Elestrin and Niaspan

• 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.

• Generic Name: niacin
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated, extended release
• Other Brand Names: B-3-50, B3-500-Gr, Niacin SR, Niacor, Niaspan ER, Slo-Niacin

Niaspan ER extended release works by reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. Niaspan contains niacin, also called nicotinic acid, a B vitamin (vitamin B3). It occurs naturally in plants and animals and is present in many multiple vitamin supplements.

Niaspan ER is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (types of fat) in the blood. It is also used to lower the risk of heart attack in people with high cholesterol who have already had a heart attack. It is sometimes used to treat coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis).

Niaspan ER may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.