Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Estradiol cypionate intramusc.

Estradiol cypionate intramusc. Drug Category ESTRADIOL CYPIONATE INJECTION

Estradiol cypionate intramusc. Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. ESTRADIOL CYPIONATE INJECTION (ess-truh-DYE-all sip-EYE-oh-nate) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dep-Gynogen, Depo-Estradiol, Depogen WARNING: This drug has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause. It also may increase the risk of cancer of the ovary or breast. Therefore, use of estrogen-only hormone therapy (e.g., in women without a uterus) must be cautious. These risks of treatment appear to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Estrogen given in combination with another hormone (progestin) for replacement therapy can infrequently cause heart disease (e.g., heart attacks), stroke, serious blood clots (pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis), dementia, and cancer of the breast. These risks appear to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least every year. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or lumps in the breast, notify your doctor promptly. This medication is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency toward miscarriages (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of miscarriage. This drug must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to discuss the risk to the fetus. USES: This medication is a hormone and is given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes). Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevent heart disease. HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle every 3 to 4 weeks depending on your condition and response. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. This drug should be used for the shortest possible length of time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Follow your dosing schedule closely and use this only as directed. SIDE EFFECTS: This may cause nausea, stomach cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, headache and pain or irritation at the injection site. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience: sudden severe headache, dizziness, jerky muscle movements, mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss), vomiting, leg pain/swelling, groin pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, menstrual changes, lumps in the breast or breast discharge, vision changes, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, swelling of lower legs, yellowing of the skin or eyes. Contact lens wearers may find their eyes more sensitive or intolerant to the lenses while using this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, certain cancers (e.g., breast cancer, especially non-metastatic type), blood clots, active/recent stroke or heart attack, liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abnormal vaginal bleeding, heart disease, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, blood or blood clotting disorders, epilepsy (seizures), migraine headaches, mental depression, allergies. This drug should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of blood clots from this medication, especially in women over age 35. If you are a smoker, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Depending on strength, this drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you use, particularly: rifampin, blood thinners, antidepressants, barbiturates, steroids, bromocriptine, cyclosporine, liver-toxic drugs (especially dantrolene), anti- seizure medication, thyroid. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and breast pain. NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., yearly breast exams and monthly breast self-exams) should be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects. MISSED DOSE: Try to receive each dose as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your health care provider to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light. Safely store and properly discard needles and medical supplies as directed by your care provider.