Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical and Elestrin

• Generic Name: acyclovir / hydrocortisone topical
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Xerese

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection.

Hydrocortisone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

The combination of acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical (for the skin) is used to treat cold sores in people who are at least 12 years old.

This medication will not cure or prevent cold sores caused by herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: estradiol
• Dosage Forms: gel, metered
• Other Brand Names:

  Elestrin Pump, Alora, Climara, Estradiol Patch, Menostar, Minivelle, Vivelle-Dot, Estraderm, Vivelle, Delestrogen, Depo-Estradiol, Divigel, Estrasorb, EstroGel Pump, Evamist, Estrace, DepoEstradiol, Elestrin, Estradot, Estrogel, Femtrace, Femring, Gynodiol

Elestrin is estradiol 0.06% in a colorless, non-staining gel supplied in a non-aerosol, metered-dose pump container. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone made in the ovaries that regulates many processes in the body.

Elestrin is used after menopause to reduce moderate to severe hot flashes.

Ovaries normally stop making estrogens when a woman is between 45 to 55 years old. This drop in body estrogen levels causes the “change of life” or menopause (the end of monthly menstrual periods). When estrogen levels begin dropping, some women develop very uncomfortable symptoms, such as feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating (“hot flashes”). In some women, the symptoms are mild, and they will not need estrogens. In other women, symptoms can be more severe and treatment with products such as Elestrin may help.