What is Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

Estradiol is a form of estrogen. Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.
Estradiol injection is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. It is also used to treat a lack of estrogen that is caused by ovarian failure or a condition called hypogonadism. Some forms of estradiol injection are used in men to treat the symptoms of prostate cancer.
Estradiol injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol injection.
Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.
Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

Do not use estradiol injection if you have:

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder
• a history of stroke or circulation problems
• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked; or
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer

Before using estradiol injection, tell your doctor if you have:

• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease
• high cholesterol or triglycerides
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• asthma
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• migraines

• diabetes
• depression
• gallbladder disease; or
• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy)

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use estradiol injection.
Estradiol increases your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using estradiol may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using estradiol injection.
Long-term estradiol treatment may increase your risk of stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use estradiol injection if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Estradiol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Menaval-20 Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

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:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
• pain or swelling in your lower leg
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• a lump in your breast

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• swollen breasts
• acne or skin color changes
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
• migraine headaches or dizziness
• vaginal pain, dryness, or discomfort
• swelling of your ankles or feet
• depression; or
• changes in your menstrual periods, break-through bleeding

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Menaval-20 Interactions

What other drugs affect Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

Before using estradiol injection, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• St. John’s wort
• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• ritonavir (Norvir)
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); or
• antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin, Ery-Tab), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or itraconazole (Sporanox)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with estradiol injection. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using estradiol injection.

Menaval-20 Dosage

How should I take Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Estradiol injection is given as an shot into a muscle. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
This medicine is usually given once every 4 weeks. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Do not draw your estradiol dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol injection.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding.

What happens if I miss a dose of Menaval-20 (Estradiol)?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com