Estradiol and progesterone

Generic name: estradiol and progesterone [ ES-tra-DYE-ol-and-pro-JES-ter-one ]
Brand name: Bijuva
Dosage form: oral capsule (1 mg-100 mg)
Drug class: Sex hormone combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is estradiol and progesterone?

Estradiol (a form of estrogen) and progesterone are female hormones.

Estradiol and progesterone is a combination medicine used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes caused by menopause.

estradiol and progesterone is for use only in a woman who has not had her uterus removed.

Estradiol and progesterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Estradiol and progesterone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Estradiol and progesterone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision;

• signs of a blood clot--sudden vision loss, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain;

• a lump in your breast; or

• high levels of calcium in your blood--nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy.

Common side effects of estradiol and progesterone may include:

• pelvic pain;

• vaginal bleeding or discharge;

• breast tenderness; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use estradiol and progesterone if your uterus has been removed, or if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, if you will have major surgery, or if you have ever had a heart attack, a stroke, a blood clot, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Call your doctor if you have any vaginal bleeding.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Estradiol and progesterone should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take estradiol and progesterone if your uterus has been removed, or if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• liver disease;

• an increased risk of having blood clots due to a heart problem or a hereditary blood disorder;

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot; or

• a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• gallbladder disease;

• liver problems, or jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones;

• kidney disease;

• diabetes;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• migraines;

• lupus;

• endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;

• hereditary angioedema;

• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);

• a thyroid disorder; or

• high levels of calcium in your blood.

Estradiol and progesterone should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia. This medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Estrogens can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You are even more at risk if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Estrogens may also increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Estradiol and progesterone is not for use in a woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I take estradiol and progesterone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with food.

If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using estradiol and progesterone for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using estradiol and progesterone.

Call your doctor if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis and have a mammogram every year while using estradiol and progesterone.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Estradiol and progesterone dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Postmenopausal Symptoms:

1 capsule (estradiol 1 mg/progesterone 100 mg) orally once a day in the evening with food

Comments:
-Hormone replacement therapy should be limited to the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual women.
-Reevaluate periodically to determine if treatment is still necessary.

Use: Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine (with food) as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 2 hours. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking estradiol and progesterone?

Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while using estradiol and progesterone.

Grapefruit may interact with this medicine and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect estradiol and progesterone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can interact with estradiol and progesterone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

• Does Bijuva contain bio-identical hormones?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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