Depo-Estradiol Side Effects
Generic Name: estradiol
Note: This document contains side effect information about estradiol. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Depo-Estradiol.
For the Consumer
Applies to estradiol: vaginal cream, vaginal insert extended release, vaginal tablet
Other dosage forms:
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:
Less common Incidence not known- Change in vaginal discharge
- clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- decrease in the amount of urine
- dimpling of the breast skin
- fast heartbeat
- fever
- hives, itching, or rash
- hoarseness
- inverted nipple
- irritation
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- lump in the breast or under the arm
- noisy, rattling breathing
- pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvis
- pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
- persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
- redness of the skin
- redness or swelling of the breast
- sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
- swelling of the eyelids, face, fingers, lips, hands, feet, or lower legs
- tightness in the chest
- troubled breathing at rest
- troubled breathing or swallowing
- vaginal bleeding
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
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:
More common- Back pain
- headache
- itching or pain of the vagina or genital area
- thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor
- weight gain
- Body aches or pain
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- ear congestion
- loss of voice
- nasal congestion
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- Feeling sad or empty
- headache, severe and throbbing
- irritability
- lack of appetite
- tiredness
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- welts
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to estradiol: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral tablet, transdermal emulsion, transdermal film extended release, transdermal gel, transdermal spray, vaginal ring
Genitourinary
Very common (10% or more): Breast pain (29%)
Common (1% to 10%): Vulvovaginal pruritus, 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
Rare (less than 0.1%): Galactorrhea
Postmarketing reports: Vaginal irritation, vaginal pain, genital pruritus, changes in bleeding pattern, pelvic pain, breast tenderness, vaginal ulceration, uterine fibroids[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (16%),
Common (1% to 10%): Flatulence, nausea, diarrhea
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting
Postmarketing reports: Abdominal distension[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Very common (10% or more): Back pain (11%), arthralgia (11%)
Common (1% to 10%): Leg cramps[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Varicose veins, cardiac symptoms (e.g. palpitations)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hot flush, hypertension, venous thromboembolic disease
Rare (less than 0.1%): Arterial hypertension
Postmarketing reports: Deep vein thrombosis, changes in blood pressure[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (18%)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, migraine
Rare (less than 0.1%): Aggravation of epilepsy
Postmarketing reports: Migraine aggravated, paresthesia, dizziness[Ref]
Oncologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Benign breast neoplasm, increased volume of uterine leiomyoma
Postmarketing reports: Endometrial cancer, breast cancer[Ref]
Other
Very common (10% or more): Pain (11%)
Common (1% to 10%): Edema
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight increased, asthenia
Postmarketing reports: Drug ineffectiveness, blood estrogen increase, fatigue, exacerbation of hereditary angioedema[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Depression
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sleep disorders, nervousness, mood swings
Rare (less than 0.1%): Change in libido
Postmarketing reports: Vaginismus, insomnia, anxiety, irritability[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin discoloration, acne
Postmarketing reports: Urticaria, erythematous or pruritic rash, alopecia, hyperhidrosis, night sweats, contact dermatitis, eczema[Ref]
Ocular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vision abnormal NOS
Postmarketing reports: Visual disturbances, contact lens intolerance[Ref]
Hepatic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Liver function tests abnormalities
Postmarketing reports: Cholestatic jaundice[Ref]
Metabolic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Glucose intolerance
Postmarketing reports: Fluid retention[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylactic reaction (with a past history of allergic reaction)
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity[Ref]
Immunologic
Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
Common (1% to 10%): Vulvovaginal mycotic infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, moniliasis genital
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vaginitis/vaginal candidosis[Ref]
Local
Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation (topical gel)
Postmarketing reports: Application site reaction[Ref]
References
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
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