Estradiol / medroxyprogesterone Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to estradiol/medroxyprogesterone: intramuscular oil

Along with its needed effects, estradiol / medroxyprogesterone 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 / medroxyprogesterone:

More Common

• 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

Symptoms of overdose—More common

• Nausea
• menstrual irregularities
• vaginal bleeding
• vomiting

Some side effects of estradiol / medroxyprogesterone 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

• 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]

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.

Medical Disclaimer