Estradiol / Medroxyprogesterone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 15, 2023.

Applies to estradiol / medroxyprogesterone: intramuscular suspension.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Do not use birth control injections if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Using hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control injections less effective, which may result in pregnancy.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• a breast lump;

• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes); or

• ongoing pain, bleeding, or other drainage where the shot was given.

Less serious side effects of estradiol/medroxyprogesterone may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;

• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;

• freckles or darkening of facial skin;

• increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;

• changes in weight or appetite;

• problems with contact lenses;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or

• headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to estradiol / medroxyprogesterone: intramuscular suspension.

General adverse events

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

Cardiovascular

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

Estradiol/medroxyprogesterone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer