Description:
Femtran is used to treat the signs and symptoms of oestrogen deficiency in women who have reached menopause. The menopause is when menstrual periods stop. This is the time when a woman's body starts to make less oestrogen, and occurs naturally between the ages 45-55. Femtran can also be used in women who have had an operation to remove their ovaries as this causes instant menopause. Some women have no or only mild menopause symptoms and don't need oestrogen replacement therapy. Others need to use oestrogens for a short period only while their bodies adjust to the lower oestrogen levels. The estradiol in Femtran can replace the oestrogen which the body is no longer making and helps reduce these unpleasant effects.

Use:
Femtran patches are worn continuously for 7 days. Your doctor will tell you which size patch to use. You should only wear one patch at a time unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Before applying a Femtran patch make sure your skin is clean, dry and non-oily. It is best to wait for 10 minutes after a shower or bath until the skin is completely dry before applying a Femtran patch. If the skin remains humid, dry it with a hairdryer. The patch is best applied to cool skin. Do not use moisturisers of any kind on the area where you intend to place the patch. The best place to apply Femtran patches is on your lower abdomen or buttocks. NEVER put Femtran patches on your breasts. The patch should be placed on an area of skin that is usually covered by clothing. Avoid areas like the waistline where the patch can be rubbed by tight clothing and areas where the skin is hairy or folded. Do not apply the patch to broken or irritated skin.

Precautions when taking Femtran:
Do not use Femtran if you are allergic to estradiol or you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you are taking sleeping tablets, arthritis medicine, antibiotics, medicines for tuberculosis (TB), medicines for epilepsy, diabetic medicines or insulin, birth control pill, products containing St John's wort, or any medicines or remedies that you buy without a prescription.

Possible Side Effects of Femtran:
The following effects have occurred in clinical trials where Femtran was used: itching under the patch, reddening of the skin when the patch is removed, enlarged or painful breasts, breakthrough bleeding (spotting) between periods or a change in menstrual flow, increase in vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvis, fluid retention (bloating), nausea, stomach pain or wind, increased sweating, acne, headache, pain or tiredness, dizziness, leg cramps, feeling depressed or nervous, changes in weight.