Angeliq Side Effects

Breast pain, headaches, and upper respiratory infections are some of the most common side effects that may occur with Angeliq. Side effects of the medication are generally minor and, in most cases, either do not require medical attention or are easily treated. Some side effects of Angeliq, while rare, are potentially serious and should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider, including chest pain, vision changes, and migraines.

 

An Introduction to Angeliq Side Effects

As with any medicine, Angeliq® (drospirenone/estradiol) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes Angeliq will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Angeliq. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Angeliq side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Angeliq

Angeliq has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of women taking Angeliq (a combination of drospirenone and estradiol) were documented and then compared to the side effects that occurred in another group of women taking just estradiol, without any drospirenone. As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group taking just estradiol.
 
In these studies, the most common Angeliq side effects included:
 
  • Breast pain -- in up to 18.9 percent of women
  • Upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold) -- up to 18.9 percent
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- up to 11 percent
  • Headaches -- up to 9.7 percent
  • Vaginal bleeding -- up to 9.3 percent
  • Arm or leg pain -- up to 8.7 percent.
     
Other common side effects of Angeliq (occurring in 5 to 7 percent of people) included:
 
  • Back pain
  • Flu-like symptoms (such as fever and chills)
  • Accidental injury
  • Enlarged injury
  • Sinus infections.
     
As expected, women who took Angeliq experienced less swelling/fluid retention in the feet, ankles, and legs (known as peripheral edema), compared to women who took just estradiol. The drospirenone component of Angeliq acts like a diuretic, helping to relieve water retention due to estradiol.
 
(Angeliq Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;