Solvay's estradiol gel (EstroGel) is the first transdermal estrogen gel to be FDA-approved in the United States. It is now available to treat moderate-to-severe hot flashes, as well as moderate-to-severe dryness, and itching and burning in and around the vagina.

EstroGel is a clear, colorless, hydroalcoholic gel that provides continuous delivery of estradiol through the skin in a nonpatch transdermal form. It is applied once-daily on one arm from wrist to shoulder. After application, the odorless gel dries in as little as 2 to 5 minutes.

EstroGel is prescribed at a 1.25 g daily dose. It should be used in combination with a progestin in women with an intact uterus.

EstroGel is packaged in a non-aerosol, metered-dose pump that delivers one dose of gel per compression. Each pump delivers 64 doses.

Patients having unusual vaginal bleeding, or who have had certain cancers, stroke, or heart attack in the last year, should not use Estro-Gel. Patients who currently have or have had liver problems, or who are or may be pregnant or breast-feeding, also should not use this product. Commonly reported side effects are the same as those typical of estrogen therapy: headache, breast pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

For more prescribing information, visit http://www.estrogel.com.