Estrace (Estradiol)

Name: Estrace
Brand: Actavis
SKU: 0438
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Estrace Vaginal Cream

Manufacturer: Actavis

Country: United States

Dosage: 0.01 %/42.5 gm

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Estrace

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Estradiol Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 0.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Estradiol Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 1 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Estradiol Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 2 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Estrace Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on September 4, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Estrace and Estradiol at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The brand Estrace is available as a vaginal cream in the United States. Due to various mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry, Estrace has been associated with several different companies over the years, including Actavis.

Generic estradiol is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Estrace:

Generic estradiol contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name Estrace and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards as the brand-name product. This means it's designed to work in the same way as estradiol, also known as Estrace. Studies have demonstrated bioequivalence between generic and brand-name estradiol, meaning they have comparable absorption rates and overall effects. However, individual responses to any medication can vary. If you have any questions about using generic estradiol, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit Access to Generic Drugs in Canada | Canada.ca.

Dosage

The brand Estrace vaginal cream is a topical medication, available in a concentration of 0.01% and is typically supplied in a 42.5 gram tube.

The generic version of estradiol is available in oral tablet form, commonly in the following strengths:
• 0.5 mg
• 1 mg
• 2 mg

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical history.

Usage

Estrace vaginal cream is a prescription medication specifically indicated for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy. This condition, which is a common consequence of reduced estrogen levels during and after menopause, leads to thinning and inflammation of the vaginal tissues.

The cream works by delivering a low dose of estradiol directly to the affected area. This localized application helps to restore the health and thickness of the vaginal walls, providing effective relief from associated symptoms, which include:
• Burning sensation in the vaginal area
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Vaginal dryness and irritation

The oral tablets are used to treat conditions associated with low estrogen levels, including:
• Palliative treatment for certain cancers: Used for advanced androgen-dependent carcinoma of the prostate in men, and for advanced metastatic breast cancer in appropriately selected postmenopausal women and in men.
• Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis: Estradiol can be used for osteoporosis prevention when other non-estrogen treatments are not suitable.
• Treatment of low estrogen levels (hypoestrogenism): Due to conditions like hypogonadism, surgical removal of ovaries (castration), or primary ovarian failure.
• Treatment of menopausal symptoms: Relief of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) and vulvar/vaginal atrophy (dryness, itching, and burning) associated with menopause.

Mechanism of Action
Estradiol is the most potent naturally occurring human estrogen. It works by replacing the estrogen that the body no longer produces after menopause. Estrogens are hormones that play a key role in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Estradiol binds to estrogen receptors in target tissues, such as the breasts, uterus, and bones, to produce biological responses that help alleviate the symptoms of low estrogen and maintain hormonal balance.

The oral tablets provide systemic estrogen replacement therapy, affecting the entire body, while the vaginal cream provides a localized dose to the vaginal tissues.

Always take Estrace as prescribed by your doctor, following the instructions in the U.S. prescribing information or the Canadian product monograph, as applicable.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Estrace, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before starting Estrace, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Side Effects - The following are some common side effects of Estrace; other side effects may also occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects persist, worsen, or concern you, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting (breakthrough bleeding)
• Weight changes

Serious Side Effects - These are rare but potentially severe side effects. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following:
• Allergic reactions: Severe rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and itching.
• Breast lumps or changes.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Liver problems: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), severe stomach pain, or dark urine.
• Mental or mood changes: Severe depression.
• Severe skin reactions: Chloasma or melasma (darkened skin patches on the face).
• Unusual vaginal bleeding.

Oral estrogen products, including estradiol, have been associated with significant risks. The FDA requires a boxed warning (the most serious type of warning) to alert both patients and healthcare professionals to these risks. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following:

1. Cardiovascular Disorders:
• Estrogen-alone therapy has been shown to increase the risk of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Estrogen plus progestin therapy is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism (PE), and DVT.
• Estrogens, with or without progestins, are not recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms such as: sudden, severe headache; chest pain; shortness of breath; sudden partial or complete loss of vision; or swelling/pain in a leg.

2. Malignancies:
• Endometrial Cancer: Unopposed estrogen therapy in women with an intact uterus increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. A progestin must be added to reduce this risk.
• Breast Cancer: Estrogen plus progestin therapy has been shown to increase the risk of invasive breast cancer, with the risk appearing to increase with duration of use.
• Ovarian Cancer: The use of estrogen-alone and estrogen plus progestin therapy is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

3. Dementia:
• An increased risk of probable dementia has been reported in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older who were treated with an estrogen/progestin combination therapy.

Contraindications

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Estrace, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Estrace if any of the following conditions apply to you. Estrace is contraindicated for these conditions due to a high risk of severe adverse effects.
• A known or suspected history of breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancer.
• Active or a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Active or recent arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g., stroke or heart attack).
• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
• Known liver dysfunction or disease.
• A known or suspected pregnancy.
• A known hypersensitivity to estradiol or any of its ingredients.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Estrace. This is crucial because certain conditions affect whether Estrace is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Including high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
• Certain Neurological Conditions: Such as migraine headaches or epilepsy.
• Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders: Such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• Other Conditions: Including asthma, liver or kidney disease, or a history of breast lumps or abnormal mammograms.
• Reproductive System Disorders: Including endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Drug Interactions

Before taking Estrace, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your healthcare provider, such as your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, please visit the official prescribing information from Organon at https://www.organon.com/canada-en/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/ESTROGEL-PM_E.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Estrace may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Estrogens may reduce the effect of some blood thinners.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers: Drugs that inhibit (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) or induce (e.g., St. John's wort, rifampin) the CYP3A4 enzyme can affect estradiol metabolism.
• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy: Estrogens can increase the need for thyroid hormone replacement, so that dose adjustments may be necessary.

Food Interactions
Grapefruit and products containing grapefruit juice may interact with Estrace. Because grapefruit inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme, consuming it can increase the levels of estradiol in your body. It is generally recommended to avoid grapefruit products while using Estrace.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Estradiol is not indicated for use during pregnancy and is contraindicated. While most available studies have not found an association between the use of estrogens in early pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects, animal studies have shown adverse effects. Due to the potential for harm, Estrace should be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is known or suspected.

Estrogens are known to be excreted in human milk and may reduce the quantity and quality of breast milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, a decision must be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice before making a decision.

Use in the Elderly

In general, the risks of hormone replacement therapy, including with Estrace, may increase with age. The Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) reported an increased risk of probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older who were treated with an estrogen plus progestin combination therapy. Based on these findings, it is a standard medical recommendation that the lowest effective dose of Estrace should be used for the shortest duration necessary to achieve treatment goals. Close medical monitoring is recommended, particularly for older patients.

Use in Children

Estrace is not indicated for use in children. The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established in the pediatric population.

Frequently Asked Questions about Estrace at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is Estrace more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Estrace, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is committed to providing you with the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on the number of tablets I can order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Estrace at a time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy over the counter from you?

No, Estrace requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes 7 to 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

What is the best time to take Estrace?

Estrace tablets can be taken with or without food. It's best to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

Blog Posts:

Menopause: Separating Fact from Fiction on the Trendiest Topic of the Year
The Bone Condition That Surprisingly Increases Your Risk of Mortality

Latest News:

Hormone therapy supercharges weight loss for postmenopausal women, Mayo Clinic study finds (article published on September 1, 2025)

Similar Drugs in the category of Menopausal Hormone Therapy:

Estring Vaginal Ring Premarin Vagifem Vivelle Dot Premarin Vaginal Cream

The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

Reviews From Real Customers