Pharmacokinetics of Fem7 (R), a once-weekly, transdermal oestrogen replacement system in healthy, postmenopausal women

This open-label, randomized study in 36 healthy postmenopausal women, inves tigated the pharmacokinetics of Fem7(R) (an oestradiol matrix-type patch), at doses of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mu g/24 h, applied once weekly. Maximum plas ma concentrations of oestradiol and oestrone were observed 14-20 h after pa tch application, remaining within the therapeutic range until removal, and returning to baseline within 12 h thereafter. Plasma oestradiol concentrati ons increased in a dose-dependent manner for all four doses, and plasma oes trone increased for the three highest doses. Fem7 treatment was well tolera ted at all four doses and no severe adverse reactions were reported. Fem7 i s a convenient and well tolerated form of hormone-replacement therapy that delivers oestradiol in a consistent and predictable manner.