Skip to main content

Depo-Estradiol (injection)

Generic name: estradiol (injection) [ ESS-tra-DYE-ol ]
Brand names: Delestrogen, Depo-Estradiol
Drug class: Estrogens

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 28, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Depo-Estradiol?

Depo-Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body.

Depo-Estradiol injection is used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, burning, or irritation. It is also used to treat a lack of estrogen that is caused by ovarian failure or a condition called hypogonadism.

Some forms of Depo-Estradiol injection are used in men to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer. Depo-Estradiol treats only the symptoms of prostate cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.

Depo-Estradiol injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Depo-Estradiol 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.

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

Common side effects of Depo-Estradiol may include:

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 Depo-Estradiol if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, 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.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

Depo-Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

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

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Depo-Estradiol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Do not use Depo-Estradiol if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Using Depo-Estradiol 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.

Depo-Estradiol should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, because this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Using Depo-Estradiol may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Depo-Estradiol can slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How is Depo-Estradiol given?

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

Depo-Estradiol is injected into a muscle, usually given once every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the condition being treated. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Depo-Estradiol if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Depo-Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestin to help lower this risk. Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

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

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular mammograms while using Depo-Estradiol.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Depo-Depo-Estradiol.

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 using Depo-Estradiol?

Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while using Depo-Estradiol.

Grapefruit may interact with Depo-Estradiol and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect Depo-Estradiol?

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.

Other drugs may affect Depo-Estradiol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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.