CombiPatch

Estrogens such as the one in CombiPatch should not be used during pregnancy. They pose a danger of birth defects, particularly in the reproductive tract.

The hormones in CombiPatch do appear in breast milk and may affect its quantity and quality. You should avoid taking them while breastfeeding unless it's absolutely necessary.

Recommended dosage for CombiPatch

ADULTS

Your doctor will determine the dosage that is right for you. Typically hormone replacement therapy should be for the shortest duration to relieve your symptoms. You should be evaluated every three to six months.

The recommended starting dose is one patch containing 0.05 milligrams estradiol and 0.14 milligrams norethindrone acetate applied twice a week (every 3 to 4 days). Your doctor may increase your dose to a patch containing 0.05 milligrams estradiol and 0.25 milligrams norethindrone acetate if needed.

CombiPatch can also be used in conjunction with a 0.05 milligram estradiol-only patch. The estradiol-only patch is applied twice a week for the first 14 days of a 28-day cycle, and CombiPatch is applied twice weekly for the remaining 14 days.

If you are currently taking another form of hormone replacement therapy, you should complete the current cycle before switching to CombiPatch.

Irregular bleeding may occur, particularly in the first 6 months of therapy, but generally decreases with time and often stops completely.

Overdosage

Even a large overdose of the hormones in CombiPatch would pose little danger; and the patch form of delivery renders such a dose highly unlikely. Nevertheless, if you think there's a chance, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms would include nausea and withdrawal bleeding.