CombiPatch

If you suffer from endometriosis, a condition where the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) doesn't shed properly and attaches to the outside of the uterus or other areas such as the ovaries or bowels, hormone therapy may cause a worsening of this condition.

Because estrogen can increase triglyceride levels, you'll need to be closely monitored if your triglycerides tend to be high. If you have diabetes, CombiPatch may also affect your blood sugar levels.

The use of CombiPatch may increase your chance of a stroke. If you feel you are at risk, talk with your doctor about your options.

In general, estrogens have been known to increase the likeliness of lupus, red rashes, and liver lesions.

Estrogen therapy occasionally causes abnormal uterine bleeding or breast pain. In view of concerns about cancer, you should have these symptoms checked by your doctor. In general, you should not take estrogen for more than 1 year without a follow-up physical exam. Ideally, you should have a checkup every 3 to 6 months.

In elderly patients, the combination of estrogen and progesterone was shown to increase the risk of developing dementia.

Let your doctor know if you're going to have surgery or will be on bed rest; you may need to stop taking estrogens.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking CombiPatch

Tell the doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking. The manufacturer does not list specific drug interactions for CombiPatch. However, it's possible that if estrogen is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before using estrogen with the following:

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding