Estradiol / medroxyprogesterone Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to estradiol / medroxyprogesterone: intramuscular oil

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by estradiol / medroxyprogesterone. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking estradiol / medroxyprogesterone:

• Bloating or swelling of face, hands, lower legs and/or feet
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives
• itching
• loss of appetite and nausea
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• rapid weight gain
• shortness of breath
• tightness in chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting blood
• wheezing
• yellow eyes or skin

• Nausea
• menstrual irregularities
• vaginal bleeding
• vomiting

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with estradiol / medroxyprogesterone may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

• Abdominal pain or enlarged abdomen
• absent or missed menstrual periods
• acne
• allergic rash
• brown, blotchy spots on skin
• decreased sex drive
• depression
• hair loss/thinning of hair
• headache
• increased amount of menstrual bleeding, or normal bleeding that comes earlier
• lack or loss of strength

• nervousness
• quick to react or overact emotionally
• rapidly changing moods
• stopping of menstrual bleeding over several months
• vaginal yeast infection
• weight change

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to estradiol / medroxyprogesterone: intramuscular suspension

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included elevated blood pressure, arterial thromboembolism, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis and myocardial infarction.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, vaginal spotting, vaginal moniliasis, vulvovaginal disorder, breast changes (enlargement, secretion, tenderness, pain), decreased libido and cervical changes. When estradiol-medroxyprogesterone injection is given immediately postpartum, a diminution in lactation has been reported. Temporary infertility has been reported after treatment discontinuation.^[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included arterial thromboembolism, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, mesenteric thrombosis and retinal thrombosis.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included abdominal pain, enlarged abdomen and nausea.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included reduced carbohydrate tolerance, weight gain, and weight loss.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included hepatic adenomas or begin liver tumors, gallbladder disease and cholestatic jaundice.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included dizziness, headache, nervousness and migraine.^[Ref]

General

General side effects have included edema and asthenia.^[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects have included retinal thrombosis, corneal curvature changes (i.e., steeping), and intolerance to contact lenses.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included acne, alopecia and melasma that may persist.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included pulmonary embolism.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included depression, nervousness, and emotional lability.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included anaphylactic reactions and rash.^[Ref]

Not all side effects for estradiol / medroxyprogesterone may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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