Estradiol Cypionate; Medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injection

What is estradiol cypionate; medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injection?

ESTRADIOL CYPIONATE; MEDROXYPROGESTERONE (Lunelle® Monthly Contraceptive) acts as a method of birth-control to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. The injection is only for contraceptive purposes, and each injection provides birth control for 1 month (30 days). Generic estradiol cypionate; medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections are not yet available.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the United States.

What should my health care professional know before I receive estradiol cypionate; medroxyprogesterone?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

• blood clots

• blood sugar problems, like diabetes

• cancer of the breast, cervix, ovary, uterus, vagina, or unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated by a health care professional

• depression

• fibroids

• gallbladder disease

• heart or circulation problems

• high blood pressure

• jaundice

• liver disease

• menstrual problems

• migraine headaches

• stroke

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• tobacco smoker

• an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, medroxyprogesterone, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This contraceptive is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health-care professional. The first injection is usually given during the first five days after the start of a menstrual period. If you have previously been taking Depo-Provera® and are switching to Lunelle®, the first Lunelle® injection will be given when your next contraceptive injection would normally be due. The Lunelle® injection will provide birth control for roughly 28—30 days.

Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist or prescriber. This paper will tell you about the injection. Make certain you understand the instructions.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. In order to maintain birth control you will need an injection once every month. If you cannot keep an appointment call your health-care professional to reschedule. If you miss your appointment you may need to have a pregnancy test before you can have another injection.

What drug(s) may interact with estradiol cypionate; medroxyprogesterone?

• aminoglutethimide

• antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin

• aprepitant, a medicine used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

• barbiturate medicines for producing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

• bosentan

• carbamazepine

• clofibrate

• cyclosporine

• dantrolene

• hydrocortisone

• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines for diabetes, including troglitazone and pioglitazone

• modafinil

• nefazodone

• oxcarbazepine

• phenytoin

• prednisolone

• ritonavir or other medicines for the treatment of the HIV virus or AIDS

• selegiline

• soy isoflavones supplements

• St. John's wort

• tamoxifen or raloxifene

• topiramate

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking estradiol cypionate; medroxyprogesterone?

Visit your prescriber or health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Schedule an appointment once every month for another injection. If it has been more than 4 weeks (33 days) since your last injection, you will need to have a pregnancy test to confirm that you are not pregnant before receiving another contraceptive injection. You should have a complete check-up every 12 months. If you miss a period, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered. See your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can.

This contraceptive injection does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

If you stop taking this injection and want to get pregnant, a return to normal periods can take some time. You may not return to normal ovulation and fertility for 2 months or more. Discuss your pregnancy plans with your health care provider.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you need to consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery. Let them know you are taking this contraceptive injection.

What side effects may I notice from receiving estradiol cypionate; medroxyprogesterone?

Severe side effects are relatively rare in women who are healthy and do not smoke while they are taking hormonal contraceptives. On average, more women have problems due to complications from getting pregnant than have problems with these medications. Many of the minor side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, the potential for severe side effects does exist and you may want to discuss these with your health care provider.

The following symptoms or side effects may be related to blood clots and require immediate medical or emergency help:

• chest pain

• coughing up blood

• dizziness or fainting spells

• leg, arm or groin pain

• severe or sudden headaches

• stomach pain (severe)

• sudden shortness of breath

• sudden loss of coordination, especially on one side of the body

• swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain

• vision or speech problems

• weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body

Other serious side effects are rare. Contact your health care provider as soon as you can if the following side effects occur:

• breast tissue changes or discharge

• changes in vaginal bleeding during your period or between your periods

• headaches or migraines

• increases in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes

• increases in blood pressure, especially if you are known to have high blood pressure

• symptoms of vaginal infection (itching, irritation or unusual discharge)

• tenderness in the upper abdomen

• vomiting

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your health care provider if they continue or are bothersome):

• breakthrough bleeding and spotting that continues beyond the initial cycle

• breast tenderness

• mild stomach upset

• mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts

• increased or decreased appetite

• nausea

• skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the skin

• tiredness

• weight gain

Where can I keep my medicine?

You will normally receive this injection in your health care professionals office or a family planning clinic; you will not receive injections to take home.