USES: This medication is a hormone and is given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes). Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevent heart disease.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle every 3 to 4 weeks depending on your condition and response. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. This drug should be used for the shortest possible length of time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Follow your dosing schedule closely and use this only as directed.

SIDE EFFECTS: This may cause nausea, stomach cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, headache and pain or irritation at the injection site. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience: sudden severe headache, dizziness, jerky muscle movements, mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss), vomiting, leg pain/swelling, groin pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, menstrual changes, lumps in the breast or breast discharge, vision changes, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, swelling of lower legs, yellowing of the skin or eyes. Contact lens wearers may find their eyes more sensitive or intolerant to the lenses while using this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, certain cancers (e.g., breast cancer, especially non-metastatic type), blood clots, active/recent stroke or heart attack, liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abnormal vaginal bleeding, heart disease, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, blood or blood clotting disorders, epilepsy (seizures), migraine headaches, mental depression, allergies. This drug should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of blood clots from this medication, especially in women over age 35. If you are a smoker, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Depending on strength, this drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing.