Delestrogen 10mg/ml Inj
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is administered via injection into a muscle. If you are self-administering the injection, your doctor or nurse will provide guidance on the proper technique.
Before using, inspect the solution for any signs of cloudiness, leakage, or particles. The solution should be colorless to faint yellow; do not use it if the color changes.
Safe Disposal of Needles and Supplies
After use, dispose of needles in a designated needle/sharp disposal box. Never reuse needles or other items. When the disposal box is full, follow local regulations for proper disposal. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage and Disposal
If you need to store this medication at home, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Do not smoke, as smoking significantly increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially when taking estrogens.
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to support cardiovascular health.
- Report any unusual vaginal bleeding, breast lumps, or severe headaches immediately.
- Discuss all medications, supplements, and herbal products with your doctor, especially St. John's Wort, which can reduce the effectiveness of Delestrogen.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of liver problems, including:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Signs of gallbladder problems, such as:
+ Pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades
+ Yellow skin or eyes
+ Fever with chills
+ Bloating
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem), including:
+ Severe stomach pain
+ Severe back pain
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Signs of high blood pressure, such as:
+ Severe headache or dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Weakness on one side of the body
Trouble speaking or thinking
Changes in balance
Drooping on one side of the face
Blurred eyesight
Eyesight changes or loss
Bulging eyes
Changes in how contact lenses feel
Breast lump, pain, or soreness
Nipple discharge
Vaginal itching or discharge
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Depression or mood changes
Memory problems or loss
Fever
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Pain while urinating
This medication may cause fluid retention, leading to swelling or weight gain. If you experience swelling, weight gain, or trouble breathing, inform your doctor.
Blood Clots and High Calcium Levels
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a blood clot, such as:
Chest pain or pressure
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Swelling, warmth, numbness, color changes, or pain in a leg or arm
Trouble speaking or swallowing
High calcium levels can occur in some people with cancer taking this medication. If you experience signs of high calcium levels, such as:
Weakness
Confusion
Fatigue
Headache
Upset stomach or vomiting
Constipation
Bone pain
contact your doctor right away.
Other Side Effects
Most people do not experience serious side effects, but some may occur. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
Dizziness or headache
Hair loss
Upset stomach or vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pain or cramps
Bloating
Enlarged or tender breasts
Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Painful periods
Common cold symptoms
Nose or throat irritation
Weight gain or loss
Joint pain
Leg cramps
Changes in sex interest
Irritation at the injection site
This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Sudden severe headache or migraine
- Sudden vision changes (e.g., partial or complete loss of vision)
- Sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness in one leg (especially the calf)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe abdominal pain
- New breast lump or changes in existing breast lumps
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
A history of certain health conditions, such as:
+ Bleeding disorders
+ Blood clots or an increased risk of blood clots
+ Breast cancer
+ Liver problems or liver tumors
+ Heart attack
+ Stroke
+ Tumors that are sensitive to estrogen
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Pregnancy or potential pregnancy. Note: This medication should not be taken during pregnancy.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
If you anticipate being immobile for extended periods, such as during long trips, bedrest after surgery, or illness, discuss this with your doctor, as prolonged inactivity may increase your risk of developing blood clots. Additionally, if you have diabetes, it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels.
This medication may cause high blood pressure, so it is essential to have your blood pressure checked regularly, as advised by your doctor. You should also have your blood work and bone density checked as recommended by your doctor.
Regular breast exams and gynecology check-ups are vital, and you should also perform breast self-exams as instructed by your doctor. The risk of certain side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer, may vary depending on factors like the duration of estrogen use, whether it is taken with or without a progestin, and other individual factors. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication with your doctor.
High triglyceride levels have been associated with this medication, so inform your doctor if you have a history of elevated triglyceride levels. This drug may also cause dark skin patches on your face, so it is essential to avoid sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds, and use sunscreen and protective clothing and eyewear.
This medication may affect certain laboratory tests, so inform all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug. Smoking can increase the risk of heart disease, so it is recommended that you do not smoke; discuss this with your doctor. Limit your alcohol consumption, and if you regularly drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit, consult with your doctor.
In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers, so they may require regular growth checks; discuss this with your doctor. If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. If you are breastfeeding, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential risks to your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal pain
- Drowsiness/fatigue
- Withdrawal bleeding (in females)
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Contact a poison control center or emergency medical services immediately. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) - concurrent use would counteract the effect of the aromatase inhibitor.
- Fulvestrant (estrogen receptor antagonist) - concurrent use would counteract the effect of fulvestrant.
Major Interactions
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's Wort) - may decrease estrogen levels, reducing efficacy.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, grapefruit juice) - may increase estrogen levels, increasing risk of adverse effects.
- Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine) - estrogens can increase thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), potentially increasing thyroid hormone requirements.
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) - estrogens may decrease the clearance of corticosteroids, leading to increased corticosteroid effects/toxicity.
Moderate Interactions
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) - estrogens may alter the effects of anticoagulants; monitor INR/PT.
- Hypoglycemic agents (e.g., insulin, oral antidiabetics) - estrogens may impair glucose tolerance, requiring adjustment of antidiabetic therapy.
- Cyclosporine - estrogens may inhibit cyclosporine metabolism, increasing its levels and toxicity.
Minor Interactions
- Not many clinically significant minor interactions reported for estradiol injection.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To identify contraindications, risk factors, and establish baseline health status.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To screen for breast cancer, especially in women over 40 or with risk factors.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, as per screening guidelines.
Rationale: Estrogens can affect lipid metabolism; establish baseline.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To assess hepatic function, as estrogens are metabolized by the liver.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially if hepatic impairment is suspected.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Annually, or more frequently if hypertension is present.
Target: <130/80 mmHg (general target)
Action Threshold: Sustained elevation requiring intervention.
Frequency: Annually by a healthcare provider; monthly self-exam.
Target: Normal findings
Action Threshold: New lumps, pain, or discharge.
Frequency: Annually, or as per screening guidelines.
Target: Normal findings
Action Threshold: Abnormal bleeding, pain, or Pap results.
Frequency: As per national screening guidelines (e.g., every 1-2 years for women over 40-50).
Target: Normal findings
Action Threshold: Suspicious findings requiring further investigation.
Frequency: Ongoing patient education and vigilance.
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: New onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain/swelling, sudden severe headache, vision changes, weakness/numbness.
Symptom Monitoring
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Breast lumps or pain
- Persistent headache or migraine
- Sudden severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood (signs of pulmonary embolism)
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden severe headache, sudden vision changes (signs of stroke)
- Chest pain, discomfort, pressure, or pain radiating to arm/jaw (signs of MI)
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness in one leg (signs of deep vein thrombosis)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain, especially right upper quadrant
- Mood changes, depression
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Estrogens are not indicated for use in pregnancy and there is no evidence of benefit from estrogen therapy during pregnancy. Exposure to estrogens during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies in the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Use is generally not recommended during lactation. Estrogens are excreted in human milk and have been shown to decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk. They may also affect the nursing infant.
Pediatric Use
Generally not indicated for routine pediatric use. Can be used for pubertal induction in girls with hypogonadism, but careful monitoring of bone age and growth is required. Safety and efficacy in children under 18 for other indications are not established.
Geriatric Use
Increased risk of stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and probable dementia in women 65 years of age or older. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals. Careful risk-benefit assessment is crucial.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Delestrogen (estradiol valerate) is a long-acting injectable estrogen, providing sustained estradiol levels for 3-4 weeks, which can improve adherence compared to daily oral or transdermal forms.
- Always assess for contraindications, especially history of VTE, stroke, MI, estrogen-dependent cancers, or undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, before initiating therapy.
- The lowest effective dose for the shortest duration should be used, especially for menopausal symptom management, to minimize risks.
- Counsel patients extensively on the Black Box Warnings regarding cardiovascular events, breast cancer, and dementia, and the importance of reporting any concerning symptoms immediately.
- Smoking is an absolute contraindication due to significantly increased thrombotic risk.
- Regular follow-up, including blood pressure checks, breast exams, and mammograms, is crucial during therapy.
Alternative Therapies
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) (e.g., ospemifene for dyspareunia, bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens for vasomotor symptoms and osteoporosis)
- Non-hormonal therapies for vasomotor symptoms (e.g., SSRIs/SNRIs like paroxetine, venlafaxine; gabapentin; clonidine)
- Lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise, stress reduction, layered clothing for hot flashes)