Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone
BRAND NAME: Estratest
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Esterified estrogens are a
mixture of
related estrogens. Estrogens, when taken alone or in combination
with a progestin, have been shown to reduce the risk for hip fracture
due
to osteoporosis by 25% as well as the risk of heart attack
(myocardial infarction)
and stroke by 40-50%. Esterified estrogens are used for numerous
medical
situations. Estrogens cause growth and development of female sex
organs and
the maintain sex characteristics, including growth of underarm and
pubic hair and shaping of body contours and skeleton. Estrogens also
increase secretions from the cervix and growth of the inner lining of
the
uterus (endometrium). Estrogens reduce LDL-cholesterol ("bad"
cholesterol)
and increase HDL-cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) concentrations.
Testosterone is the major male sex hormone that is responsible for
many male sexual characteristics, but women also produce small
amounts of testosterone. Following
menopause, a woman's production of testosterone decreases. When
testosterone in the form of methyltestosterone is added to estrogens,
there may be a further alleviation of the hot flashes seen after
menopause, and there also may be an improvement in a woman's sexual
function.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Estratest tablets: esterified estrogens
0.625mg plus
methyltestosterone 1.25mg; esterified estrogens 1.25mg plus
methyltestosterone 2.5mg. Estratest HS is one-half the strength of
Estratest.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at 36-86°F
(20-30°C).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Estratest is prescribed for the treatment
of the common symptoms associated with menopause (e.g., hot flashes,
vaginal
dryness).
DOSING: Estratest usually is prescribed as 1 or 2 tablets
daily for
21 consecutive days followed by 7 days without medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: For drug interactions for esterified
estrogens, please read the esterified estrogens article.
Methyltestosterone can increase the effects of warfarin (Coumadin),
increasing the risk of bleeding. Taking methyltestosterone and
imipramine (Tofranil) together has led to paranoia in a few patients.
Methyltestosterone can increase blood concentrations of cyclosporine (Sandimmune;
Neoral), which can increase the risk of kidney damage.
PREGNANCY: Both methyltestosterone and estrogens should not
be used during pregnancy due to an increased risk of fetal
abnormalities.
NURSING MOTHERS: Estrogens are secreted in milk and cause
unpredictable effects in the infant. They should not be used during
breast-feeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: For side effects, please read
the esterified estrogens article.
Methyltestosterone can have masculinizing effects in women, the
development of acne,
growth of facial hair, enlargement of the clitoris, reduction in
breast size, and
deepening of the voice. If treatment is discontinued when these
symptoms
first appear, they usually diminish or disappear; however, prolonged
treatment can cause irreversible masculinizing effects.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 5/25/1999
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Premature Menopause - Premature menopause is when menopause occurs before age 40. Symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, decreased sex drive.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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