HRT Transdermal Patches

What Is HRT Transdermal Patches?

HRT Transdermal Patches is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that provides relief from symptoms experienced after menopause. It contains two active ingredients.

Can I Use HRT Transdermal Patches?

You may be prescribed HRT Transdermal Patches if you are postmenopausal, have not had a natural period for at least 12 months, and your symptoms significantly affect your daily life.

How Do HRT Transdermal Patches Work?

Each patch releases a specific amount of hormone over 24 hours.

How To Use HRT Transdermal Patches

HRT Transdermal Patches should be applied twice a week, with a new patch applied every 3 or 4 days.

1. Clean the skin thoroughly before applying the patch. Skin must be dry and free from oil.
2. Remove the patch from the pack and peel off the transparent protective film. Do not touch the adhesive layer of the patch.
3. Place the adhesive part of the patch evenly on the skin. Remove the remaining protective film and press the rest of the patch down.
4. Press the patch firmly for one minute with the flat part of your hand.

Stick the patch on an area of the skin where there is minimal skin wrinkling during movement, such as the side of the upper thigh. Do not apply the patch to the breast, or to red, injured or hairy skin. When applied correctly, each patch should remain in place for at least 4 days.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, HRT Transdermal Patches may cause side effects.

Very common side effects include:

• Headache
• Skin reactions at the application site
• Breast tension and pain (painful menstruation and menstrual disorders)

Common side effects include:

• Depression, nervousness, uncontrollable emotions and mood changes
• Dizziness and insomnia
• Nausea, abdominal distension, diarrhoea, gastric disorders, flatulence and abdominal pain
• Acne, rash, itching, dry skin and redness of the skin
• Back pain and pain in the hands or feet
• Breast enlargement, heavy periods, genital discharge, irregular vaginal bleeding, uterine spasms, vaginal infections and abnormal growth of the womb lining
• Pain; lack or loss of strength (asthenia); swollen hands, ankles or feet; and weight gain

Certain diseases have been reported more in women using HRT than in those who do not, including breast cancer, abnormal growth or cancer of the womb and blood clots.

Warnings

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have, or have ever had, any of the following:

• Fibroids
• A growth of the womb lining outside of womb (endometriosis) or a history of excessive growth of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
• An increased risk of developing blood clots
• An increased risk of getting an oestrogen-sensitive cancer
• High blood pressure
• A liver disorder
• Diabetes
• Gallstones
• Migraine or severe headaches
• A disease of the immune system
• Epilepsy
• Asthma
• A disease affecting the eardrum and hearing
• A very high level of fat in your blood
• Fluid retention due to cardiac or kidney problems
• Hypothyroidism and you are taking a thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• Hereditary and acquired angioedema, or episodes of rapid swelling of the hands, feet, face, lips, eyes, tongue, throat or digestive tract

Please read all information on warnings and precautions in the Patient Information Leaflet.