Combipatch

Combipatch is a prescription drug used to treat symptoms of menopause and vasomotor symptoms. Combipatch belongs to a class of drugs called estrogen/progestins HRT.

Combipatch is a transdermal patch containing the active ingredients estradiol and norethindrone. Estradiol is a form of estrogen hormone and norethindrone is a form of progestin hormone.

Combipatch is available in the strengths 50mcg/140mcg and 50mcg/250mcg.

Combipatch is also available under the brand names Estalis and Estalis Continuous. They are all manufactured by the same brand manufacturer, Novartis and they all contain the same formulation and active ingredients. The difference in name is for marketing purposes where brand manufacturers chose to market the same drug in different countries using different brand names.

Combipatch is applied to the skin twice weekly every 3 to 4 days. When applied to the skin, the drug is slowly released from the patch into the skin at an even rate.

The lowest strength of Combipatch is used first (50mcg/140mcg) and the strength will only be increased if adequate relief is not obtained with the lower strength.

Combipatch should be applied to clean, dry, smooth (no folds) skin on the lower abdomen. The sites of application should be rotated such that there is at least one week between using the same application site. Remove the old patch before applying the new patch to a different area.

Along with Combipatch Canada’s intended effects, there is also a chance of experiencing side effects. Some side effects are minor and do not require medical attention. However other side effects are very serious or are indicative of an allergic reaction to Combipatch and require immediate medical attention. Ensure you talk to your doctor about what side effects are expected and which are a cause for alarm.

Common side effects of Combipatch Canada include:

• Skin redness/irritation/rash at the application site
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Breast  tenderness or enlargement
• Weakness
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Spotty darkening of the skin (particularly on the face),
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Vaginal irritation or discomfort
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Painful menstruation
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Headache
• Weight changes

The following Combipatch side effects are more serious and should be brought up with your doctor or health professional promptly:

• Mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss)
• Breast lumps
• Increased or new vaginal itching/odor/discharge
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Dark urine
• Swelling hands/ankles/feet
• Increased thirst or urination

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Ensure you go over potential side effects with your doctor. If you notice any negative effects not listed here after starting use of Combipatch Canada, notify your doctor promptly as you may be experiencing a less common side effect of this medication.

Drug interactions can change how your medication works or increase your chance of experiencing side effects. There are different kinds of interactions. In some cases, you should never use two medications with an interaction together. In other cases if your doctor adjusts the doses of your medications or takes other precautions, you can safely use two medications together that would otherwise interact.

The following medications may interact with Combipatch Canada:

• Arimidex
• Atorvastatin
• Celebrex (celecoxib)
• Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Levothyroxine
• Lisinopril
• Metformin
• Methotrexate
• Omeprazole
• Tramadol

This is not an exhaustive list of medications that may interact with Combipatch Canada. Therefore, keep a list of the medications you take and give it to your doctor before starting a new medication. This list should include all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you take. This will help your doctor watch out for drug interactions and make any necessary changes. If you have questions about drug interaction and Combipatch Canada you can call our customer service team at 1-844-416-4282 and ask to be transferred to a pharmacist for counselling.