Esterified Estrogens and Methyltestosterone Tips from Pharmacists

• Take esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone as prescribed. Your doctor may ask you to take this medicine in a cyclic manner, 3 weeks on and 1 week off. Mark your calendar or set reminders on your phone to help you remember the dosing schedule.

• Taking this combination hormonal treatment carries serious risks. Do not take a higher dose than prescribed. Do not take this medication more frequently than prescribed. Do not continue taking the medicine for longer than your doctor tells you. Your healthcare provider will reevaluate you every 3-6 months to see if you still need to continue treatment.

• Keep all your lab and medical appointments while on this medicine. Tell your doctor if you notice high blood pressure readings at home.

• Taking esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone can affect your glucose tolerance. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about how often you need to monitor blood sugar levels. Make sure you know how to recognize hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and what to do if it occurs.

• Estrogens can increase your risk of breast cancer. Do a monthly self-breast exam and get screening mammograms as recommended by your doctor.

• If you still have a uterus, keep your appointments for endometrial sampling. This can help in early detection of endometrial cancer.

• Tell all your healthcare providers you are taking esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone. You may need to stop taking this medicine for 4-6 weeks before surgery due to an elevated risk of blood clotting.