Estriol

(ess-trye-ole)

Other names for this medication: Incurin

Estriol is an estrogen hormone used to treat urine leakage in spayed female dogs.

•May be given with or without food

•Common side effects include decreased appetite, vomiting, and a swollen vulva.

•If you are pregnant or nursing, consider wearing gloves when handling this medication and wash your hands well with soap and water afterwards.

Description

•Estrogen hormone

•Available as oral tablets

Uses

FDA-approved uses in animals:

•Treatment of urine leakage (incontinence) that is responsive to estrogens in spayed female dogs

At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use).

Before this medication is given

No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss with your veterinarian:

•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking

•Any conditions or diseases your animal has now or has had in the past

•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past

•The risks of using this medication if your animal is pregnant or nursing

Warnings for animals

Do not use in dogs:

•That are allergic to it

•Receiving other estrogens, such as diethylstilbesterol (DES)

Use with caution in:

•Female dogs that are not spayed

•Pregnant or nursing dogs

•Male dogs

•Dogs less than 1 year of age

•Dogs with liver disease, bone marrow depression, or mammary tumors

•Dogs that are receiving glucocorticoids such as prednisone

•Dogs that have increased thirst (polydipsia) and increased urination (polyuria)

•Dogs with a history of seizures

Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.

Warnings for humans

•Wash your hands after handling any medication.

•If you are pregnant or nursing, consider wearing gloves when handling this medication and wash your hands well with soap and water afterwards.

How do I give this medication?

•Give with or without food.

•If this medication works for your animal, your veterinarian will decrease the dose slowly over time to get to the lowest dose that still controls your animal’s signs.

Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Side effects

Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:

•Vomiting

•Decreased appetite

•Swollen vulva

•Enlargement of the mammary glands

•Increased attraction to male dogs

•Lack of energy or hyperactivity

•Behavioral changes such as anxiety or aggression

Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:

•Seizures

•Pale gums

•Weakness

•Bruising

•Collapse

•Mammary tumors

How will I know it's working?

•You should see a gradual improvement in your animal’s signs over the first couple of weeks.

Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs worsen or do not improve.

How long will the medication effects last?

•This medication will stop working within 24 hours of the last dose.

How long do I give it for?

•This is typically a lifelong medication. Make sure to refill the prescription to avoid interruptions in treatment.

Overdose

Signs of overdose may include vomiting and diarrhea. If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):

•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Have the product or label with you if possible.

Missed dose

In most cases, if you miss a dose:

•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.

If it is close to the time for the next dose:

•Skip the missed dose.

•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.

•Continue the regular dosing schedule.

If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic. Do not double-up or give extra doses.

Storage

•Store in the original blister pack at room temperature.

•Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Disposal

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash down the sink. This medication is very harmful to aquatic life. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:

•Drug take-back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.

•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal in a plastic bag, and throw away in the trash.

Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.