DEPO-ESTRADIOL

Drug Name: DEPO-ESTRADIOL

DEPO-ESTRADIOL DESCRIPTION:
ESTRADIOL CYPIONATE INJECTION (ess-truh-DYE-all sip-EYE-oh-nate)

COMMON DEPO-ESTRADIOL BRAND NAME(S):
Dep-Gynogen, Depo-Estradiol, Depogen

DEPO-ESTRADIOL SIDE EFFECTS:
This may cause nausea, stomach cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, headache and pain or irritation at the injection site. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: sudden severe headache, dizziness, jerky muscle movements, vomiting, pain in the calf, chest pain, shortness of breath, menstrual changes, lumps in the breast or breast discharge, vision changes, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, swelling of lower legs, yellowing of the skin or eyes. Contact lens wearers may find their eyes more sensitive or intolerant to the lenses while using DEPO-ESTRADIOL. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DEPO-ESTRADIOL:
DEPO-ESTRADIOL: DEPO-ESTRADIOL is given by injection into a muscle every 3 to 4 weeks depending on your condition and response. Follow your dosing schedule closely and use this only as directed.

DEPO-ESTRADIOL WARNING:
DEPO-ESTRADIOL has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause. This risk appears to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. If you use DEPO-ESTRADIOL for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, notify your doctor promptly. DEPO-ESTRADIOL is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency to lose a fetus (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of losing a fetus. DEPO-ESTRADIOL must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to discuss the risk to the fetus.

DEPO-ESTRADIOL USES:
Estradiol is an estrogen hormone used in women who are not producing enough of the hormone naturally. It is used to relieve certain symptoms associated with menopause (e.g., hot flashes, headaches).

DEPO-ESTRADIOL PRECAUTIONS:
Before using this, tell your doctor your medical history, including your family medical history. Important to note are: breast lumps, cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, blood or blood clotting disorders, epilepsy (seizures), migraine headaches, mental depression, allergies. DEPO-ESTRADIOL should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. DEPO-ESTRADIOL may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of blood clots from DEPO-ESTRADIOL, especially in women over age 35. If you are a smoker, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Depending on strength, DEPO-ESTRADIOL may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing.

DEPO-ESTRADIOL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you use, particularly: rifampin, blood thinners, antidepressants, barbiturates, steroids, bromocriptine, cyclosporine, liver-toxic drugs (especially dantrolene), anti- seizure medication, thyroid. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use DEPO-ESTRADIOL. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DEPO-ESTRADIOL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and breast pain.

DEPO-ESTRADIOL NOTES:
Long-term or high dose estrogen therapy is suspected in increasing the risk of serious medical conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, gallbladder disorders and endometrial cancer. It is important that you are well informed by reading all the information provided with the medication. Also discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor. Keep all regular lab, dental and medical appointments.

MISSED DEPO-ESTRADIOL DOSE:
Try to receive each dose as scheduled. If you miss a dose, contact your health care provider to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

DEPO-ESTRADIOL STORAGE:
Store DEPO-ESTRADIOL at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light. Safely store and properly discard needles and medical supplies as directed by your care provider.