Evalon Cream 15 Gm

EVALON CREAM 15 GM, manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., is a topical hormone replacement therapy designed to alleviate symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women.

Name

• Brand Name: Evalon Cream 15 GM
• Common Name/Active Ingredient: Estriol

Composition

Evalon Cream contains Estriol 1mg as its active ingredient. Estriol is a form of naturally occurring estrogen, a female sex hormone.

Uses

Evalon Cream is primarily prescribed for:

• Relief of menopausal symptoms such as vaginal burning, dryness, itching, and irritation, often caused by vaginal atrophy (thinning of vaginal walls) due to reduced estrogen levels.
• Aiding in wound healing before and after vaginal surgery in postmenopausal women.

Dosage and Administration

Evalon Cream is for intravaginal use only. It is typically applied once daily at bedtime for an initial period, such as up to 4 weeks. Following the initial treatment, a reduced maintenance dose, often once or twice a week, may be prescribed by a doctor. The cream should be inserted deep into the vagina using the calibrated applicator provided, filling it to the mark indicating the prescribed dose (e.g., 0.5mg estriol). After use, the applicator should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Vaginal irritation or itching
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Headache
• Nausea, bloating, or stomach cramps
• Abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include:

• Signs of liver disease (e.g., yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Symptoms of high blood pressure (e.g., severe headache, dizziness)
• New-onset migraine-like headaches
• Signs of blood clots (e.g., painful swelling/redness in legs, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing)
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Precautions

Evalon Cream is contraindicated during pregnancy, in women planning pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. It should not be used by individuals with a known allergy to any of its components, a history of certain cancers (breast, endometrial), unexplained vaginal bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, blood clots, heart attack, stroke, angina, or porphyria. Caution is advised for patients with fibroids, endometriosis, epilepsy, liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, migraines, or asthma. Evalon Cream is not a contraceptive. Regular medical check-ups are recommended during treatment.

Storage

Store Evalon Cream below 25°C (room temperature). Do not freeze. Keep it away from heat, moisture, direct sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Evalon Cream 15 GM:

What is Evalon Cream used for?

Evalon Cream is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with menopause, such as vaginal atrophy, which includes vaginal dryness, burning, itching, irritation, and painful sexual intercourse. It can also be used to aid wound healing before and after vaginal surgery in postmenopausal women.

How does Evalon Cream work?

Evalon Cream contains estriol, a natural form of estrogen. After menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, leading to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls. Evalon Cream works by replenishing the estrogen levels directly in the vaginal tissue, thereby restoring vaginal health, alleviating discomfort, and preventing infections.

What is the usual dosage for Evalon Cream?

Evalon Cream is for vaginal use only. It is typically applied once daily at bedtime for the first few weeks (e.g., up to 4 weeks). After the initial period, your doctor may reduce the frequency to a maintenance dose, such as once or twice a week, or once every two weeks, depending on your symptoms and response. An applicator is usually provided to help measure and insert the correct amount of cream.

What are the possible side effects of Evalon Cream?

Common side effects may include local irritation or itching around the vagina, breast tenderness or pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, and sometimes vaginal discharge or spotting. More serious, but less common, side effects can include signs of liver disease (like jaundice), high blood pressure, new-onset migraine-like headaches, or symptoms of a blood clot (such as painful swelling in the legs, sudden chest pain, or difficulty breathing).

Is Evalon Cream safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, Evalon Cream is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant, as it may harm the fetus. It is also not advised during breastfeeding, as estriol can pass into breast milk and may reduce milk production.

Can Evalon Cream be taken with other medications?

While topical application generally reduces systemic absorption, Evalon Cream may interact with certain medications. These can include drugs that affect drug-metabolizing enzymes (like some anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine) and anti-infectives (like rifampicin and rifabutin). Herbal supplements such as St. John's wort may also influence estrogen metabolism. It can also affect how hormonal contraceptives work, though it's unlikely to make them less effective. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are using.

What precautions should be taken while using Evalon Cream?

Do not use Evalon Cream if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, abnormal thickening of the womb lining (endometrial hyperplasia), blood clots (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack), liver disease, or porphyria. Inform your doctor if you have other conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, epilepsy, migraines, asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure, or if you smoke. Regular medical check-ups are recommended while using this medication. Avoid sexual intercourse immediately after application.

What happens if a dose of Evalon Cream is missed?

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (e.g., more than 12 hours late), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to compensate for a missed one.

How should Evalon Cream be stored?

Evalon Cream should be stored at room temperature, typically below 25°C (77°F), and should not be frozen. Keep it away from heat, moisture, direct sunlight, and light. Always ensure it is kept out of the reach and sight of children and pets.