Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin (a form of progesterone), a female hormone that helps
regulate ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and menstrual periods.
Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat conditions such as absent or irregular menstrual periods,
or abnormal uterine bleeding. Medroxyprogesterone is also used to decrease the risk of endometrial
hyperplasia (a condition that may lead to uterine cancer) while taking estrogens.
Medroxyprogesterone is also used to prevent overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in
postmenopausal women who are receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
Medroxyprogesterone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
FDA pregnancy category X. Medroxyprogesterone can cause birth defects.
Do
not use if this medication you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor right away if you become
pregnant during treatment.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone, or if you
have:
abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed;
a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
liver disease; or
a history of stroke or blood clot.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special
tests to safely take this medication. Before using medroxyprogesterone, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease, congestive heart failure, recent stroke or heart
attack
high blood pressure;
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
low levels of calcium in your blood;
severe pelvic pain;
recent miscarriage or abortion;
epilepsy;
asthma;
migraine headaches;
a thyroid disorder;
kidney disease,
diabetes; or
lupus.
Medroxyprogesterone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Medroxyprogesterone
will not
prevent heart disease, breast cancer, or
dementia, and may actually increase the risk of developing these conditions in post-menopausal women.
Medroxyprogesterone may also increase the risk of uterine or ovarian cancer in some women.
Long-term treatment with estrogens and progestins (such as medroxyprogesterone) may also increase
your risk of heart attack, blood clot, or stroke.
Talk to your doctor about your specific risks and benefits of taking this medication, especially if
you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6
months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.
How should I take medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or
for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Medroxyprogesterone is usually given for only a few days in a row each month. You may
need to start taking the medication on a certain day of your menstrual cycle, depending on why you are
taking medroxyprogesterone. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while
using medroxyprogesterone.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any
doctor who treats you that you are taking medroxyprogesterone.
Store medroxyprogesterone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about medroxyprogesterone (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech,
or balance;
chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast
heart rate;
pain or swelling in one or both legs;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or
shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
vaginal bleeding if you have already gone through
menopause;
feeling like you might pass out;
a breast lump;
symptoms of depression (sleep problems, dizziness, mood
changes, headache).
fever;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Less serious side effects may include:
spotting or breakthrough bleeding;
changes in your menstrual periods;
vaginal itching or discharge;
breast tenderness or discharge;
mild itching or skin rash;
increased acne, hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
sleep problems (insomnia);
changes in appetite or weight,
mild stomach pain, bloating, nausea; or
skin color changes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
You should not use this medication if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, a
hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, a history of stroke or blood clot, or abnormal
vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.
Medroxyprogesterone
will not
prevent heart disease, breast cancer, or
dementia, and may actually increase the risk of developing these conditions in post-menopausal women.
Medroxyprogesterone may also increase the risk of uterine or ovarian cancer in some women.
Long-term treatment with estrogens and progestins (such as medroxyprogesterone) may also increase
your risk of heart attack, blood clot, or stroke.
Talk to your doctor about your specific risks and benefits of taking this medication, especially if
you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6
months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.
What should I avoid while taking medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
Avoid smoking while you are taking this medication. Smoking greatly increases your risk of
blood clots.
What other drugs will affect medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
There may be other drugs that can interact with medroxyprogesterone. Tell your doctor about
all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of medroxyprogesterone (oral)?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009