Health Centres - Aerodiol nasal spray (discontinued in the UK - December 2006)
How does it work?
Aerodiol nasal spray contains the active ingredient estradiol hemihydrate (previously spelt oestradiol hemihydrate in the UK), which is a naturally occuring form of the main female sex hormone, oestrogen.
Womens’ ovaries gradually produce less and less oestrogen in the period up to the menopause, and oestrogen blood levels decline as a result. The declining levels of oestrogen can cause distressing symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness or itching.
Oestrogen (in this case in the form of estradiol hemihydrate) can be given as a supplement to replace the falling levels in the body and help reduce these distressing symptoms of the menopause. This is known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is usually only required for short-term relief from menopausal symptoms and its use should be reviewed at least once a year with your doctor.
The estradiol in Aerodiol nasal spray is absorbed through the lining of the nose into the bloodstream. The spray can be used either on a continuous basis, with a dose taken every day without a break, or on a cyclical basis, with a daily dose taken for 21 to 28 days followed by a two to seven day treatment-free break.
Aerodiol nasal spray only contains an oestrogen and women who have not had a hysterectomy should therefore also be prescribed a progestogen medicine to take for at least 12 days of each month. This is because in women with an intact womb, oestrogen stimulates the growth of the womb lining (endometrium), which can lead to endometrial cancer if the growth is unopposed. A progestogen is given to oppose oestrogen's effect on the womb lining and reduce the risk of cancer, though it does not eliminate this risk entirely. This is known as combined HRT. If a woman has had her womb surgically removed (a hysterectomy), endometrial cancer is not a risk, and a progestogen is not necessary as part of HRT (unless the woman has a history of endometriosis).
For women who need a progestogen and are using the nasal spray on a cyclical basis, the progestogen should be taken in addition to the nasal spray for at least the last 12 days before the treatment-free period.
For women who need a progestogen and are using the nasal spray on a continuous basis, the progestogen should be taken in addition to the nasal spray for at least the last 12 days of each month.
What is it used for?
- Hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of the menopause.
Warning!
- Servier discontinued the manufacturing and marketing of Aerodiol nasal spray in December 2006 for commercial reasons. The product is expected to be unavailable after 31 March 2007.
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