Estrogel (Estradiol 0.6mg/g gel, 80g) Organon, Canada

What EstroGel Is

EstroGel is a prescription hormone replacement therapy containing 17β-estradiol, an estrogen that is chemically identical to the main estrogen produced by the ovaries before menopause. The gel is applied to the skin, where estradiol is absorbed into the bloodstream.

What EstroGel Is Used For

EstroGel is used to replace estrogen in women with naturally occurring or surgically induced estrogen deficiency associated with menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms. These symptoms may include hot flashes, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness.

EstroGel is not intended to prevent heart disease or stroke. A healthcare professional should regularly review whether treatment is still needed and prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration.

Product Details

Dose and Treatment Schedule

Use EstroGel exactly as prescribed. The Canadian product information states that treatment is usually started with 2.5 g of gel daily, equal to two full pump actuations and 1.5 mg of 17β-estradiol. The dose and schedule may be changed according to symptoms, side effects and clinical response. Do not change the dose on your own.

EstroGel may be prescribed as cyclic, sequential or continuous therapy. A common cyclic schedule is days 1 to 25 of each calendar month or days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. Continuous treatment may be appropriate in some cases. Follow the schedule provided by your healthcare professional.

Women with an intact uterus are generally prescribed a progestogen for at least 12 to 14 days of each monthly or 28-day cycle to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. For women who have had a hysterectomy, a progestogen is generally not recommended unless there is a history of endometriosis.

How to Apply EstroGel

1. Before first use, prime the new pump as directed in the patient leaflet. Press the pump once or twice and discard the priming gel because the first actuation may not deliver an accurate dose.
2. Wash and dry your hands and the intended application area. Apply the prescribed amount to clean, dry and unbroken skin.
3. Spread the gel in a thin, even layer over a large area of skin. For a two-pump dose, the Canadian product information recommends one full actuation on each arm. The abdomen or inner thighs may also be used as alternate application sites.
4. Do not apply the gel on or near the breasts, on the face, on or around the vagina, or on irritated or damaged skin. Do not swallow the gel.
5. Allow the gel to dry for about two minutes before dressing. Replace the pump cover after every use.

EstroGel contains alcohol and is flammable until dry. Keep the application area away from smoking, flames and other ignition sources until the gel has dried.

Do not allow other people, especially children, to touch uncovered skin where the gel was applied. Cover the site with clothing after it has dried if needed. If a child touches the application area, wash the child's skin with soap and water as soon as possible and contact a healthcare professional if any unexpected breast development or other sexual changes occur.

Missed Dose

Apply a missed dose as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. If the next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not apply a double dose. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure.

Who Should Not Use EstroGel

Do not use EstroGel without medical approval if any of the following applies:

• allergy to estradiol or any ingredient in the gel
• current or previous breast cancer, endometrial cancer or another known or suspected hormone-dependent cancer
• untreated endometrial hyperplasia or unexplained abnormal genital bleeding
• current or previous liver disease while liver function tests remain abnormal
• pregnancy, suspected pregnancy or breastfeeding
• current or previous blood clot in a vein, pulmonary embolism, active thrombophlebitis or a known thrombophilic disorder
• current or previous arterial thromboembolic disease such as angina, heart attack, stroke or coronary heart disease
• partial or complete loss of vision caused by blood vessel disease of the eye
• classical migraine or porphyria

This list does not include every condition that may affect treatment. Tell the prescriber about all health conditions, including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, kidney disease, asthma, epilepsy, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, lupus, thyroid disease or previous angioedema.

Important Safety Information

Estrogen therapy can increase the risk of serious conditions, including blood clots, stroke, breast cancer and endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Estrogen with or without a progestogen should not be used to prevent cardiovascular disease. Regular medical follow-up is required.

Seek immediate medical help for symptoms that may indicate a stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, sudden loss of vision or a severe allergic reaction. Examples include sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, severe chest pain, coughing blood, unexplained shortness of breath, a painful swollen limb, sudden vision loss, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you notice a breast lump, new or unusual vaginal bleeding, a severe or new migraine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or another persistent or worsening symptom.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects include headache, breast tenderness or swelling, fluid retention, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or bloating, menstrual cramps, vaginal itching or discharge, changes in bleeding, skin irritation at the application site, rash, acne, changes in appetite or body weight, fatigue, mood changes, joint or muscle pain and vertigo. This is not a complete list. Report troublesome or unexpected effects to a healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions and Monitoring

Tell the prescriber and pharmacist about all prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, vitamins, minerals, natural health products and herbal supplements. EstroGel may interact with certain seizure medicines, rifampin or rifabutin, St John's wort, some HIV and hepatitis C medicines, anticoagulants, blood-pressure medicines, diabetes medicines and other hormone treatments. EstroGel may also affect some laboratory test results, so inform the healthcare professional before blood testing.

Storage and Pump Handling

• Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
• Keep the pump cover securely in place.
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
• Replace the pump after 64 measured actuations. The amount delivered may become inaccurate even if gel remains in the container.

Medical Information Notice

This product description is a concise summary and does not contain all information needed for safe use. Read the current Canadian patient medication information and follow the instructions of the prescribing healthcare professional.

Reference Sources

• Health Canada Product Monograph including Patient Medication Information for ESTROGEL, authorized July 23, 2026: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00085508.PDF
• Health Canada Drug Product Database listing for ESTROGEL, DIN 02238704: https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?code=62136&lang=eng

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the usual starting dose of EstroGel?

The Canadian product information states that treatment is usually started with 2.5 g of gel daily, equal to two full pump actuations and 1.5 mg of 17β-estradiol. Use EstroGel exactly as prescribed and do not change the dose on your own.

How do I prime a new EstroGel pump?

Before first use, prime the pump as directed in the patient leaflet. Press the pump once or twice and discard the priming gel because the first actuation may not deliver an accurate dose.

Where should EstroGel be applied?

Apply the prescribed amount to clean, dry, unbroken skin and spread it in a thin, even layer over a large area. For a two-pump dose, the Canadian product information recommends one full actuation on each arm. The abdomen or inner thighs may also be used as alternate sites. Do not apply it on or near the breasts, on the face, on or around the vagina, or on irritated or damaged skin.

How long should EstroGel dry before dressing?

Allow the gel to dry for about two minutes before dressing and replace the pump cover after every use.

How can transfer to another person be reduced?

Do not allow other people, especially children, to touch uncovered skin where the gel was applied. Cover the site with clothing after it has dried if needed. If a child touches the application area, wash the child's skin with soap and water as soon as possible and contact a healthcare professional if unexpected changes occur.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. If the next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not apply a double dose.

Is EstroGel flammable?

Yes, until it is dry. EstroGel contains alcohol. Keep the application area away from smoking, flames and other ignition sources until the gel has dried.

How many measured actuations are in the 80 g pump?

The 80 g metered-dose pump contains 64 measured actuations. Replace the pump after 64 measured actuations even if gel remains in the container.

How should EstroGel be stored?

Store the pump at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, keep the cover securely in place and keep it out of the reach and sight of children.