Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

MEDROXYPROGESTERONE - ORAL

(meh-DROX-ee-pro-JESS-tur-own)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amen, Cycrin, Progestone, Provera

WARNING: This medication should not be used during the first 4 months of pregnancy because birth defects may occur. This medication has not been proven to prevent miscarriages that occur early in the pregnancy. Often, the cause of an early miscarriage is due to a defective female egg. Using this drug does not fix a defective egg and may get in the way of expelling it. Two-drug combination hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progestin menopause HRT) can infrequently cause cancer of the breast, heart disease (e.g., heart attack), stroke, dementia, and blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) or leg. Estrogens may also increase the risk of cancer of the ovary. These risks appear to depend on the length of time this combination is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, two-drug HRT should be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose, so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year. See Notes section. Blood clots may be more likely to form during very long periods of sitting or if you are bedridden, as well as with certain types of surgery. If this applies to you, ask your doctor whether you should temporarily stop your medication.

Uses

This medication is a female hormone. It is used to treat amenorrhea (lack of menstrual flow), abnormal bleeding from the uterus, or endometriosis. It is also used to treat certain types of cancer, and menopausal symptoms as part of combination hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progestin HRT). Progestins such as medroxyprogesterone lower the risk of estrogen-related cancer of the uterus during HRT therapy. Combination HRT should not be used to prevent heart disease.

How To Use

May be taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication as prescribed. It is usually taken for 5 to 13 days during the later end of the menstrual cycle. A menstrual period should begin within 3 to 10 days of stopping the medication. For treatment of cancer, the medication is usually taken more often. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Side Effects

This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, sleeplessness, or irritability. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become severe, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following infrequent side effects: dizziness or fainting, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, memory loss), sudden severe headache, changes in vision, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, swelling of the hands or feet, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the leg accompanied by swelling/warmth/ redness, changes in vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or complete stoppage of bleeding). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before you take this medication, tell your doctor your medical history (and family history), including: high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, heart disease or blood vessel problems (e.g., stroke, heart attack), liver or kidney disease, blood clots, history of cancer, high blood level of cholesterol or fats, depression, excessive weight gain or fluid retention during menstrual cycle, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). Because this drug can interfere with laboratory tests, tell the doctor and laboratory personnel that you take medroxyprogesterone. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during the first four months of pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. This drug passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of problems in nursing infants, breast-feeding while using very high doses of this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and dizziness.

Notes

Do not share this drug with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., monthly breast self-exams, and yearly breast exams) should be performed to monitor for serious side effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.