Oestrogel Pump Pack Information Sheet

What is oestrogel?

Oestrogel contains 17B Oestradiol, a natural form of the female hormone oestrogen.

The Pump Pack dispenser delivers 64 metered doses of gel. You apply it to your skin and it’s absorbed into the bloodstream. The gel takes a few minutes to dry, it’s not greasy, has no smell, and should not stain your clothing.

What can I expect from my treatment with oestrogel?

Oestrogel helps relieve the symptoms of the menopause, which are caused by an oestrogen deficiency. It can take up to 3 months to work, though most women will notice a difference sooner than this.

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What is the right dose of Oestrogel?

Your doctor will discuss the right dose for you. Most women start with 1 or 2 metered doses a day. One pump measure of Oestrogel is equivalent to a 25mcg oestradiol (for example Evorel™ 25 or Estradot™ 25) twice-weekly patch. Two pump measures are equivalent to a 50mcg oestradiol (for example Evorel™ 50 or Estradot™ 50) twice-weekly patch. Your doctor may prescribe up to four metered doses – the maximum standard dose, depending on your needs.

How do I apply Oestrogel?

The gel should be applied to dry, intact skin:

• Spread in a thin layer over the surface of your outer arm from the shoulder down, or inner thigh. Do not apply on or near your breasts or genital area.
• Apply one metered dose to one area. So if you are using 2 doses, apply one dose to one area and then the other dose to another area.
• Allow the gel to dry for around 5 minutes before covering the skin with clothing.
• Do not wash or apply any other skincare product to the skin for at least 1 hour after application.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after application so that you don’t get Oestrogel on other people or surfaces.
• Do not have contact with another person for an hour after application.

See diagram below on the application of Oestrogel pump pack from the manufacturer, Bessins:

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, abdominal pain, and headaches. Side effects often settle in the first few weeks, but please speak to a doctor if they are not settling, if they are severe or if you’re concerned.

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Important note for women who have a womb

If you have a womb – have not had a hysterectomy – it’s very important that you also take another hormone called a progestogen. This may come as a separate capsule or tablet or can be delivered in a Mirena™ coil. Oestrogen by itself thickens the lining of the womb and can increase the risk of cancer of the womb. The progestogen aims to keep the lining of the womb thin, reducing this risk.

You may read that the risk of blood clots and stroke is increased by taking oestrogen. Taking oestrogen tablets significantly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke, but there’s no increase in this risk if oestrogen is absorbed through the skin, as is the case with Oestrogel or an oestrogen patch.

More information can be found at:

• https://www.oestrogel.co.uk
• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.353.pdf
• In the patient information leaflet that comes with the Oestrogel pump dispenser