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What are estradiol injections?
ESTRADIOL CYPIONATE (DepGynogen®, Depo-Estradiol®, Depogen®, E-Cypionate®, Estragyn LA 5®, Estro-Cyp®) and ESTRADIOL VALERATE (Delestrogen®, Estro-L.A.®, Gynogen L.A.®, Menaval®, Valergen®) injections contain a estrogen female hormone. Estrogens are essential for maintaining normal female functions. Estrogens can help relieve symptoms of the menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness and irritation). Estrogens can also help improve female functions in women with hormonal imbalance or problems with their ovaries. Estrogens can be given to patients with inoperable breast cancers (in men or women) or prostate cancer. Generic estradiol cypionate and estradiol valerate injections are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• allergic reaction to benzyl alcohol or chlorobutanol
• asthma
• blood vessel disease, blood clotting disorder, or suffered a stroke
• breast, cervical, endometrial or uterine cancer
• diabetes
• fibroids in the womb, or endometriosis
• heart, kidney or liver disease
• high blood lipids or cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• high level of calcium in the blood
• hysterectomy
• mental depression
• migraine
• porphyria
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• tobacco smoker
• vaginal bleeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Estradiol cypionate and estradiol valerate are for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health-care professional.
• For all uses of this medicine:
Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist or health care professional. This paper will tell you about the specific injection you are taking.
What drug(s) may interact with estradiol injections?
• anastrozole
• some antibiotics used to treat infections
• some medications used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection or AIDS
• ascorbic acid/vitamin C supplements
• barbiturates or benzodiazepines used for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• bromocriptine
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• clofibrate
• cyclosporine
• dantrolene
• exemestane
• medications for diabetes
• griseofulvin
• hormones
• hydrocortisone, cortisone, or prednisolone
• imipramine or some other antidepressants
• isoniazid (INH)
• letrozole
• methotrexate
• mineral oil
• phenytoin
• raloxifene or tamoxifen
• rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine
• some medications for treating migraines
• testolactone
• theophylline
• thyroid hormones
• topiramate
• tricyclic antidepressants
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking estradiol injections?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 months. You will also need a regular breast and pelvic exam and "Pap" smear while on estrogens therapy. You should also discuss the need for regular mammograms with your health care professional, and follow his or her guidelines for these tests. If you have any unusual bleeding contact your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
Estrogens can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you feel you are retaining fluid.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant; stop taking estrogens at once and contact your prescriber or health care professional.
Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking estrogens, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye prescriber or health care professional.
In women who still have their uterus, estrogens increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with estrogens lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed (by a hysterectomy), your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with your estrogen. You should know, however, that taking estrogens with progestins may have additional health risks. You should discuss the use of estrogens and progestins with your health care professional to determine the benefits and risks for you.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking your estrogens one month beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.
What side effects may I notice from receiving estradiol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• breakthrough bleeding and spotting
• breast enlargement, tenderness, unusual discharge or milk production
• chest pain
• leg, arm or groin pain
• nausea, vomiting
• severe headaches
• stomach pain (severe)
• sudden shortness of breath
• swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
• vision or speech problems
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
More Common:
• irritation or mild redness or inflammation at the site of the injection
Less Common:
• change in sexual desire
• mild stomach upset
• mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
• increased or decreased appetite
• skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the face
• tiredness
• vaginal yeast infection (irritation and white discharge)
• weight gain
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
