Description

Ethinylestradiol is most frequently used as the estrogen component of combined oral contraceptives. Also used for the treatment of menopausal and post menopausal symptoms, especially the vasomotor effects.

Use

Ethinylestradiol is usually taken by mouth with food or milk either every day or on a cyclical basis: once a day for 21 days and then none for 7 days; then the cycle is repeated. However, for treating cancer it usually is taken three times a day every day for at least 3 months.

Precautions when taking Ethinylestradiol

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to estrogen, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other medications

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antibiotics or anti-infectives, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, phenytoin (Dilantin), primidone (Mysoline), rifampin, steroids (Decadron, Medrol, Prednisone), and vitamins; tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; history of depression; liver, heart, gallbladder, or kidney disease; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); genital bleeding; and excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking estrogen, call your doctor immediately.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking estrogen.

Tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you wear contact lenses.

Possible Side Effects of Ethinylestradiol

Estrogen may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• stomach cramps
• bloating
• diarrhea
• appetite and weight changes
• glucose intolerance (increased blood sugar)
• brown or black skin patches
• acne
• swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention)
• increased blood pressure
• bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
• changes in menstrual flow
• painful or missed periods
• breast tenderness, enlargement, or secretion
• intolerance to contact lenses

Some side effects may be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• severe stomach pain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• severe mental depression
• unusual bleeding
• loss of appetite

Estrogen may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.