MEDROXYPROGESTERONE

Who is Medroxyprogesterone for ?

Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and abnormal bleeding from the uterus caused by hormonal imbalance. This drug also may be taken with estrogen to decrease the risk of endometrial cancer. Medroxyprogesterone injection is used as a contraceptive. It prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and thus prevents pregnancy. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Medroxyprogesterone is a form of progesterone and replaces natural progesterone in your body. Medroxyprogesterone acts like natural progesterone.

When should I be careful taking Medroxyprogesterone ?

Progesterone or progesterone-like drugs have been used to prevent miscarriage in the first few months of pregnancy. No adequate evidence is available to show that they are effective for this purpose. Therefore, the use of medroxyprogesterone during the first 4 months of pregnancy is not recommended. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking medroxyprogesterone, call your doctor immediately.

Before taking medroxyprogesterone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; a history of blood clots or stroke; heart, liver, or kidney disease; breast or genital cancer; history of depression; migraine headaches; osteoporosis; high levels of blood cholesterol or fats; high blood pressure or high blood pressure during pregnancy (toxemia); asthma; excessive weight gain or fluid retention during your menstrual cycle; or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking medroxyprogesterone, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking medroxyprogesterone.
• tell your doctor if you smoke cigarettes. Medroxyprogesterone may increase your risk of stroke, blood clots, and high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking further increases these risks.

Side Effects

Although side effects from medroxyprogesterone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
• changes in menstrual flow
• lack of menstrual periods
• bloating
• weight gain or loss
• black or brown skin patches
• acne
• tired feeling
• nervousness
• depression
• glucose intolerance (increased blood sugar)
• upset stomach
• breast discomfort

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• severe headache
• change or loss of vision
• severe depression
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dizziness or faintness
• weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
• calf pain
• sharp or crushing chest pain
• unexplained coughing or coughing up blood
• rash