Brand Name Manufacturers

Delestrogen by B.M. Squibb
Dimenformon Prolongatum?
Progynova by Schering
Progynon-Depot by Schering, Germany

Generic Manufacturers

Goldline
Gynogen by Forest
Major
Schein
Steris
Valergen by Hyrex

Pharmacology

Ester 17b of estradiol with same effect as endogenous estrogen

Delivery

1, 2mg oral tablets.
Sustained release intramuscular injection.

Typical dosage

Pre-op 15-40mg/2wks or 7-20mg/1wk injection
Pre-op 6-12mg/day oral
Post-op 10-30mg/2-4wks injection
Post-op 2-6mg/day oral

Availability

Injection approved by U.S. FDA. Oral tablets may be approved but do not seem to be available in U.S.

Indications

Estrogen replacement therapy in females

Contraindications

Active blood clotting disorders. Estrogen-dependent tumors. History of blood clotting disorders associated with estrogen use. History of sensitivity to estradiol or any part of the preparation. Known or suspected breast cancer except in appropriately selected patients.

Adverse reactions

CNS

Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Migraine. Mental depression. Spasms of limb and facial muscles.

Eyes

Intolerance to contact lenses. Steepening of corneal curvature.

Gastrointestinal

Abdominal cramps. Bloating. Cholestatic jaundice. Nausea. Vomiting.

Skin

Blotchy skin pigmentation. Localized skin irritation. Loss of scalp hair. Increase of body hair. Red skin patches from capillary congestion.

Other

Blood clotting disorders. Elevated blood pressure. Fluid retention. Glucose intolerance. Increased serum calcium level. Increased sensitivity to light. Liver tumors.

Comments

Note that "Progynon-Depot" by Schering, Germany is estradiol valerate, but "Progynon-Depot 100" by the very same company is an entirely different substance, estradiol undecylate. Estradiol undecylate has a longer chain length than estradiol valerate; its action is therefore prolonged, and smaller dosages are probably appropriate. The author does not have enough information to make any other comments about estradiol undecylate except that it will reportedly go out of production soon due to the side effect of "excessive feminization" for its only labeled usage, prostate cancer.

If you are allergic to any nut oil, be sure to ask your pharmacist about the base, especially for the generic form of this drug. Castor oil is most often employed, which few people are sensitive to, but a few pharmacies employ other oils such as sesame, because it is less viscous and easier to run through their equipment.