Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: ESTRADIOL/MEDROXYPROGESTERONE SUSPENSION - INJECTION (ess-truh-DYE-all/meh-DROX-ee-pro-JESS-tur-own)

BRAND NAME(S): Lunelle

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using this medication increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using this medication. The risk of heart problems increases with age (women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater).

USES: This combination medication is used to prevent pregnancy. Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

HOW TO USE: Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the vial well before each dose. Inject this medication into a muscle (IM) once monthly within the first 5 days of your menstrual period; or as directed by your doctor. Additional doses may be given between day 28 and day 30 (from the start of your menstrual cycle); do not use bleeding episodes to determine the injection schedule for this drug. If it has been 33 days or longer since your last dose, inform your doctor promptly before receiving your next dose. A pregnancy test should be done and an alternate form of birth control (e.g., diaphragm, condoms) should be used until the results of the pregnancy test are obtained. Do not use this medication if it is within 4 weeks following childbirth (if not breast-feeding) or 6 weeks following childbirth if you are breast-feeding. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Irregular vaginal bleeding (e.g., decreased, breakthrough, prolonged bleeding), weight gain, headache, nausea, acne, or breast tenderness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: stomach pain, swelling, mental/mood disorders, dizziness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely, but serious side effects occur: vision problems, increased urination, weight loss, vaginal changes (e.g., infection, cervical changes). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: leg pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe headache, one-sided weakness, yellowing of the eyes and skin. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.