How to use Oestrogel: the prescription and the application

About the gel

Oestrogel is a clear gel with a subtle alcohol scent.  

Not all pharmacies stock Oestrogel.  The estrogen gel is not funded.  It will cost about $40 per bottle.  If you are on 50mcg patch doses, usually this corresponds to 2 pumps of gel and therefore the bottle will last one month.

What do I do if my pharmacy says it’s not available?  Tell them it is Section 29 and that they can order it in.  (Or go somewhere else)

Application

The medicine is delivered in a pump/actuator.  Each metered dose (1 pump) from the dispenser is 0.75g of Oestrogel. This is equivalent to a the 25mcg patch.  A higher dose is needed with the patch for an equivalent medication delivery.

Getting started: prime the pump.  Press the pump down 3-5 times.  Discard the first pump of gel.  Your pump pack is now ready to use!

Practicalities

•    The gel should be applied to dry, intact skin.  Spread in a thin layer over the surface of your outer arm from the shoulder down to the wrist (or inner thigh). Do not apply on or near your breasts or genitalia)

•    Apply one dose to one area ie 2 doses/2 pumps, apply one dose to one area and then the other dose to another area.

•    Lightly rub the gel into the skin, do not massage it.  Allow the gel to dry for around 5 minutes before covering the skin with clothing

•    Do not wash or apply any other skincare product to the skin for at least 1 hour after application.

•    Wash your hands with soap and water after application so that you don’t get Oestrogel on other people or surfaces.

•    Do not have contact with another person for an hour after application.

 

If you are on 75mcg or higher dosing you may wish to split up your dose ie 2 pumps in the morning and the remaining pumps in the evening.  

Other points

• Rashes and side effects are less common with the gel compared to the patches - but they can still occur

• Some women find they need less gel than patches due to better absorption.  Sometimes it is vice versa.  You may have change in your symptom control and side effects with a change in preparation.  

• Vaginal bleeding may occur, this is likely to be because of the change in dose, but if you are worried, or if it is heavy - please discuss with your healthcare provider.  Any abnormal bleeding after 3 months of a dose change needs a review.