Each Estraderm patch is individually sealed in a protective pouch and is applied directly to the skin. A stiff protective liner covers the adhesive side of the Estraderm patch. Remove the liner by sliding it sideways between your thumb and index finger. Holding the Estraderm patch at one edge, remove the protective liner and discard it. Try to avoid touching the adhesive. Use immediately after removing the liner. If you are using Alora, Vivelle, or Vivelle-Dot peel off one side of the protective liner and discard it. Use the other half of the liner as a handle until you have applied the sticky area, then fold back the remaining side of the patch, pull off the rest of the liner, and smooth the second half of the patch onto your skin. Apply the adhesive side to a clean, dry area of your skin on the trunk of your body (including the buttocks and abdomen). Do not apply to your breasts or waist. Firmly press the patch in place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds, to make sure the edges are flat against your skin. When first using Estraderm, start on the lower abdomen. Estraderm is applied only to the abdomen or upper buttock, and is pressed in place with the fingers. Contact with water during bathing, swimming, or showering will not affect the patch. The application site must be rotated. Allow an interval of at least 1 week between applications to a particular site. Alora, Esclim, Estraderm, Vivelle, and Vivelle-Dot patches should be replaced twice a week; Estraderm once weekly. --If you miss a dose...If you forget to apply a new Estraderm patch when you are supposed to, do it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to change Estraderm patches anyway, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not apply more than the prescribed number of Estraderm patches at a time.

--Storage instructions...

Store the Estraderm patches at room temperature, in their sealed pouches.