Depo-Estradiol Side Effects

Generic name: estradiol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Depo-Estradiol Side Effects associated with estradiol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Depo-Estradiol.

Applies to estradiol: vaginal capsule liquid filled, vaginal cream, vaginal insert extended release, vaginal tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• transdermal gel/jelly, transdermal patch extended release, transdermal spray

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects. These visits may be every 3 to 6 months. Pelvic exam, breast exam, and mammogram (breast x-ray) may be needed to check for unwanted effects, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Be sure to keep all appointments.

It is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman may become pregnant. But, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Using this medicine over a long period of time may increase your risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer. Talk with your doctor about this risk. If you still have your uterus (womb), ask your doctor if you should also use a progestin medicine. Check with your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Using this medicine may increase your risk of dementia, especially in women 65 years of age and older.

Using this medicine may increase your risk for having blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks. This risk may continue even after you stop using the medicine. Your risk for these serious problems is even greater if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol in your blood, diabetes, or if you are overweight or smoke cigarettes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, confusion, difficulty speaking, double vision, headaches, an inability to move arms, legs or facial muscle, or an inability to speak.

Tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine before any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment. Your doctor will decide whether you should continue using this medicine. This medicine may also affect the results of certain medical tests.

Check with your doctor immediately if severe headache or sudden loss of vision or any other change in vision occurs while you are using this medicine. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Tell your doctor about any problems with your vagina, (eg, having an unusually shaped or narrow vagina). Tell your doctor if you have problems with your reproductive organs, bladder, rectum, or pelvic area.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Depo-Estradiol

Some side effects of estradiol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Depo-Estradiol

Along with its needed effects, estradiol (the active ingredient contained in Depo-Estradiol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking estradiol:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking estradiol:

Symptoms of overdose

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• nausea
• stomach pain
• tenderness of the breasts
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to estradiol: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral tablet, transdermal emulsion, transdermal film extended release, transdermal gel, transdermal spray, vaginal ring.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions associated with use of estradiol (the active ingredient contained in Depo-Estradiol) (oral, transdermal spray/gel/film/patches, vaginal ring, IM injection) include breast pain, abdominal pain, back pain, arthralgia, headache, infection, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, sinus headache, and upper respiratory tract infection.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Varicose veins, cardiac symptoms (e.g. palpitations), hot flush
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypertension, venous thromboembolic disease, superficial phlebitis, vascular purpura
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Arterial hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Myocardial infarction, thrombophlebitis
• Postmarketing reports: Deep vein thrombosis, changes in blood pressure, chest pain, increased blood pressure, irregular heart rate, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident (stroke), hemiparesis, transient ischemic attack, thrombosis, palpitations, unstable angina

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, acne, alopecia, dry skin, nail disorder, skin nodule, hirsutism, erythema nodosum, urticaria acne, dry skin, nail disorder, alopecia, skin nodule
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin discoloration
• Frequency not reported: Chloasma or melasma
• Postmarketing reports: Urticaria, erythematous or pruritic rash, alopecia, hyperhidrosis, night sweats, contact dermatitis, eczema, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, hirsutism

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (up to 16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal distension, constipation, dyspepsia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting, rectal disorder
• Frequency not reported: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis, vomiting, hemorrhage, diarrhea, swollen tongue, lip swelling, oral paresthesia

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Vulvovaginal pruritus, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, moniliasis genital, leukorrhea, vaginal hemorrhage, vaginal discharge, vaginal discomfort, menopause symptoms, breakthrough bleeding or spotting, dysmenorrhea, breast swelling, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, endometrial hyperplasia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary problems, vaginitis/vaginal candidosis
• Postmarketing reports: Vaginal irritation, vaginal pain, genital pruritus, changes in bleeding pattern, pelvic pain, vaginal ulceration or erosion, uterine fibroids

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Hemolytic anemia

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gamma-glutamyl transferase increased
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Liver function tests abnormalities
• Frequency not reported: Enlargement of hepatic hemangiomas, increased incidence of gallbladder disease
• Postmarketing reports: Cholestatic jaundice, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, portal vein thrombosis

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylactic reaction (with a past history of allergic reaction)
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation (topical gel)
• Postmarketing reports: Application site reaction

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercholesterolemia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Glucose intolerance
• Frequency not reported: Porphyria, hypocalcemia, increased triglycerides
• Postmarketing reports: Fluid retention

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Back pain (11%), arthralgia (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Leg cramps, neck pain, limb pain
• Postmarketing reports: Muscle spasms

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 50%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Migraine, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Aggravation of epilepsy
• Frequency not reported: Chorea, dementia
• Postmarketing reports: Migraine aggravated, paresthesia, dizziness

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vision abnormal
• Frequency not reported: Retinal vascular thrombosis, steepening of corneal curvature
• Postmarketing reports: Visual disturbances, contact lens intolerance, blindness

Oncologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Benign breast neoplasm, benign endometrial neoplasm
• Postmarketing reports: Endometrial cancer, breast cancer

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Breast tenderness/pain (up to 29%), infection (up to 12%), pain (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Edema, influenza, influenza-like illness, asthenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight increased, fever, asthenia, abnormal laboratory test, peripheral edema
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Galactorrhea
• Postmarketing reports: Drug ineffectiveness, blood estrogen increase, fatigue, exacerbation of hereditary angioedema, toxic shock syndrome (vaginal rings), fibrocystic breast disease, breast disorder, breast mass, breast enlargement, breast pain, nipple pain, breast discharge, medical device complication, peripheral edema, reduced carbohydrate tolerance

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, insomnia, lethargy
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sleep disorders, nervousness, mood swings, impaired concentration, euphoria, agitation, anxiety
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Change in libido
• Frequency not reported: Affect lability
• Postmarketing reports: Vaginismus, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, mood disturbances

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased urinary frequency/urgency, urinary incontinence, cystitis, urine discoloration, hematuria

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis (up to 19.6%), upper respiratory tract infection (up to 17%), sinusitis (up to 13.1%), sinus headache (up to 10.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinus congestion
• Frequency not reported: Exacerbation of asthma
• Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea, pharyngeal edema

Further information

Depo-Estradiol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer