estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel at a glance
Medicine class
Continuous combined oestrogen–progestogen HRT
Licensed role
Relief of oestrogen-deficiency symptoms after menopause
Form
A matrix patch that delivers both hormones through the skin
Contraception
HRT does not prevent pregnancy
What is estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel used for?
This product is licensed for:
HRT for oestrogen-deficiency symptoms in postmenopausal women more than one year after menopause.
Clinical experience in women older than 65 years is limited.
How does estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel work?
Estradiol replaces some of the oestrogen no longer produced after menopause and helps relieve symptoms such as hot flushes. Levonorgestrel opposes estradiol’s effect on the womb lining. Delivery through the skin avoids hepatic first-pass metabolism.
estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel preparations and strengths
Transdermal patch
Route: Transdermal
Strengths: 50 micrograms + 7 micrograms/24 hours
How to take estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel
Use the patch exactly as prescribed and follow the pack leaflet.
Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin on the buttock or hip, free from creams, lotions and oils.
Do not apply on or near the breasts, over irritated skin, at the waist or where tight clothing may rub.
Press the patch firmly, especially around its edges, and rotate application sites.
It can remain on while bathing or showering. Keep it covered by clothing to limit direct sunlight.
Remove it slowly and fold it with the adhesive surfaces together before disposal.
estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel side effects
Common or expected effects
- Redness, itching or another mild reaction where the patch was applied
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Headache
- Indigestion
Get urgent medical advice
- Painful swelling of one leg, sudden chest pain or breathlessness
- Stroke symptoms such as facial drooping, weakness or speech difficulty
- Severe allergic reaction with facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Jaundice, a marked rise in blood pressure or a new migraine-type headache
- A new breast lump or persistent, heavy or newly occurring vaginal bleeding
estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel in pregnancy
This HRT is not indicated during pregnancy and is not contraception. If pregnancy occurs, remove the patch, stop treatment and contact the prescriber.
estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel while breastfeeding
The product is not indicated while breastfeeding. Oestrogen-containing HRT is not usually prescribed during breastfeeding unless a specialist recommends it.
estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel interactions
Check all prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products before starting or stopping them.
Carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital
May reduce hormone exposure, lessen symptom control or alter vaginal bleeding.
Rifampicin or rifabutin
May increase hormone metabolism and reduce treatment effect.
Nevirapine, efavirenz, ritonavir or nelfinavir
May increase steroid-hormone metabolism and affect symptom control or bleeding.
Common questions about estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is estradiol hemihydrate + levonorgestrel used for?
It is combined HRT for relieving oestrogen-deficiency symptoms in postmenopausal women more than one year after menopause.
Why does it contain two hormones?
Estradiol relieves oestrogen-deficiency symptoms, while levonorgestrel protects the womb lining from estradiol’s growth-promoting effect.
Does it prevent pregnancy?
No. HRT is not contraception, so contraception may still be needed where pregnancy remains possible.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.