Key facts about Depo-Estradiol
What is Depo-Estradiol?
Depo-Estradiol is the brand name for estradiol cypionate and is available as an intramuscular injection.
What dosages is Depo-Estradiol available in?
Depo-Estradiol is available as an intramuscular injection.
What is Depo-Estradiol used for?
Depo-Estradiol is an estrogen replacement and is used for the following:
- Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushing caused by menopause
- Low estrogen conditions
How does Depo-Estradiol work?
Depo-Estradiol replaces estrogen hormones that your body loses during menopause. Replacing estrogen relieves the hot flashes and night sweats caused by menopause.
How do I take Depo-Estradiol?
Depo-Estradiol is dosed as follows:
Hot flashes: Inject 1 mg to 5 mg into a muscle every 3 to 4 weeks. Work with your provider to taper off this medication as soon as you can.
- Low estrogen conditions: Inject 1.5 mg to 2 mg into a muscle once a month
Is it safe for me to take Depo-Estradiol?
Depo-Estradiol is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. Estrogens should not be used in individuals with any of the following conditions:
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
- Known or suspected cancer of the breast
- Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
- Active deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or history of these conditions
- Active or recent (e.g., within the past year) arterial thromboembolic disease (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction)
- Liver dysfunction or disease
- Depo-Estradiol should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to itsm ingredients. Known or suspected pregnancy. There is no indication for Depo-Estradiol in pregnancy
- There appears to be little or no increased risk of birth defects in children born to women who have used estrogens and progestins from oral contraceptives
inadvertently during early pregnancy
Depo-Estradiol Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Depo-Estradiol:
- Pain/tenderness where the medication is injected
- Breast tenderness or growth
- Nausea
- Headaches/migraines
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Vaginal spotting/breakthrough bleeding
- Weight gain
Depo-Estradiol Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Depo-Estradiol. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: sudden trouble talking, trouble walking, or numbness on one side of your body or face
- Allergic reactions: trouble breathing, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden, severe headaches
- Breasts lumps or pain
- Unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Depo-Estradiol
The following medications may interact with Depo-Estradiol:
- Inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may
- affect estrogen drug metabolism. Inducers of CYP3A4 such as St. John’s Wort preparations (Hypericum perforatum), phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic
- effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and may result in side effects
Who makes Depo-Estradiol?
Pfizer Inc.
Is Depo-Estradiol safe in pregnancy?
Depo-Estradiol should not be used during pregnancy.













