Combipatch is a medication patch which contains estradiol and norethindrone acetate. Combipatch is prescribed to treat the symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness, itching or burning and hot flashes. Combipatch can also be used to treat a lack of estrogen caused by ovarian failure, removal of the ovaries or hypogonadism.

Always read the medication information and instructions before using this medication.
Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Peel off the back of your patch and apply it to a clean, dry area of your lower stomach. Do not apply to broken, oily or irritated skin.
• Press down on the patch for approximately ten seconds and make sure it is placed securely.
• Combipatch patches are typically changed twice a week. When changing your patch, apply it to a different area and wait at least a week before applying a patch to the same area.
• If your Combipatch comes off, reapply the same patch to a new area. If it doesn’t stick completely, replace it with a new patch and wear it for the remainder of your scheduled period.
• Do not expose your patch to sunlight for extended periods of time.

Make sure to tell your doctor:

• If you have any drug or other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history especially of vaginal bleeding of an unknown cause, cancer, breast lumps blood clots, blood clotting disorders, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, seizures, angioedema migraines, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid, mineral imbalance, hypoparathyroidism, uterus problems, gallbladder disease, asthma, porphyria and mental or mood disorders such as dementia or depression.
• Your family medical history of cancer, breast lumps, blood clots or angioedema.
• If you have other risk factors for blood clots such as recently having surgery or if you will be having surgery or be confined to a bed or chair for an extended period while using Combipatch.

Other information you should also know:

• Combipatch must not be used during pregnancy.
• This medication passes into breast milk reducing the quality and quantity produced. Speak to your doctor for more information.
• Smoking or using tobacco while using Combipatch can further increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack or high blood pressure, especially in women over 35.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.
• This medication can cause dark or blotchy areas on your face or skin. Limit your time in the sun and wear protective clothing and sunscreen while outdoors. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
• If you have an MRI scan, tell testing personnel beforehand that you use Combipatch skin patches. Your patch may need to be removed.

Common side effects of Combipatch:

• Irritation or redness where applied.
• Breast pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomach cramps.
• Bloating, swelling or weight gain.
• Vaginal discharge, itching, spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
• Headaches.
• Thinning scalp hair.

If you have any of the following Combipatch side effects, seek medical help:

• Vision problems in people who are nearsighted or wear contact lenses.
• Signs of increased blood pressure including severe headache, blurred vision, anxiety, nosebleed or a pounding in your neck or ears.
• Breast lumps, pelvic pain or unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Stomach tenderness or swelling.
• Jaundice.
• Unusual behavior, memory problems or confusion.
• Blood clot signs including sudden vision loss, shortness of breath, stabbing chest pain, coughing up blood or a pain or warmth in one or both legs.
• Stroke symptoms including slurred speech, sudden severe headache, vision or balance problems or a sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of the body.
• Heart attack symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, nausea, sweating or a pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

What else is Combipatch called?

Combipatch is also known as Estalis Patch internationally. Estalis Patch is the same brand name medication with a different name internationally and is not a generic alternative medication.

Is there a generic alternative to Combipatch?

There is currently no therapeutically equivalent generic alternative to Combipatch patches.