Divigel (Estradiol) is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) associated with menopause. Menopause is the natural cessation of menstruation, typically occurring in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It's caused by a decline in the production of female hormones, particularly estrogen. The most common symptom is vasomotor instability, leading to hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. The active ingredient in Divigel is Estradiol. Estradiol belongs to a class of medications known as topical hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It works by delivering Estradiol directly into the bloodstream through the skin. By replacing the estrogen that is no longer produced after menopause, it helps to stabilize the body's thermoregulatory center in the brain, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Divigel from Canada, manufactured by Searchlight Pharma, in strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg single dose gel packets. The brand is also available from the United Kingdom, manufactured by Orion in strengths of 0.5 mg and 1 mg gel sachets. The generic Estradiol is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Divigel. The most common side effects of Divigel may include the following:
• Bloating;
• Breast tenderness;
• Headache;
• Irregular vaginal bleeding;
• Nausea;
• Skin irritation at the application site
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Blood clots;
• Liver problems;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Stroke
These are not all the side effects of Divigel. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Divigel if you are allergic to Estradiol or any ingredient in Divigel. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a history of breast cancer;
• Have an active or history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack;
• Have asthma;
• Have epilepsy;
• Have estrogen-dependent tumors;
• Have gallbladder disease;
• Have hereditary angioedema;
• Have liver or kidney disease;
• Have lupus;
• Have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Divigel and other medicines, such as St. John's wort, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, ketoconazole, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Divigel is for use in menopausal women, not pregnant women. Using this medicine in pregnancy can harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Estradiol can decrease the quality and quantity of breast milk.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Divigel is a gel. Please do not take it by mouth. This medicine is for topical use only. Wash your hands with soap and water before applying the gel. Apply the gel only to clean, dry, unbroken skin. Apply the gel once daily on the skin of either the right or left thigh. Alternate the application sites per day. Wait at least 25 minutes after applying Divigel before applying sunscreen to that area. Do not apply Divigel on the face, breasts, or around the vagina. Avoid contact with your eyes. Allow the gel to dry after application before using a dressing. Do not wash the application site for at least 1 hour after applying Divigel. Your doctor will check your progress regularly to determine whether you should continue the treatment. Store this drug at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of the reach of children.