This article describes estradiol oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for estradiol. If you want to know more about estradiol oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Estradiol oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Estradiol also comes in forms that are applied to the skin and forms that are applied in the vagina, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of the following effects:
- certain types of cancers
- dementia
- serious heart and blood vessel conditions
A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
Form and strengths of estradiol
Estradiol oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: tablet that you swallow
- Strengths: 0.5 milligrams (mg), 1 mg, 2 mg
Dosage of estradiol
This article describes the recommended dosages for estradiol oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of estradiol oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of estradiol
Estradiol oral tablet is used for several conditions in adults. These include:
- symptoms related to menopause
- low estrogen levels
- certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer
- prevention of osteoporosis
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of estradiol oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of estradiol oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for managing symptoms related to menopause
- Dose: 1–2 milligrams (mg)
- Frequency: once per day
Your doctor will likely have you take estradiol oral tablet in cycles. For example, they may have you take it for 3 weeks, then take 1 week off.
Note: If you have a uterus, your doctor will likely prescribe a progesterone medication along with estradiol. Taking progesterone will lower the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer.
Dosage for increasing low estrogen levels
- Dose: 1–2 mg
- Frequency: once per day
Dosage for certain types of breast cancer
- Dose: 10 mg
- Frequency: three times per day
Dosage for certain types of prostate cancer
- Dose: 1–2 mg
- Frequency: three times per day
Dosage for prevention of osteoporosis
Your doctor will determine your dosage of estradiol for osteoporosis prevention.
Dosage adjustments for estradiol
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of estradiol oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you take
Missed dose of estradiol
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of estradiol oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of estradiol oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about estradiol oral tablet and its dosage.
What is considered a low dose or high dose of estradiol?
The lowest recommended dose of estradiol oral tablet is 1 milligram (mg) once per day. The highest recommended dose is 10 mg three times per day. The recommended dosage will differ depending on the specific use of estradiol. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dosage that’s effective for your condition.
If you have questions about what the right dosage is for you, talk with your doctor.
Is estradiol taken long term?
Possibly. Doctors may prescribe estradiol oral tablet as a short-term or long-term treatment, depending on what you’re taking it for. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you may take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take estradiol oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How estradiol is taken
You’ll swallow estradiol oral tablet up to three times per day, as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may lower your risk of stomach upset.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
The drugmaker has not made any recommendations on whether estradiol tablets can be cut, crushed, or dissolved. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Estradiol coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for estradiol when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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