How Long Does Oestrogel Pump Last?

Here, we’ll explore how long you can expect your Oestrogel Pump to last. The Oestrogel Pump contains Oestrogel, a hormone replacement therapy applied to the skin to reduce menopause symptoms.

How long does Oestrogel last?

The Oestrogel Pump will typically last for four weeks if you are prescribed the usual dose of 2 pumps, also called measures, of gel per day. However, this can vary depending on the dose the clinician has prescribed you. For example, if you have been prescribed 4 daily measures of gel, then the pump will last for 2 weeks.

How many Oestrogel measures are needed for a dose?

Each metered dose given by the Oestrogel Pump delivers 1.25g of gel, containing 750 micrograms of oestradiol, a man-made version of the hormone oestrogen.

The usual daily dose is 2 measures of Oestrogel per day, but your clinician can increase this if the prescribed dose is not relieving your menopause symptoms.

How many doses are in an Oestrogel Pump?

The Oestrogel Pump is an 80g bottle, delivering 64 metered doses.

How long do the effects of Oestrogel last?

Oestrogel has a half-life of around 36 hours when applied in 1.25g doses. That means Oestrogel will remain effective for this time once it has been applied to the skin.

Is it better to use Oestrogel in the morning or at night?

Oestrogel can be applied in the morning or the evening, depending on your preference. When using Oestrogel, you should be aware that you should:

• Apply the gel after you have had a bath or shower
• Leave as much time as possible between applying Oestrogel and going swimming
• Not allow other people to touch the area where you have applied the gel for at least 1 hour after application
• Avoid smoking or going near an open flame until the Oestrogel is dry

Some of these factors may help you decide which time of day is most suitable for you. Whether you choose to apply Oestrogel in the morning or the evening, you should apply the gel at the same time every day.

What’s the best way to store the Oestrogel Pump for maximum effectiveness?

To improve the longevity and effectiveness of the Oestrogel Pump, it’s important to store it correctly.

The patient information leaflet states that the Oestrogel Pump should be stored out of sight and reach of children. The pump should be stored between 20°C and 25°C or room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

How will I know when the Oestrogel Pump is empty?

You will know the Oestrogel Pump is nearly empty because the plunger will not return to its normal position once you have pushed it down.

When this happens, you should stop using the current Oestrogen Pump Pack and start using a new one.

How can I get a replacement?

If your Oestrogel pump is close to its expiry date or is almost empty, you should replace it promptly to avoid a break in your treatment.

You can order an Oestrogel Pump from Prescription Doctor using our online consultation service. To start your order, you will need to fill out a simple online medical questionnaire for one of our clinicians to review to make sure Oestrogel is appropriate for you. If your order is approved before 3 pm, we will dispatch it via a discreet next-day delivery service.

How do I dispose of an empty Oestrogel Pump?

When the pump is empty, it should not be thrown into the household rubbish or via wastewater. Instead, speak to a clinician about the best way to dispose of unused or empty medicines. This will help to protect and preserve the environment.

Most pharmacies will dispose of unused, finished, or empty medicines for you and place them in medical waste or medical recycling. Speak to your local pharmacist for more information.

What alternatives to Oestrogel are there?

There are several alternatives to Oestrogel available and menopause treatments can come in various formats, including gels, patches, and pills.

Some other HRT options offered by Prescription Doctor are:

• Sandrena gel: An oestradiol gel supplied in sachets that’s available in 2 strengths: 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg
• Evorel Conti: Patches applied to the skin that contain man-made versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
• Vagifem: Oestradiol-containing tablets that are inserted directly into the vagina.

Summary

Around 1 million UK women use hormone replacement therapy, and Oestrogel Pumps are a popular option. Oestrogel Pump Packs are available in 80g bottles, delivering 1.25g of gel per pump. The typical prescribed dose is 2 pumps per day and a pump should last 4 weeks. However, if you are prescribed a higher dose, the pump is likely to last 2 weeks.

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 01/09/2023

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 01/11/2023