Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Estradiol Cypionate

What it is and how it works

Contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 25 mg and estradiol cypionate 5 mg in an aqueous suspension for monthly intramuscular injection. The progestogen suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, while the natural oestrogen ester provides more regular cyclic bleeding than progestogen-only injectables.

Indications

Contraception in women who choose a monthly injectable method.

Dosage and administration (summary)

0.5 mL by deep intramuscular injection every 4 weeks (30 ± 3 days), with the first injection within the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle.

Contraindications

Current or past venous or arterial thromboembolism, thrombophilia, ischaemic heart disease or stroke, migraine with aura, severe hypertension, severe hepatic disease or liver tumours, breast cancer or other sex-steroid-dependent malignancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, and breastfeeding in the first 6 weeks postpartum.

Warnings and precautions

Shares the cardiovascular and thromboembolic risks of combined hormonal contraceptives; smoking over 35 years increases risk. Bleeding pattern changes may occur, and injections must be on schedule to maintain efficacy. Blood pressure should be checked before and during use.

Pregnancy

Not indicated in pregnancy; exclude pregnancy before starting.

Storage and supply

Store below 30 °C; do not freeze.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.