Estradiol cypionate Estrogen Routes of
administration IM | Medroxyprogesterone acetate Progestogen | |
Trade names Lunelle, Cyclofem, others AHFS/Drugs.com Micromedex Detailed Consumer Information Pregnancy
category US: X (Contraindicated) | ||
Estradiol cypionate/medroxyprogesterone acetate, sold under the brand name Lunelle among others, is form of combined injectable birth control. It contains estradiol cypionate an estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate a progestin. It is recommended for short term use and is given once a month by injection into a muscle.
Common side effects include irregular menstrual periods which typically improves with time. Other side effects include blood clots, headache, hair loss, depression, nausea, and breast pain. Use during pregnancy is not recommended. Use during breastfeeding is likely safe. It works mainly by preventing ovulation.
Estradiol cypionate/medroxyprogesterone acetate came into medical use in 1993 with approval in the United States in 2000. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. It is used in Mexico, Thailand and Indonesia among other countries. It is no longer commercially avaliable in the United States.