medroxyprogesterone

Generic Name: medroxyprogesterone (oral) (me DROX ee proe JES ter one)

Brand Names: Provera

What is medroxyprogesterone?

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 is the most important information I should know about medroxyprogesterone?

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 discuss with my healthcare provider before taking medroxyprogesterone?

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:

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  abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed;

  
  


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  a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;

  
  


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  liver disease; or

  
  


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  a history of stroke or blood clot.

  
  

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take medroxyprogesterone:

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  heart disease, congestive heart failure, recent stroke or heart attack

  
  


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  high blood pressure;

  
  


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  high cholesterol or triglycerides;

  
  


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  low levels of calcium in your blood;

  
  


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  severe pelvic pain;

  
  


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  recent miscarriage or abortion;

  
  


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  epilepsy;

  
  


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  asthma;

  
  


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  migraine headaches;

  
  


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  a thyroid disorder;

  
  


• kidney disease,


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  diabetes; or

  
  


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  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?

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.

See also: Medroxyprogesterone dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breast tenderness, dizziness, drowsiness, or vaginal bleeding.

What should I avoid while taking medroxyprogesterone?

Avoid smoking while you are taking this medication. Smoking greatly increases your risk of blood clots.

Medroxyprogesterone side effects

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:

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  sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

  
  


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  sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

  
  


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  chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;

  
  


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  pain or swelling in one or both legs;

  
  


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  chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

  
  


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  vaginal bleeding if you have already gone through menopause;

  
  


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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  a breast lump;

  
  


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  symptoms of depression (sleep problems, dizziness, mood changes, headache);

  
  


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  fever;

  
  


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  jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

  
  


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  swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  spotting or breakthrough bleeding;

  
  


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  changes in your menstrual periods;

  
  


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  vaginal itching or discharge;

  
  


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  breast tenderness or discharge;

  
  


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  mild itching or skin rash;

  
  


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  increased acne, hair growth, loss of scalp hair;

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia);

  
  


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  changes in appetite or weight,

  
  


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  mild stomach pain, bloating, nausea; or

  
  


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  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.

Medroxyprogesterone Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Endometriosis:

104 mg subcutaneously once every three months. The first dose should only be given within the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period, within 5 days postpartum if the patient is not breast feeding, or at 6 weeks postpartum if the patient is breast feeding. If the period between injections is > 14 weeks, pregnancy should be ruled out prior to administering.

Usual Adult Dose for Endometrial Hyperplasia -- Prophylaxis:

5 to 10 mg orally once a day, as a adjunct to estrogen replacement therapy, beginning on day one 1 or day 16 of each cycle and continuing for 12 to 14 consecutive days per month.

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2.5 mg orally once a day continuously during estrogen replacement therapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Contraception:

150 mg intramuscularly or 104 mg subcutaneously every 3 months. The first dose should only be given within the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period, within 5 days postpartum if the patient is not breast feeding, or at 6 weeks postpartum if the patient is breast feeding. If the period between injections is > 14 weeks, pregnancy should be ruled out prior to administering.

Usual Adult Dose for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding:

5 to 10 mg orally once a day, beginning on the 16th day of the cycle and continue for 10 days or begin on the 21st day of the cycle and continue for 5 days. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 to 7 days after the last dose.

Usual Adult Dose for Amenorrhea:

5 to 10 mg orally once a day beginning at any time and continuing for 5 to 10 days. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 to 7 days after the last dose.

Usual Adult Dose for Renal Cell Carcinoma:

400 to 1000 mg IM once a week. May reduce to as little as 400 mg IM once a month. The frequency of administration may be reduced if improvement or stabilization occurs, usually within a few weeks to months.

Usual Adult Dose for Endometrial Carcinoma:

400 to 1000 mg IM once a week. May reduce to as little as 400 mg IM once a month. The frequency of administration may be reduced if improvement or stabilization occurs, usually within a few weeks to months.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding:

>13 years:
5 to 10 mg orally once a day, beginning on the 16th day of the cycle and continue for 10 days or begin on the 21st day of the cycle and continue for 5 days. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 to 7 days after the last dose.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Amenorrhea:

> 13 years:
5 to 10 mg orally once a day beginning at any time and continuing for 5 to 10 days. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 3 to 7 days after the last dose.

What other drugs will affect medroxyprogesterone?

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.

More medroxyprogesterone resources

• Medroxyprogesterone Side Effects (in more detail)
• Medroxyprogesterone Dosage
• Medroxyprogesterone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Medroxyprogesterone Drug Interactions
• Medroxyprogesterone Support Group
• 150 Reviews for Medroxyprogesterone - Add your own review/rating

• medroxyprogesterone Intramuscular Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Depo-Provera Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Depo-Provera Consumer Overview


• Depo-Provera Injectable Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Depo-SubQ Provera 104 Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Medroxyprogesterone Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Medroxyprogesterone MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Provera Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Provera Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• depo-subQ provera 104 Injectable Suspension (Subcutaneous) MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare medroxyprogesterone with other medications

• Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
• Amenorrhea
• Birth Control
• Endometrial Cancer
• Endometrial Hyperplasia, Prophylaxis
• Endometriosis
• Renal Cell Carcinoma

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about medroxyprogesterone.

See also: medroxyprogesterone side effects (in more detail)