risks, estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
ESTRING® (estradiol vaginal ring) is a slightly opaque ring with a whitish core containing a drug reservoir of 2 mg estradiol. Estradiol, silicone polymers and barium sulfate are combined to form the ring. When placed in the vagina, ESTRING releases estradiol, approximately 7.5 mcg per 24 hours, in a consistent stable manner over 90 days. ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) has the following dimensions: outer diameter 55 mm; cross-sectional diameter 9 mm; core diameter 2 mm. One ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) should be inserted into the upper third of the vaginal vault, to be worn continuously for three months.
Estradiol is chemically described as estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17β-diol. The molecular formula of estradiol is C18H24O2 and the structural formula is:
 |
The molecular weight of estradiol is 272.39.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is an estrogen indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe urogenital symptoms due to postmenopausal atrophy of the vagina (such as dryness, burning, pruritus and dyspareunia) and/or the lower urinary tract (urinary urgency and dysuria).
One ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is to be inserted as deeply as possible into the upper one-third of the vaginal vault. The ring is to remain in place continuously for three months, after which it is to be removed and, if appropriate, replaced by a new ring. The need to continue treatment should be assessed at 3 or 6 month intervals.
Should the ring be removed or fall out at any time during the 90-day treatment period, the ring should be rinsed in lukewarm water and re-inserted by the patient, or, if necessary, by a physician or nurse.
Retention of the ring for greater than 90 days does not represent overdosage but will result in progressively greater underdosage with the attendant risk of loss of efficacy and increasing risk of vaginal infections and/or erosions.
The ring should be pressed into an oval and inserted into the upper third of the vaginal vault. The exact position is not critical. When ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is in place, the patient should not feel anything. If the patient feels discomfort, ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is probably not far enough inside. Gently push ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) further into the vagina.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) should be left in place continuously for 90 days and then, if continuation of therapy is deemed appropriate, replaced by a new ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) .
The patient should not feel ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) when it is in place and it should not interfere with sexual intercourse. Straining at defecation may make ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) move down in the lower part of the vagina. If so, it may be pushed up again with a finger.
If ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is expelled totally from the vagina, it should be rinsed in lukewarm water and reinserted by the patient (or doctor/nurse if necessary).
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) may be removed by hooking a finger through the ring and pulling it out.
For patient instructions, see PATIENT INFORMATION.
Each ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is individually packaged in a heat-sealed rectangular pouch consisting of three layers, from outside to inside: polyester, aluminum foil, and low density polyethylene, respectively. The pouch is provided with a tear-off notch on one side.
NDC 0013-2150-36 ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) 2 mg - available in single packs.
STORAGE - Store at controlled room temperature 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F).
Distributed by Pharmacia and Upjohn Company, Division of Pfizer Inc, NY, NY 10017. Revised August 2008. FDA rev date: 8/25/2008
See BOXED WARNINGS, WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
In the two pivotal controlled studies, discontinuation of treatment due to an adverse event was required by 5.4 percent of patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and 3.9 percent of patients receiving conjugated estrogens vaginal cream. The most common reasons for withdrawal from ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) treatment due to an adverse event were vaginal discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms.
The adverse events reported with a frequency of 3 percent or greater in the two pivotal controlled studies by patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) or conjugated estrogens vaginal cream are listed in Table 4.
Table 4: Adverse Events Reported by 3 Percent or More of
Patients Receiving Either ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) or Conjugated Estrogens Vaginal Cream in Two
Pivotal Controlled Studies
| ADVERSE EVENT | ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) (n = 257) % |
Conjugated Estrogens Vaginal Cream (n = 129) % |
| Musculoskeletal | ||
| Back Pain | 6 | 8 |
| Arthritis | 4 | 2 |
| Arthralgia | 3 | 5 |
| Skeletal Pain | 2 | 4 |
| CNS/Peripheral Nervous System | ||
| Headache | 13 | 16 |
| Psychiatric | ||
| Insomnia | 4 | 0 |
| Gastrointestinal | ||
| Abdominal Pain | 4 | 2 |
| Nausea | 3 | 2 |
| Respiratory | ||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 5 | 6 |
| Sinusitis | 4 | 3 |
| Pharyngitis | 1 | 3 |
| Urinary | ||
| Urinary Tract Infection | 2 | 7 |
| Female Reproductive | ||
| Leukorrhea | 7 | 3 |
| Vaginitis | 5 | 2 |
| Vaginal Discomfort/Pain | 5 | 5 |
| Vaginal Hemorrhage | 4 | 5 |
| Asymptomatic Genital Bacterial Growth | 4 | 6 |
| Breast Pain | 1 | 7 |
| Resistance Mechanisms | ||
| Genital Moniliasis | 6 | 7 |
| Body as a Whole | ||
| Flu-Like Symptoms | 3 | 2 |
| Hot Flushes | 2 | 3 |
| Allergy | 1 | 4 |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Family Stress | 2 | 3 |
Other adverse events (listed alphabetically) occurring at a frequency of 1 to 3 percent in the two pivotal controlled studies by patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) include: anxiety, bronchitis, chest pain, cystitis, dermatitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, dysuria, flatulence, gastritis, genital eruption, urogenital pruritus, hemorrhoids, leg edema, migraine, otitis media, skin hypertrophy, syncope, toothache, tooth disorder, urinary incontinence.
The following additional adverse events were reported at least once by patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) in the worldwide clinical program, which includes controlled and uncontrolled studies. A causal relationship with ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) has not been established.
Body as a Whole:allergic reaction CNS/Peripheral Nervous System: dizziness Gastrointestinal: enlarged abdomen, vomiting
Metabolic/Nutritional Disorders: weight decrease or increase Musculoskeletal: arthropathy (including arthrosis) Psychiatric: depression, decreased libido, nervousness
Reproductive: breast engorgement, breast enlargement, intermenstrual bleeding, genital edema, vulval disorder
Skin/Appendages: pruritus, pruritus ani
Urinary: micturition frequency, urethral disorder
Vascular: thrombophlebitis
Vision: abnormal vision
The following additional adverse reactions have been reported with estrogens:
Genitourinary system: abnormal uterine bleeding/spotting; dysmenorrheal/pelvic pain; increase in size of uterine leiomyomata; vaginitis, including vaginal candidiasis; change in amount of cervical secretion; changes in cervical ectropion; ovarian cancer; endometrial hyperplasia; endometrial cancer
Breasts: tenderness, enlargement, pain, nipple disc harge, galactorrhea; fibrocystic breast changes; breast cancer
Cardiovascular: deep and superficial venous th rombosis; pulmonary embolism; thrombophlebitis; myocardial infarction; stroke; increase in blood pressure
Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting;abdominal cramps, bloating; c holestatic jaundice; increased incidence of gallbladder disease; pancreatitis, enlargement of hepatic hemangiomas
Skin: chloasma or melasma that may persist when drug is discontinued; erythema multiforme; erythema nodosum; hemorrhagic eruption; loss of scalp hair; hirsutism, rash
Eyes:retinal vascular thrombosis; intolerance to contact lenses
Central Nervous System: headache; migraine; dizziness; mental depression; exacerbation of chorea; nervousness; mood disturbances; irritability; exacerbation of epilepsy, dementia
Miscellaneous: increase or decrease in weight; glucose intolerance; aggravation of porphyria; edema; arthralgias; leg cramps; changes in libido; angioedema; anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions; hypocalcemia (preexisting condition); exacerbation of asthma; increased triglycerides
See BOXED WARNINGS
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is a vaginal administered product with low systemic absorption following continuous use for 3 months (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics, Absorption). The estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI utilized systemically-absorbed oral estrogen/progestin. However, the warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions associated with oral estrogen and/or progestin therapy should be considered in the absence of comparable data with other dosage forms of estrogens and/or progestins.
An increased risk of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been reported with estrogen alone therapy. An increased risk of stroke, DVT, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction has been reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Should any of these occur or be suspected, estrogens with or without progestins should be discontinued immediately.
Risk factors for arterial vascular disease (for example, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) (for example, personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus) should be managed appropriately.
In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), estrogen alone substudy, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women receiving daily conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) compared to placebo (45 versus 33 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year one and persisted. (See Clinical Studies)
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI, a statistically significant increased risk of stroke was reported in women receiving daily CE 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg) compared to placebo (31 versus 24 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted. (See Clinical Studies.)
In the estrogen alone substudy of WHI, no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI], silent MI and CHD death) was reported in women receiving estrogen alone compared to placebo. (See Clinical Studies)
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI, no statistically significant increase of CHD events was reported in women receiving CE/MPA compared to women receiving placebo (39 versus 33 per 10,000 women-years). An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5. (See Clinical Studies)
In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n = 2,763, average age 66.7 years), in a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study [HERS]) treatment with daily CE 0.625 mg/MPA 2.5 mg demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE/MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established coronary heart disease. There were more CHD events in the CE/MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year one, but not during the subsequent years. Two thousand three hundred and twenty-one (2,321) women from the original HERS trial agreed to participate in an open label extension of HERS, HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. Rates of CHD events were comparable among women in the combined continuous CE/MPA treatment group and the placebo group in HERS, HERS II, and overall.
In the estrogen alone substudy of WHI, the risk of VTE (DVT and pulmonary embolism [PE]) was reported to be increased for women receiving daily CE compared to women receiving placebo (30 versus 22 per 10,000 women-years), although only the increased risk of DVT reached statistical significance (23 versus 15 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in VTE risk was demonstrated during the first two years. (See Clinical Studies)
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI, a statistically significant two-fold greater rate of VTE was reported in women receiving daily CE/MPA compared to women receiving placebo (35 versus 17 per 10,000 women-years). Statistically significant increases in risk for both DVT (26 versus 13 per 10,000 women-years) and PE (18 versus 8 per 10,000 women-years) were also demonstrated. The increase in VTE risk was observed during the first year and persisted. (See Clinical Studies)
If feasible, estrogens should be discontinued at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery of the type associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, or during periods of prolonged immobilization.
An increased risk of endometrial cancer has been reported with the use of unopposed estrogen therapy in women with a uterus. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2 to 12-times greater than in nonusers, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with use of estrogens for less than 1 year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with increased risks of 15 to 24-fold for 5 to 10 years or more. This risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued.
Clinical surveillance of all women taking estrogen plus progestin therapy is important. Adequate diagnostic measures, including endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in all cases of undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal vaginal bleeding. There is no evidence that the use of natural estrogens result in a different endometrial risk profile than synthetic estrogens of equivalent estrogen dose. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer.
The use of estrogens and progestins by postmenopausal women has been reported to increase the risk of breast cancer in some studies. Observational studies have also reported an increased risk of breast cancer for estrogen plus progestin therapy, and a smaller increased risk for estrogen alone therapy, after several years of use. The risk increased with duration of use, and appeared to return to baseline over about 5 years after stopping treatment (only the observational studies have substantial data on risk after stopping). Observational studies also suggest that the risk of breast cancer was greater, and became apparent earlier, with estrogen plus progestin therapy as compared to estrogen alone therapy. However, these studies have not found significant variation in the risk of breast cancer among different estrogen plus progestin combinations, doses, or routes of administration.
The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about this issue is the Women Health Initiative (WHI) substudy of daily conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg) (see Clinical Studies). In the estrogen alone substudy of WHI, after an average of 7.1 years of follow-up, daily CE 0.625 mg was not associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer (relative risk [RR] 0.80, 95 percent nominal confidence interval [nCI] 0.62-1.04).
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy, after a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, the WHI substudy reported an increased risk of breast cancer in women who took daily CE/MPA. In this substudy, prior use of estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin therapy was reported by 26 percent of the women. The relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.24 (95 percent nCI, 1.01-1.54), and the absolute risk was 41 versus 33 cases per 10,000 women-years, for estrogen plus progestin compared with placebo, respectively. Among women who reported prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.86, and the absolute risk was 46 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years, for CE/MPA compared with placebo. Among women who reported no prior use of hormone therapy, the relative risk of invasive breast cancer was 1.09, and the absolute risk was 40 versus 36 per 10,000 women-years for estrogen plus progestin compared with placebo. In the same substudy, invasive breast cancers were larger and diagnosed at a more advanced stage in the CE/MPA group compared with the placebo group. Metastatic disease was rare with no apparent difference between the two groups. Other prognostic factors such as histologic subtype, grade, and hormone receptor status did not differ between the groups.
The use of estrogen alone and estrogen plus progestin has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation. All women should receive yearly breast exams by a healthcare provider and perform monthly self-examinations. In addition, mammography examinations should be scheduled based on patient age, risk factors, and prior mammogram results.
The estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI reported that daily CE/MPA increased the risk of ovarian cancer. After an average follow-up of 5.6 years, the relative risk for ovarian cancer for CE/MPA versus placebo was 1.58 (95 percent nCI, 0.77-3.24) but was not statistically significant. The absolute risk for CE/MPA was 4.2 versus 2.7 cases per 10,000 women-years. In some epidemiologic studies, the use of estrogen-only products, in particular for 10 or more years, has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Other epidemiologic studies have not found these associations.
In the estrogen alone Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy of WHI, a population of 2,947 hysterectomized women aged 65 to 79 years was randomized to daily conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) or placebo. In the estrogen plus progestin WHIMS substudy, a population of 4,532 postmenopausal women aged 65 to 79 years was randomized to daily CE 0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg) or placebo.
In the estrogen alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 5.2 years, 28 women in the CE alone group and 19 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia for estrogen CE alone versus placebo was 1.49 (95 percent CI, 0.83-2.66). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE alone versus placebo was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years. (See Clinical Studies and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use.)
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy, after an average follow-up of 4 years, 40 women in the CE/MPA group and 21 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia for CE/MPA versus placebo was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21-3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for CE/MPA versus placebo was 45 versus 22 cases per 10,000 women-years. (See Clinical Studies and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use.)
When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI, 1.19-2.60). Since both substudies were conducted in women aged 65 to 79 years, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women. (See BOXED WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use.)
A two- to four-fold increase in the risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery in postmenopausal women receiving estrogens has been reported.
Estrogen administration may lead to severe hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases. If hypercalcemia occurs, use of the drug should be stopped and appropriate measures taken to reduce the serum calcium level.
Retinal vascular thrombosis has been reported in patients receiving estrogens. Discontinue medication pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. If examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, estrogens should be discontinued.
Studies of the addition of a progestin for 10 or more days of a cycle of estrogen administration, or daily with estrogen in a continuous regimen, have reported a lowered incidence of endometrial hyperplasia than would be induced by estrogen treatment alone. Endometrial hyperplasia may be a precursor to endometrial cancer.
There are, however, possible risks that may be associated with the use of progestins with estrogens compared to estrogen alone regimens. These include a possible increased risk of breast cancer, adverse effects on lipoprotein metabolism (lowering HDL, raising LDL), and impairment of glucose tolerance.
In a small number of case reports, substantial increases in blood pressure have been attributed to idiosyncratic reactions to estrogens. In a large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, a generalized effect of estrogen therapy on blood pressure was not seen. Blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals with estrogen use.
In patients with preexisting hypertriglyceridemia, estrogen therapy may be associated with elevations of plasma triglycerides leading to pancreatitis and other complications. Consider discontinuation of treatment if pancreatitis or other complications develop.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) vaginal ring should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function. Estrogens may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. For patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy, caution should be exercised and in the case of recurrence, medication should be discontinued.
Estrogen administration leads to increased thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) levels. Patients with normal thyroid function can compensate for the increased TBG by making more thyroid hormone, thus maintaining free T4 and T3 serum concentrations in the normal range. Patients dependent on thyroid hormone replacement therapy who are also receiving estrogens may require increased doses of their thyroid replacement therapy. These patients should have their thyroid function monitored in order to maintain their free thyroid hormone levels in an acceptable range.
Estrogens should be used with caution in individuals with severe hypocalcemia.
Estrogens may cause some degree of fluid retention. Patients who have conditions that might be influenced by this factor, such as a cardiac or renal dysfunction, warrant careful observation when estrogens are prescribed.
Endometriosis may be exacerbated with administration of estrogens. A few cases of malignant transformation of residual endometrial implants have been reported in women treated post-hysterectomy with estrogen alone therapy. For patients known to have residual endometriosis post-hysterectomy, the addition of progestin should be considered.
Estrogens may cause an exacerbation of asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, migraine or porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, and hepatic hemangiomas and should be used with caution in women with these conditions.
Some women have experienced moving or gliding of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) within the vagina. Instances of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) being expelled from the vagina in connection with moving the bowels, strain, or constipation have been reported. If this occurs, ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) can be rinsed in lukewarm water and reinserted into the vagina by the patient.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) may not be suitable for women with narrow, short, or stenosed vaginas. Narrow vagina, vaginal stenosis, prolapse, and vaginal infections are conditions that make the vagina more susceptible to ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) -caused irritation or ulceration. Women with signs or symptoms of vaginal irritation should alert their physician.
Vaginal infection is generally more common in postmenopausal women due to the lack of the normal flora of fertile women, especially lactobacillus, and the subsequent higher pH. Vaginal infections should be treated with appropriate antimicrobial therapy before initiation of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) . If a vaginal infection develops during use of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) , then ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) should be removed and reinserted only after the infection has been appropriately treated.
Physicians are advised to discuss the PATIENT INFORMATION leaflet with patients for whom they prescribe ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) .
Serum follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels have not been shown to be useful in the management of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy.
Long-term continuous administration of natural and synthetic estrogens in certain animal species increases the frequency of carcinomas of the breast, uterus, cervix, vagina, testes and liver.
ESTRING should not be used during pregnancy. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS.)
There appears to be little or no increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who have used estrogens and progestins as an oral contraceptive inadvertently during early pregnancy.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) should not be used during lactation. Estrogen administration to nursing mothers has been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of the breast milk. Detectable amounts of estrogens have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving this drug.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is not indicated for pediatric use and no clinical data have been collected in children.
There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric patients involved in studies utilizing ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) to determine whether those over 65 years of age differ from younger subjects in their response to ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) .
In the estrogen alone substudy of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, 46 percent (n = 4,943) of subjects were 65 years of age and older, while 7.1 percent (n = 767) of subjects were 75 years of age and older. There was a higher relative risk (daily CE 0.625 mg versus placebo) of stroke in women less than 75 years of age compared to women 75 years and older.
In the estrogen alone substudy of the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy of WHI, a population of 2,947 hysterectomized women, aged 65 to 79 years of age, was randomized to receive daily conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg daily) or placebo. After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, the relative risk (CE versus placebo) of probable dementia was 1.49 (95 percent CI, 0.83-2.66). The absolute risk of developing probable dementia with estrogen alone was 37 versus 25 cases per 10,000 women-years compared with placebo.
Of the total number of subjects in the estrogen plus progestin substudy of WHI, 44 percent (n = 7,320) were 65 years of age and older, while 6.6 percent (n = 1,095) were 75 years of age and older. In women 75 years of age and older compared to women less than 75 years of age, there was a higher relative risk of nonfatal stroke and invasive breast cancer in the estrogen plus progestin group versus placebo. In women greater than 75, the increased risk of nonfatal stroke and invasive breast cancer observed in the estrogen plus progestin group compared to placebo was 75 versus 24 per 10,000 women-years and 52 versus 12 per 10,000 women-years, respectively.
In the estrogen plus progestin WHIMS substudy, a population of 4,532 postmenopausal women, aged 65 to 79 years, was randomized to receive CE 0.625 mg/MPA 2.5 mg or placebo. In the estrogen plus progestin group, after an average follow-up of 4 years, the relative risk (CE/MPA versus placebo) of probable dementia was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21-3.48). The absolute risk of developing probable dementia with CE/MPA was 45 versus 22 cases per 10,000 women-years compared with placebo.
Seventy-nine percent of the cases of probable dementia occurred in women that were older than 70 for the CE alone group, and 82 percent of the cases of probable dementia occurred in women who were older than 70 in the CE/MPA group. The most common classification of probable dementia in both the treatment groups and placebo groups was Alzheimer's disease.
When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI, 1.19-2.60). Since both substudies were conducted in women aged 65 to 79 years, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women. (See BOXED WARNINGS and WARNINGS, Dementia.)
Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, drowsiness/fatigue and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. Treatment of overdose consists of discontinuation of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) together with institution of appropriate symptomatic care.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) vaginal ring should not be used in women with any of the following conditions:
Endogenous estrogens are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Although circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions, estradiol is the principal intracellular human estrogen and is substantially more potent than its metabolites, estrone and estriol, at the receptor level.
The primary source of estrogen in normally cycling adult women is the ovarian follicle, which secretes 70 to 500 µg of estradiol daily, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, most endogenous estrogen is produced by conversion of androstenedione, secreted by the adrenal cortex, to estrone by peripheral tissues. Thus, estrone and the sulfate conjugated form, estrone sulfate, are the most abundant circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women.
Estrogens act through binding to nuclear receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. To date, two estrogen receptors have been identified. These vary in proportion from tissue to tissue.
Circulating estrogens modulate the pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), through a negative feedback mechanism. Estrogens act to reduce the elevated levels of these hormones seen in postmenopausal women.
Estrogens used in therapeutics are well absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes, and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The vaginal delivery of estrogens circumvents first-pass metabolism.
In a Phase I study of 14 postmenopausal women, the insertion of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) rapidly increased serum estradiol (E2) levels.The time to attain peak serum estradiol levels (Tmax) was 0.5 to 1 hour. Peak serum estradiol concentrations post-initial burst declined rapidly over the next 24 hours and were virtually indistinguishable from the baseline mean (range: 5 to 22 pg/mL). Serum levels of estradiol and estrone (E1) over the following 12 weeks during which the ring was maintained in the vaginal vault remained relatively unchanged (see Table 1).
The initial estradiol peak post-application of the second ring in the same women resulted in ~38% lower Cmax, apparently due to reduced systemic absorption via the treated vaginal epithelium. The relative systemic exposure from the initial peak of ESTRING accounted for approximately 4% of the total estradiol exposure over the 12 week period.
The release of estradiol from ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) was demonstrated in a Phase II study of 222 post- menopausal women who inserted up to four rings consecutively at three month intervals. Systemic delivery of estradiol from ESTRING resulted in mean steady state serum estradiol estimates of 7.8, 7.0, 7.0, 8.1 pg/mL at weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48, respectively. Similar reproducibility is also seen in levels of estrone. The systemic exposure to estradiol and estrone was within the range observed in untreated women after the first eight hours.
In postmenopausal women, mean dose of estradiol systemically absorbed unchanged from ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is ~8% [95% CI: 2.8-12.8%] of the daily amount released locally.
TABLE 1: PHARMACOKINETIC MEAN ESTIMATES FOLLOWING SINGLE
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) APPLICATION
| Estrogen | Cmax (pg/mL) |
Css-48 hr (pg/mL) |
Css-4w (pg/mL) |
Css-12w (pg/mL) |
| Estradiol (E2) | 63.2a | 11.2 | 9.5 | 8.0 |
| Baseline-adjusted E2b | 55.6 | 3.6 | 2.0 | 0.4 |
| Estrone (E1) | 66.3 | 52.5 | 43.8 | 47.0 |
| Baseline-adjusted E1 | 20.0 | 6.2 | -2.4 | 0.8 |
| a n=14 bBased on means |
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The distribution of exogenous estrogens is similar to that of endogenous estrogens. Estrogens are widely distributed in the body and are generally found in higher concentrations in the sex hormone target organs. Estrogens circulate in the blood largely bound to sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
Exogenous estrogens are metabolized in the same manner as endogenous estrogens. Circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions. These transformations take place mainly in the liver. Estradiol is converted reversibly to estrone, and both can be converted to estriol, which is the major urinary metabolite. Estrogens also undergo enterohepatic recirculation via sulfate and glucuronide conjugation in the liver, biliary secretion of conjugates into the intestine, and hydrolysis in the intestine followed by reabsorption. In postmenopausal women, a significant proportion of the circulating estrogens exist as sulfate conjugates, especially estrone sulfate, which serves as a circulating reservoir for the formation of more active estrogens.
Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are excreted in the urine along with glucuronide and sulfate conjugates.
Mean percent dose excreted in the 24-hour urine as estradiol, 4 and 12 weeks post-application of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) in a Phase I study was 5% and 8%, respectively, of the daily released amount.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
No formal drug interactions studies have been done with ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) .
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that systemic estrogens are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen metabolism. Inducers of CYP3A4 such as St. John's Wort preparations (Hypericum perforatum), phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in systemic effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and may result in side effects.
Two pivotal controlled studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) in the treatment of postmenopausal urogenital symptoms due to estrogen deficiency.
In a U.S. study where ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) was compared with conjugated estrogens vaginal cream, no difference in efficacy between the treatment groups was found with respect to improvement in the physician's global assessment of vaginal symptoms (83% and 82% of patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and cream, respectively) and in the patient's global assessment of vaginal symptoms (83% and 82% of patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and cream, respectively) after 12 weeks of treatment. In an Australian study, ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) was also compared with conjugated estrogens vaginal cream and no difference in the physician's assessment of improvement of vaginal mucosal atrophy (79% and 75% for ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and cream, respectively) or in the patient's assessment of improvement in vaginal dryness (82% and 76% for ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and cream, respectively) after 12 weeks of treatment.
In the U.S. study, symptoms of dysuria and urinary urgency improved in 74% and 65%, respectively, of patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) as assessed by the patient. In the Australian study, symptoms of dysuria and urinary urgency improved in 90% and 71%, respectively, of patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) as assessed by the patient.
In both studies, ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and conjugated estrogens vaginal cream had a similar ability to reduce vaginal pH levels and to mature the vaginal mucosa (as measured cytologically using the maturation index and/or the maturation value) after 12 weeks of treatment. In supportive studies, ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) was also shown to have a similar significant treatment effect on the maturation of the urethral mucosa.
Endometrial overstimulation, as evaluated in non-hysterectomized patients participating in the U.S. study by the progestogen challenge test and pelvic sonogram, was reported for none of the 58 (0%) patients receiving ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and 4 of the 35 patients (11%) receiving conjugated estrogens vaginal cream.
Of the U.S. women who completed 12 weeks of treatment, 95% rated product comfort for ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) as excellent or very good compared with 65% of patients receiving conjugated estrogens vaginal cream, 95% of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) patients judged the product to be very easy or easy to use compared with 88% of cream patients, and 82% gave ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) an overall rating of excellent or very good compared with 58% for the cream.
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) enrolled approximately 27,000 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women in two substudies to assess the risks and benefits of either the use of oral conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) alone per day or in combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA 2.5 mg) per day compared to placebo in the prevention of certain chronic diseases. The primary endpoint was the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) (nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), silent MI and CHD death), with invasive breast cancer as the primary adverse outcome studied. A "global index" included the earliest occurrence of CHD, invasive breast cancer, stroke, pulmonary embolism (PE), endometrial cancer (only in the CE/MPA substudy), colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other cause. The study did not evaluate the effects of CE or CE/MPA on menopausal symptoms.
The estrogen-alone substudy was stopped early because an increased risk of stroke was observed and it was deemed that no further information would be obtained regarding the risks and benefits of estrogen alone in predetermined primary endpoints. Results of the estrogen-alone substudy, which included 10,739 women (average age 63 years, range 50 to 79; 75.3 percent White, 15.1 percent Black, 6.1 percent Hispanic, 3.6 percent Other), after an average follow-up of 6.8 years are presented in Table2.
TABLE 2: RELATIVE AND ABSOLUTE RISK SEEN IN THE ESTROGEN
ALONE SUBSTUDY OF WHI a
| Eventc | Relative Riska CE vs. Placebo (95% CIa) |
Placebo n = 5,429 |
CE n = 5,310 |
| Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years | |||
| CHD eventsb | 0.95 (0.79-1.16) | 56 | 53 |
| Non-fatal MIb | 0.91 (0.73-1.14) | 43 | 40 |
| CHD deathb | 1.01 (0. 71-1.43) | 16 | 16 |
| Strokec | 1.39 (1.10-1.77) | 32 | 44 |
| Deep vein trombosisb,d | 1.47 (1.06-2.06) | 15 | 23 |
| Pulmonary embolismb | 1.37 (0.90-2.07) | 10 | 14 |
| Invasive breast cancerb | 0.80 (0.62-1.04) | 34 | 28 |
| Colorectal cancerc | 1.08 (0.75-1.55) | 16 | 17 |
| Hip fracturec | 0.61 (0.41-0.91) | 17 | 11 |
| Vertebral fracturesc,d | 0.62 (0.42-0.93) | 17 | 11 |
| Total fracturesc,d | 0.70 (0.63-0.79) | 195 | 139 |
| Death due to other causesc,e | 1.08 (0.88-1.32) | 50 | 53 |
| Overall mortalityc,d | 1.04 (0.88-1.22) | 78 | 81 |
| Global index b,f | 1.01 (0.91-1.12) | 190 | 192 |
| aNominal confidence intervals unadjusted for
multiple looks and multiple comparisons. b Results are based on centrally adjudicated data for an average follow-up of 7.1 years. c Results are based on an average follow-up of 6.8 years. d Not included in Global index. e All deaths, except from breast or colorectal cancer, definite/probable CHD, PE or cerebrovascular disease. f A subset of the events was combined in a "global index" defined as the earliest occurrence of CHD events, invasive breast cancer, stroke, pulmonary embolism, colorectal cancer, hip fracture, or death due to other causes. |
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For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance, the absolute excess risk per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE alone was 12 more strokes, while the absolute risk reduction per 10,000 women-years was 6 fewer hip fractures. The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was a non significant 2 events per 10,000 women-years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality. (See BOXED WARNINGS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS.)
Final centrally adjudicated results for CHD events and centrally adjudicated results for invasive breast cancer incidence from the estrogen-alone substudy, after an average follow-up of 7.1 years, reported no overall difference from primary CHD events (nonfatal MI, Silent MI and CHD death) and invasive breast cancer incidence in women receiving CE alone compared with placebo (see Table 2).
The estrogen-plus-progestin substudy was also stopped early. According to the predefined stopping rule, after an average follow-up of 5.2 years of treatment, the increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events exceeded the specified benefits included in the "global index." The absolute excess risk of events included in the "global index" was 19 per 10,000 women-years (RR 1.15, 95% nCI 1.03-1.28).
For those outcomes included in the WHI "global index" that reached statistical significance after 5.6 years of follow-up, the absolute excess risks per 10,000 women-years in the group treated with CE/MPA were 6 more CHD events, 7 more strokes, 10 more PEs, and 8 more invasive breast cancers, while the absolute risk reductions per 10,000 women-years were 7 fewer colorectal cancers and 5 fewer hip fractures. (See BOXED WARNINGS, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS.)
Results of the estrogen-plus-progestin substudy which included 16,608 women (average of 63 years, range 50 to 79; 83.9 percent White, 6.8 percent Black, 5.4 percent Hispanic, 3.9 percent. Other, are presented in Table 3 below. These results reflect centrally adjudicated data, after an average follow-up of 5.6 years .
TABLE 3: RELATIVE AND ABSOLUTE RISK SEEN IN THE ESTROGEN-
PLUS-PROGESTIN SUBSTUDY OF WHI AT AN AVERAGE OF 5.6 YEARa
| Event c | Relative Risk CE/MPA vs. placebo
(95% nCIb) |
Placebo n = 8,102 |
CE/MPA n = 8,506 |
| Absolute Risk per 10,000 Women-Years | |||
| CHD events | 1.24 (1.00-1.54) | 33 | 39 |
| Non-fatal MI | 1.28 (1.00-1. 63) | 25 | 31 |
| CHD death | 1.10 (0.70-1.75) | 8 | 8 |
| All strokes | 1.31 (1.02-1.68) | 24 | 31 |
| Ischenic Stroke | 1.44 (1.09-1.90) | 18 | 26 |
| Deep vein thrombosis | 2.13 (1.43-2.67) | 13 | 26 |
| Pulmonary embolism | 2.13 (1.45-3.11) | 8 | 18 |
| Invasive breast cancerc | 1.24 (1.01-1.54) | 33 | 41 |
| Invasive Colorectal cancer | 0.56 (0.38-0.81) | 10 | 16 |
| Endometrial cancer | 0.81 (0.48-1.36) | 7 | 6 |
| Cervical cancer | 1.44 (0.47-4.42) | 1 | 2 |
| Hip fracture | 0.67 (0.47-0.96) | 16 | 9 |
| Vertebral fracture | 0.65 (0.46-0.92) | 17 | 11 |
| Lower arm/wrist fractures | 0.71 (0.59-0.85) | 62 | 44 |
| Total fractures | 0.76 (0.69-0.83) | 199 | 152 |
| a Results are based on centrally adjudicated data.
Mortality data was not part of the adjudicated data;however, data at 5.2
years of follow-up showed no difference between the groups in terms of all-causemortality
(RR 0.98, 95% nCI 0.82-1.18). b Nominal confidence intervals unadjusted for multiple looks and multiple comparisons. c Includes metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer, with the exception of in situ breast cancer. |
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The estrogen-alone Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), a substudy WHI, enrolled 2,947 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older (45 percent were aged 65 to 69 years, 36 percent were 70 to 74 years, and 19 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of conjugated estrogens (CE 0.625 mg) on the incidence of probable dementia(primary outcome) compared with placebo.
After an average follow-up of 5.2 years, 28 women in the estrogen-alone group (37 per 10,000 women-years) and 19 in the placebo group (25 per 10,000 women-years) were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia in the estrogen-alone group was 1.49 (95 percent confidence interval (CI), 0.83-2.66) compared to placebo. It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women. (See BOXED WARNINGS, WARNINGS, Dementia, and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use.)
The estrogen plus progestin WHIMS substudy enrolled 4,532 predominantly healthy postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older (47 percent were aged 65 to 69 years, 35 percent were 70 to 74 years, and 18 percent were 75 years of age and older) to evaluate the effects of CE/MPA ( 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate) on the incidence of probable dementia (primary outcome) compared with placebo.
After an average follow-up of 4 years, 40 women in the estrogen-plus-progestin (45 per 10,000 women-years) and 21 in the placebo group (22 per 10,000 women-years) were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia in the hormone therapy group was 2.05 (95 percent CI, 1.21-3.48) compared to placebo.
When data from the two populations were pooled as planned in the WHIMS protocol, the reported overall relative risk for probable dementia was 1.76 (95 percent CI 1.19-2.60). Differences between groups became apparent in the first year of treatment. It is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women. (See BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS, Dementia, and PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use.)
ESTRING
(estradiol vaginal ring)
Read this PATIENT INFORMATION before you start using ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and read the patient information each time you refill your ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) prescription. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your menopausal symptoms and their treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) (an estrogen hormone)?
Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are using ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) . Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterine (womb). Your healthcare provider should check any unusual vaginal bleeding to find out the cause.
Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chance of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your risk of dementia, based on a study of women age 65 years or older.
You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with ESTRING.
What is ESTRING?
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is an off-white, soft, flexible ring with a center that contains 2 mg of estradiol (an estrogen hormone). ESTRING releases estradiol into the vagina in a consistent, stable manner for 90 days. The soft, flexible ring is placed in the upper third of the vagina (by the physician or the patient). ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) should be removed after90 days of continuous use. If continuation of therapy is indicated, the flexible ring should be replaced.
What is ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) used for?
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is used after menopause to:
You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) to control these problems.
Who should not use ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) ?
Do not start using ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) if you:
Estrogens may increase the chance of getting certain types of cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus. If you have or had cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should use ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) .
See the list of ingredients in ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) at the end of this leaflet.
Tell your healthcare provider:
The hormone in ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) can pass into your breast milk.
Your healthcare provider may need to check you more carefully if you have certain conditions, such as asthma (wheezing), epilepsy (seizures), migraine, endometriosis, lupus, or problems with your heart, liver, thyroid, kidneys, or have high calcium levels in your blood.
This includes prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) works. ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) may also affect how your other medicines work.
You may need to stop taking estrogens.
How should I use ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) ?
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is a local estrogen therapy designed to relieve itching, burning and dryness in and around the vagina . ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) PROVIDES RELIEF OF LOCAL SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE ONLY.
Estrogens should be used only as long as needed. You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly (for example, every 3 to 6 months) about whether you still need treatment with ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) .
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) INSERTION
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) can be inserted and removed by you or your doctor or healthcare provider. To insert ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) yourself, choose the position that is most comfortable for you: standing with one leg up, squatting, or lying down.
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1. After washing and drying your hands, remove ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) from its pouch using the tear-off notch on the side. (Since the ring becomes slippery when wet, be sure your hands are dry before handling it.)
2. Hold ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) between your thumb and index finger and press the opposite sides of the ring together as shown.
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3.Gently push the compressed ring into your vagina as far as you can.
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ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) PLACEMENT
The exact position of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is not critical, as long as it is placed in the upper third of the vagina.
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When ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is in place, you should not feel anything. If you feel uncomfortable, ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is probably not far enough inside. Use your finger to gently push ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) further into your vagina.
There is no danger of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) being pushed too far up in the vagina or getting lost. ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) can only be inserted as far as the end of the vagina, where the cervix (the narrow, lower end of the uterus) will block ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) from going any further (see diagram of Female Anatomy).
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) USE
Once inserted, ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) should remain in place in the vagina for 90 days.
Most women and their partners experience no discomfort with ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) in place during intercourse, so it is NOT necessary that the ring be removed. If ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) should cause you or your partner any discomfort, you may remove it prior to intercourse (see ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) Removal, below). Be sure to reinsert ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) as soon as possible afterwards.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) may slide down into the lower part of the vagina as a result of the abdominal pressure or straining that sometimes accompanies constipation. If this should happen, gently guide ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) back into place with your finger.
There have been rare reports of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) falling out in some women following intense straining or coughing. If this should occur, simply wash ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) with lukewarm (NOT hot) water and reinsert it.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) DRUG DELIVERY
Once in the vagina, ESTRING begins to release estradiol immediately. ESTRING will continue to release a low, continuous dose of estradiol for the full 90 days it remains in place.
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It will take about 2 to 3 weeks to restore the tissue of the vagina and urinary tract to a healthier condition and to feel the full effect of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) in relieving vaginal and urinary symptoms. If your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks after beginning ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) therapy, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
One of the most frequently reported effects associated with the use of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is an increase in vaginal secretions. These secretions are like those that occur normally prior to menopause and indicate that ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is working. However, if the secretions are associated with a bad odor or vaginal itching or discomfort, be sure to contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) REMOVAL
After 90 days there will no longer be enough estradiol in the ring to maintain its full effect in relieving your vaginal or urinary symptoms. ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) should be removed at that time and replaced with a new ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) , if your doctor determines that you need to continue your therapy.
To remove ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) :
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If you have any additional questions about removing ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) , contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
What are the possible side effects of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) ?
A few cases of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) have been reported in women using vaginal rings. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious illness caused by a bacterial infection. If you have fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, dizziness, faintness, or a sunburn-like rash on face and body, remove ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) and contact your healthcare provider. A few cases of the vaginal ring becoming attached to the vaginal wall, making ring removal difficult, have been reported.
The most frequently reported side effect with ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) use is increased vaginal secretions. Many of these vaginal secretions are like those that occur normally prior to menopause and indicate that ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is working. Vaginal secretions that are associated with a bad odor, vaginal itching, or other signs of vaginal infection are NOT normal and may indicate a risk or a cause for concern. Other side effects may include vaginal discomfort, abdominal pain, or genital itching.
What are the possible side effects of estrogens ?
Side effects are grouped by how serious they are and how often they happen when you are treated.
Serious but less common side effects include:
Some of the warning signs of these serious side effects include:
Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these warning signs, or any other unusual symptom that concerns you.
Less serious but common side effects include:
These are not all the possible side effects of estrogens. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
What can I do to lower my chances of getting a serious side effect with ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) ?
General information about safe and effective use of ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring)
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
Keep ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) out of the reach of children.
This leaflet provides a summary of the most important information about ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) . If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can ask for information about ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) that is written for health professionals. You can get more information by calling the toll free number 1-888-691-6813.
What are the ingredients in ESTRING?
ESTRING (estradiol vaginal ring) is a slightly opaque ring with a whitish core containing a drug reservoir of 2 mg estradiol (an estrogen hormone). Estradiol, silicone polymers and barium sulfate are combined to form the ring.
Storage: Store at controlled room temperature 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F).
