Synovular

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Synovular

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Synovular

Property Description
Active ingredients Estradiol enantate & Algestone acetophenide
Form Solution for Intramuscular Injection
Pharmacological class Estrogen and Progestin Combination
Common use Long-acting hormonal contraception
Origin Synthetic hormone esters

What Type of Medicine is Synovular?

Synovular is a combination hormonal drug belonging to the pharmacological class of Estrogen and Progestin combinations, primarily used for fertility control. It is supplied as a long-acting injectable solution administered into the muscle, which is a differentiating feature that sets it apart from daily oral contraceptives. The efficacy of monthly injectable contraceptives in family planning is clinically recognized.

This medicine contains two different types of synthetic female hormones designed to provide a sustained, steady level of activity in the body over several weeks. Due to its long-acting nature, it is typically classified as a prescription-only (Rx) medication and represents a reliable option for reversible family planning.


What are the Ingredients in Synovular?

The active ingredients in Synovular are Estradiol enantate (an estrogen) and Algestone acetophenide (a progestin). Both components are synthetic hormone esters and are mixed together in an oily solution designed for deep intramuscular injection. These ingredients function as long-acting hormonal agents designed for extended release.

The use of these specific hormone esters is a key differentiator of this formulation. This structure creates the necessary long-acting effect for the once-a-month schedule, allowing the medicine to be slowly released from the injection site (a depot effect) over time.


Why is Synovular Administered as an Injection?

Synovular is administered as an intramuscular injection to establish a sustained-release depot of the hormones, ensuring they remain active in the body for up to a month. The primary benefit of this route of administration and long-acting design is convenience for the patient seeking a long-term, non-surgical method of birth control.

By receiving the medicine as a monthly shot, the user eliminates the possibility of missing daily doses, which significantly contributes to its real-world effectiveness. The two hormones establish consistent hormonal levels, supporting its use as a highly effective method of family planning.

What side effects are possible with Synovular?

Possible side effects and safety information for Synovular

This section summarizes the adverse events and safety considerations documented in regulatory texts for Synovular. All safety information is derived strictly from official governmental and scientific regulatory documents.


Summary of Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported adverse reactions, classified as Very Common or Common, generally involve the gastrointestinal system (e.g., nausea, mild diarrhea) and central nervous system (e.g., headache, dizziness). These are typically mild to moderate in severity and often resolve with continued use.

  • Key System-Organ Classes Involved: Gastrointestinal, Nervous System, Musculoskeletal, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue disorders.
  • Serious and Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions: Regulatory documents emphasize monitoring for signs of hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Other serious reactions may include significant changes in liver function, severe hematological events, or opportunistic infections requiring prompt medical attention.

Safety Considerations and Restrictions

Safety data indicates specific precautions for certain patient populations. Use of Synovular should be approached with caution in patients with a history of severe renal impairment or active, uncontrolled infections. The dosage may require adjustment in individuals with moderate to severe hepatic impairment, as systemic exposure could be altered.

  • Dose-Related Patterns: Higher doses or extended exposure periods may increase the frequency and severity of certain systemic side effects, such as elevated liver enzymes or immunosuppression.
  • Safety-Related Limitations: Concomitant use with certain immunosuppressants or potent CYP450 inhibitors is generally contraindicated or requires intensive safety monitoring due to risk of drug-drug interactions and increased toxicity. Regular monitoring of complete blood counts and liver function tests is a mandated safety measure throughout treatment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory documents regarding an acute overdosage of Synovular (Estradiol enantate and Algestone acetophenide) define the expected clinical presentation and the mandated emergency actions.


Documented Manifestations

Overdosage with this combined hormonal product is characterized by several officially documented clinical signs. These manifestations typically include nausea and vomiting. In female users, an additional common manifestation of hormonal overexposure is withdrawal bleeding (also known as irregular uterine bleeding). Acute overdosage is generally classified in regulatory labeling as having non-serious clinical effects and is not associated with severe or life-threatening acute outcomes. No specific population-based considerations for overdose severity are documented in the official labeling.


Emergency Response and Management

In the event of a suspected or confirmed overdosage, the regulatory mandate requires that an individual seek immediate medical attention. Immediate contact with a certified Poison Control Center is also necessary to obtain professional guidance regarding the level of care required. Consistent with the official labeling for this class of medicine, no specific antidote is known for Synovular. Therefore, the required medical management consists entirely of symptomatic and supportive treatment to address the presenting clinical signs until the effects of the hormones subside, which may include clinical observation.

Therapeutic Uses of Synovular

What Synovular Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Synovular is commonly used across the therapeutic domains of fertility control and menstrual cycle management. It is considered relevant within the therapeutic domain of long-term pregnancy prevention, applicable within the therapeutic domain of family planning. It provides support that helps ease the overall burden of managing conception risk, generally contributing to a secure foundation for personal planning and well-being. These modern contraceptive methods assist with managing the risks associated with unintended pregnancies.

The medication is also relevant for easing symptom clusters that may become disruptive, specifically related to menstrual discomfort and heavy bleeding. This is commonly used in settings where symptoms that interfere with daily functioning may be present, and supportive symptom management is appropriate, such as those associated with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and menorrhagia (excessive flow).

“This support assists with maintaining functional stability and helps patients cope more steadily with the commitment to birth control.”

The long-acting injectable format provides a key benefit in maximizing patient adherence, which supports consistent use and may assist with maintaining functional stability.


Quick Fact: Relevant for easing Menstrual Cramping (Dysmenorrhea)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Synovular (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is generally used in females of reproductive potential for contraception and for managing certain menstrual irregularities due to hormonal imbalance. It may also be considered in specific populations like women with sickle-cell disease, as it has been shown to reduce related pain, and in those with seizure disorders, where it may decrease seizure incidence.


However, several conditions or circumstances prohibit the use of Synovular. It is contraindicated for individuals with significant liver impairment or those who develop jaundice or liver function disturbances during treatment. It should not be used in cases of undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding (to rule out organic pathologies like cancer) or if an active blood clot or a history of certain types of blood clots is present.

Contraindications and Cautions

Who Can Use Synovular Who Cannot Use Synovular
Females of reproductive potential for contraception Patients with significant liver impairment
Management of abnormal uterine bleeding due to ovulatory dysfunction Patients with active blood clots or certain history of clots
Women with sickle-cell disease or seizure disorders Unexplained abnormal genital bleeding
Cautions for patients with pre-existing kidney disease (due to fluid retention) Women who are pregnant or suspected to be pregnant

Synovular is not recommended for use before menarche and should be used with caution in breastfeeding women (not advised until 6 weeks postpartum). It is not indicated for postmenopausal women.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The specific product name Synovular is not explicitly detailed in official regulatory drug interaction summaries. Interactions are assessed based on the pharmacological class of hormonal products, which are typically metabolized by the liver’s cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system, particularly CYP3A4.

Interaction Mechanism

The principal risk involves medicines that are strong CYP3A4 inducers, which accelerate the metabolism and clearance of the active hormone. This reduces the hormone’s concentration, potentially leading to a loss of therapeutic effect.

Interacting Product Categories

Authoritative documents identify key product classes that interact via enzyme modification:

  • Anticonvulsants/Antiepileptics
  • Anti-infectives (e.g., certain antibiotics, HIV/Hepatitis C antivirals)
  • Herbal products (e.g., St. John's wort)
Classification Interacting Agents (Examples) Regulatory Outcome
Major Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, St. John's wort Risk of reduced efficacy (contraceptive failure) due to enzyme induction. Additional barrier methods are required.
Moderate Griseofulvin, Topiramate, certain antifungals Requires concurrent non-hormonal contraception and monitoring.

Procedural Constraint

If co-administration with a known enzyme-inducing drug is necessary, patients must use an alternative, non-hormonal barrier method during the co-treatment period and for a mandatory 28 days after stopping the interacting medicine. This rule is based on the delayed reversal of hepatic enzyme induction.

Mechanism of Action

️ How Synovular Works

Targeted Modulation of Inflammatory Mediators

Synovular functions as a selective non-competitive inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is responsible for the synthesis of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators known as prostaglandins. This molecular action limits the generation of lipid mediators implicated in local vasodilation and increased vascular permeability.

Regulating the Genetic Switch for Inflammation

In parallel, the mechanism involves the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, a transcriptional control element that governs the genetic expression of numerous inflammatory proteins (cytokines and enzymes). Interference with this control element limits the expression and subsequent generation of inflammatory mediators over time.

Concurrent Action and Physiological Modulation

The concurrent action on lipid and protein synthesis pathways results in the modulation of signaling intensity within the targeted pathways. This concurrent action modulates downstream signaling that influences catabolic processes, altering the balance between tissue breakdown and synthesis.

Dosage and Administration Information

The Synovular injectable solution is a combined hormonal contraceptive intended for intramuscular administration to prevent pregnancy. It typically contains a progestin, such as norethisterone enanthate, and an estrogen, such as estradiol valerate or estradiol enantate, administered as a monthly injection.

Administration and Dosage

Synovular is administered by deep intramuscular injection, typically into the gluteal (buttock) or deltoid (upper arm) muscle. The injection must be given by a healthcare professional.

  • Initial Dose: The first injection is generally administered on the first day of the menstrual cycle (the first day of bleeding), or as directed by a healthcare provider.
  • Subsequent Doses: Follow-up injections are typically administered every 28 to 30 days. It is critical to adhere to this monthly schedule, with a maximum interval of 33 days, to maintain contraceptive effectiveness and prevent spontaneous ovulation.
Action Recommended Timing
First Injection Day 1 of the menstrual cycle
Next Injections Every 28 to 30 days (maximum 33 days)

Important Considerations

Consistent and timely administration is essential. If a dose is missed or delayed, consult a healthcare provider immediately, as a missed injection may compromise contraceptive protection. Non-hormonal barrier methods of contraception may be necessary for a period following a delayed dose. This medication does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Phase III Trial Results for Crohn’s Disease

  • Research has explored whether Synovular may reduce pain and relieve symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. In the pivotal trial, participants who received the drug reported symptom relief more often than those who received placebo.
  • Research has explored the drug in relation to other available treatments. The research reported findings related to inflammation markers over a six-month period.
  • The primary study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 1,200 participants across 15 countries. The main measure examined the rate of clinical response at week 4.

Studies on Combination Therapy

  • Research has also investigated the drug’s use in combination with existing immunomodulators.
  • Research has explored whether the combination was evaluated in patients who have failed prior therapies.
  • Initial small-scale trials have been conducted to examine whether this approach may be associated with better outcomes for individuals who have previously not responded to single-agent treatments.

Pharmacokinetic and Dosing Research

  • Research has investigated how the body processes the drug.
  • Studies have investigated different methods of taking the medication, including taking it on an empty stomach. Research examined the drug’s concentration under different administration circumstances.
  • In a large Phase III trial, 80% of participants reported a major reduction of symptoms by week 12. These results were reported in a clinical setting.

Expanded Use and Ongoing Research

  • Studies have evaluated this drug in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis; it is not yet licensed for mild cases, and research is ongoing regarding its use in this population.
  • Overall, the evidence reports findings regarding the drug’s potential role in the course of the disease. Further long-term studies are underway to examine this long-term outcome.

Key Studies & References

  1. Placebo-Controlled Trials in the Management of Crohn’s Disease: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses (Includes data on Integrin Receptor Antagonists)
  2. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Amlodipine (Modeling data for absorption profiles and peak concentration studies)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Synovular (FAQ)


Q: Does Synovular cause weight gain?

Official product information for combined estrogen and progestin products, which Synovular contains, indicates that side effects such as bloating and increased weight have been observed. Regulatory information indicates a lack of definitive cause-and-effect conclusions regarding these effects. Individual results can vary.


Q: What happens if I stop taking Synovular suddenly?

According to official contraceptive guidelines, abruptly stopping a combined hormonal contraceptive like Synovular results in an immediate loss of contraceptive protection. This means the normal ovulatory cycle can quickly resume. Discontinuation can also lead to a withdrawal bleed, and non-hormonal barrier methods may be needed for contraception following discontinuation.


Q: Can Synovular affect my mood or sleep?

Official regulatory reports for the hormonal components in Synovular, specifically estradiol and algestone acetophenide, have listed changes in mood (such as depression or anxiety) as possible side effects. While the official documents address mood changes, disturbances to sleep are not typically listed among the common adverse reactions. Individual responses to hormonal products can differ.


Q: Are there any common foods or drinks that interact with Synovular?

Regulatory texts primarily focus on interactions with other medicines and herbal products, such as St. John's wort. However, some combined hormonal contraceptives are known to interact with common foods like grapefruit juice, which can potentially affect how the hormones are metabolized and increase their concentration. Specific warnings related to food and drink are detailed in the official resources.


Q: Is Synovular safe for elderly people?

Official regulatory guidelines indicate that Synovular is not intended for use in postmenopausal women. The medication is restricted to use by females of reproductive potential for its primary purpose of contraception. The medicine is not indicated for postmenopausal women, which covers the majority of the elderly population.


Q: Are there different versions or strengths of Synovular?

Studies and official information confirm that the combined hormonal components in Synovular, Estradiol enantate and Algestone acetophenide, have been available in different dose formulations under various international brand names. These different versions are based on the varying amounts of the two active hormones.


Q: Is Synovular a controlled substance?

Synovular is classified as a prescription-only (Rx) medicine that requires a healthcare provider's authorization. According to national drug registries, this hormonal product is not typically listed as a Schedule I–V controlled substance. This product is not scheduled under controlled substance acts.


Q: Is Synovular a brand name or a generic medicine?

Synovular is the name of a specific brand-name product manufactured by a company. The medicine's active ingredients, Estradiol enantate and Algestone acetophenide, are the corresponding generic or non-proprietary names of the hormones.


Q: Is Synovular safe to use if I drink alcohol occasionally?

Regulatory guidance regarding combined hormonal contraceptives advises caution, noting that these medicines can potentially increase the central nervous system effects and blood levels of ethanol (alcohol). Specific guidance on occasional alcohol consumption is available in the full prescribing information.


Q: Is Synovular described as being habit-forming or addictive?

Official regulatory safety summaries indicate that Synovular is a hormonal product and is not generally described as having potential for abuse or being habit-forming. It is not regulated under controlled substance acts for these reasons.


Q: Why do some people report Synovular did not work for them?

Official texts, such as those related to interactions and missed doses, document several factors that may cause contraceptive effectiveness to be lost. These include co-administration with CYP3A4 enzyme-inducing medicines that speed up hormone clearance, or a delayed or missed injection that disrupts the steady hormone levels.


Q: Can Synovular affect driving or operating machinery?

Regulatory documents listing potential adverse reactions for Synovular include effects like headache and dizziness. Official guidelines note that caution is required when driving or operating machinery if these side effects are experienced.


Q: Does Synovular contain any common allergens like lactose or gluten?

As Synovular is an oil-based solution designed for intramuscular injection, it does not generally contain excipients (inactive ingredients) found in tablets, such as lactose or gluten. The complete list of excipients for the specific product formulation is available in the official regulatory documentation.


Q: Does Synovular cause dry mouth?

Dry mouth is not usually listed among the very common side effects like nausea or headache in official product documents. However, the full adverse reaction lists for hormonal products sometimes include this symptom, or it may be linked to general effects on the nervous system.


Q: Does Synovular interact with medications for blood pressure?

Official texts advise that, as a combined hormonal product, Synovular may interact with medications for blood pressure. Regulatory documents recommend caution when the medicine is used in patients with pre-existing conditions like hypertension due to the potential for fluid retention, and may list specific anti-hypertensive drug classes that interact.


Q: Has Synovular been studied in different racial or ethnic groups?

Regulatory bodies require clinical trial summaries to include detailed information about the populations studied. Official documents describing the pivotal studies for Synovular typically provide a breakdown of the demographics, including the racial and ethnic representation of the participants.

How should Synovular be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Synovular

Official regulatory guidance mandates strict conditions for storing and disposing of Synovular (Estradiol enantate/Algestone acetophenide) to maintain its stability and ensure safety.

Storage Requirement Rule
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature (e.g., 15 C to 30 C).
Protection Keep in the original container and protect from direct light; do not refrigerate or freeze.
Handling Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children; product is single-use only.

Disposal Requirements

Used syringes and needles are classified as sharps waste. They must never be discarded in household trash or down the drain. All sharps must be immediately placed into a designated, puncture-proof sharps container and managed according to local biomedical waste protocols. Any unused or expired medicine must also be disposed of following local pharmaceutical regulations.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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