ESTRADIOL

• Pregnant women and people who are allergic to this drug should be very careful not to accidentally take it. Because this drug has a higher risk of affecting pregnancy, pregnant women should wear disposable gloves when giving doses or handling the drug and avoid inhaling any dust from split or crushed tablets. Skin or eyes exposed to powder or liquids containing the drug should immediately be washed or rinsed off thoroughly, and your physician contacted.

• Wash your hands after handling any medication.

Estrogen Hormone

Estradiol may be used to induce estrus (heat) or estrus behavior and for long-term treatment of urinary incontinence in horses. This hormone has also been used in dogs and cats as a mismate treatment to avoid pregnancy. This indication for dogs and cats is rarely used today due to safer alternatives.

The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) has approved estradiol for use in humans, but not animals. The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe and use products containing this drug in different species or for other conditions in certain situations; however, use of this drug in food-producing animals is illegal. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.

• Store this medication in its original foil-sealed blister packs, prescription vial, or an approved dosage reminder container (ie, pill minder) at room temperature and protected from light.

• If your veterinarian or pharmacist has made (compounded) a special formulation for your animal, follow the storage recommendations and expiration date for the product.

• Keep away from children and other animals.

• Use of this drug may not be allowed in certain animal competitions. Check rules and regulations before entering your animal in a competition while this medication is being administered.

• Use of estradiol in food-producing animals (eg, cattle, pigs) is illegal.

Side effects that usually are not serious include:

• Anorexia (lack of appetite).

• Vomiting.

• Greater thirst.

• Swollen or inflamed vulva.

• Anxiety, aggression (threatening behavior/actions).

• Lethargy (lack of energy), sleepiness.

• Loss of fur.

• Drooling/hypersalivation.

• Acting as if in heat.

You don’t have to be overly concerned if you see any of these signs unless they are severe, worsen, or continue to be a problem. Contact your veterinarian if this happens.

Side effects that are rare and unlikely to occur but may be serious or indicate a serious problem include:

• Lack of energy due to anemia (low red blood cell count), bleeding, bruising, or a fever may indicate an infection due to bone marrow suppression.

• Vulvar/Vaginal discharge.

• Mammary tumors (growths).

• Feminization of males (eg, shrinking testicles, mammary growth).

If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.