Evorel

Evorel is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It contains the active ingredient estradiol, which acts as a naturally occurring form of the female sex hormone, oestrogen.

Declining levels of oestrogen during the menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms like irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness or itching.

Hormone replacement therapy replaces declining oestrogen levels within the body, reducing menopausal symptoms. Your doctor should review the use of hormone replacement therapy at least once a year.

The Evorel patch is a great alternative for those who do not want to take a daily tablet, as you only need to change the patches twice a week. In addition to alleviating menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy can also prevent osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones.

During the menopause, a woman’s ovaries produce less oestrogen, which can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats.

Evorel patches replace lost oestrogen by gradually releasing oestrogen over a few days through the skin. Levels of active oestrogen are reached approximately four hours after the patch is applied to the skin, lasting three to four days, after which it should be changed.

Evorel patches are suitable for postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy.

If you still have your womb, you will need to take a progestogen along with oestrogen to protect the womb, as high levels of oestrogen can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. These may be prescribed separately, or as a combined HRT treatment, like Evorel Sequi or Evorel Conti.

It is important to take this medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Evorel patches are available in four different sizes:

• Evorel 25
• Evorel 50
• Evorel 75
• Evorel 100

You will start on the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.

Where do I apply Evorel patches?

Apply the patch to an area of hairless skin below the waist as soon as it is removed from the wrapper. The patch should be changed twice a week on the same days. One patch should be worn for three days and the next patch for four days, without a break in between.

Take care to apply each patch on a slightly different area of the skin when changed.

Do not apply a patch:

• on wet or unwashed skin
• on or near the breasts
• on an area that will be covered by a tight waistband
• in areas of skin irritation, such as cuts or spots

If a patch falls off, it should be replaced as soon as possible, keeping to the original patch change schedule. If this happens while bathing or showering, replace the patch once your skin is dry and cool.

You should be able to carry out everyday activities, such as bathing, swimming, and exercising, as normal. Make sure the patch is covered by clothing if you are in direct sunlight.

More detailed instructions will be outlined in the patient information leaflet.

All medications do come with the risk of side effects, although not everyone will get them. The most common side effect of Evorel is skin irritation in the area where the patch is applied.

Other common side effects include:

If any of these become particularly concerning, or if you develop more serious side effects, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor or pharmacist.

A complete list of side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet.

You should not use Evorel if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients
• have a history of breast cancer or a cancer that is worsened by oestrogens
• have an untreated thickening of the lining of the womb
• have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• have ever had a blood clot, angina, or stroke
• have reduced liver function due to a liver disease

You should see your doctor for regular check-ups while on HRT. These check-ups may need to be more frequent depending on your medical history.

You should also attend regular breast screening and cervical smear tests, and check your breasts for changes such as lumps.

Hormone replacement therapy does carry some risks, and may slightly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and dementia in those over the age of 65.

A full list of precautions will be detailed in the patient information leaflet.

It is important that you detail any medications and supplements you are currently taking, whether they are prescribed or not, during your online consultation. You should also check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while using Evorel.

Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of Evorel, resulting in the reappearance of symptoms, and may also cause irregular, menstruation-like bleeding.

These include:

• medications for epilepsy, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin or carbamazepine
• rifamycin antibiotics such as rifabutin and rifampicin
• HIV medication such as ritonavir, nevirapine, efavirenz, and nelfinavir
• barbiturates like amobarbital
• Bosentan, a medication used to treat high blood pressure
• St John's wort

Evorel may also reduce the effectiveness of other medications, such as lamotrigine, a medication for epilepsy.

You can buy Evorel patches online from euroClinix. Evorel is a prescription medication, so you will be required to complete a simple online consultation form to ensure that this is the right medication for you. Our UK-based doctor will then review your responses and if your consultation is approved, a prescription will be issued and sent to our registered pharmacy for dispatch from the UK.