Sandrena Gel

What is Sandrena Gel?

Sandrena gel is an effective hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatment that contains estradiol, a bioidentical form of the female hormone oestrogen. Sandrena Gel provides your body with a boost of oestrogen to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal irritation and night sweats.

Sandrena is applied directly to the skin and works to relieve symptoms within just a few weeks of use. It’s available on prescription in two different strengths, containing either 0.5mg or 1mg of estradiol. At The Independent Pharmacy, we stock both of these gels for HRT.

What is Sandrena Gel used for?

When applied directly to the skin, Sandrena Gel can help to relieve the following menopausal symptoms:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Vaginal dryness and irritation
• Reduced sex drive
• Headaches
• Low mood

How do oestrogen gels work?

During menopause (when the menstrual cycle stops) or after the removal of the whole or parts of the female reproductive system, the body’s oestrogen levels drop, which can cause some unpleasant symptoms.

Sandrena Gel is an alcohol-based product that contains a synthetic oestrogen called estradiol. When applied to the skin, the alcohol in the gel evaporates quickly, allowing the estradiol to be absorbed through the skin into the blood circulation, increasing oestrogen levels and reducing the symptoms of menopause.

Combining Sandrena Gel with other HRTs

Sandrena Gel can be used by women with and without a womb, however, the method of HRT can be different in the two groups.

In women who have an intact uterus (they have not had a hysterectomy), Sandrena Gel should be combined with a progesterone-only HRT (such as Utrogestan) so that both oestrogen and progesterone are replaced and the risks of using HRT are lowered.

In women who do not have a uterus (they have had a full hysterectomy), Sandrena Gel will be used as their only HRT treatment as progesterone will not be required.

Women who have had a partial hysterectomy will be advised by the doctor on their regime of HRT depending on whether they have any endometrial lining still remaining in situ.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/
• https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/gynaecology/hormone-replacement-therapy.pdf
• https://patient.info/medicine/oestrogen-hrt-estradiol
• Sandrena Gel Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2219/pil

Sandrena Gel dosage

• Sandrena Gel should only be used by women who are experiencing symptoms of menopause and have been prescribed treatment by their GP following an initial health assessment.

• Following a consultation with our fully trained clinical team, you will be prescribed an appropriate strength of Sandrena Gel.

• Sandrena Gel should only be applied to the skin, avoiding the breasts, face and any areas of irritated or broken skin. Recommended areas for application are the thighs and the lower body and you should rotate the application sites to either side of your body daily.

• If you have never used HRT before or are changing from a period-free HRT, you can start using Sandrena straight away. If you have never been prescribed HRT before, you should speak to your GP or a menopause specialist for further advice.
• If you still have an intact womb (you haven't had a hysterectomy) you should speak to your doctor before using Sandrena Gel, as they will likely prescribe another HRT containing an alternative hormone (progesterone).

How to apply Sandrena Gel

• Clean and dry the area in which you would like to apply the gel (recommended areas are the thighs and lower body, and you should rotate the application sites daily).
• Spread the gel over the skin, covering an area 1- 2 times the area of your own hand.
  
• Leave the gel to dry for a few minutes before covering it with any clothing and do not wash the area for at least an hour.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after each application.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully before using Sandrena Gel.

Sandrena Gel ingredients

Each Sandrena Gel sachet contains the active ingredient: either 0.5mg or 1.0mg of estradiol.

Each Sandrena Gel sachet contains the inactive ingredient: Carbopol 974P, trolamine, propylene glycol, alcohol and purified water.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully before using Sandrena Gel.

Sandrena Gel side effects

Sandrena Gel, like other HRT, can cause some people to experience some unwanted side effects. Most side effects will improve within the first few months of use. If they do not get better within this time you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

If you experience any severe side effects or allergic reaction while using Sandrena Gel you should seek medical advice from your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

The most common side effects experienced when using Sandrena Gel are:

• Itching of the skin or rash
• Increased sweating
• Swelling in the feet and lower legs
• Tender or painful breasts
• Increase or decrease in your weight
• Headaches or migraines
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pains, feeling or being sick
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Changes in mood
• Changes to sex drive

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully before using Sandrena Gel.

Sandrena warnings

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully before using Sandrena Gel.

Using any form of HRT treatment, including Sandrena Gel, can increase your risk of developing certain health conditions. If you have any questions or concerns you should discuss these with your GP or specialist.

Your suitability to continue purchasing Sandrena Gel on repeat prescription from The Independent Pharmacy relies upon you maintaining annual check-ups with your GP, which should include a breast screen, blood pressure, blood tests and a cervical smear test.

• Sandrena Gel may not be suitable for everyone. You should not use this product if you have ever had or are at risk of oestrogen-sensitive cancer, a blood clot, a blood clotting disorder or liver disease.
• Consult your GP before using Sandrena Gel if you have fibroids, endometriosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, gallstones, SLE, epilepsy, asthma, kidney problems, or suffer from migraines as HRT can make these conditions worse.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Sandrena Gel if you are currently taking or have recently stopped taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicine including herbal remedies such as St John’s-Wort.

Sandrena Gel and cancer

Sandrena Gel, like other oestrogen-only HRT, can put you at an increased risk of developing cancers of the womb and ovarian cancer. Sandrena is therefore only suitable for women who do not have a uterus or are prescribed a progesterone HRT alongside it to reduce the risks.

HRT may also increase your chances of developing breast cancer, and therefore you must continue to regularly check your breasts for any changes including lumps and dimples. If you notice any irregularities, you should get these checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Sandrena & Pregnancy

Sandrena Gel is only suitable for women experiencing the menopause and should not be taken as a contraceptive or when pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while taking Sandrena Gel you should speak to a doctor for advice.