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Common uses
Medroxyprogesterone has a variety of uses. It is used in addition to postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to prevent estrogen from thickening the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). This significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. It is also used to treat irregular menstrual cycles, lack of menstruation, and abnormal menstrual bleeding.
Medroxyprogesterone is also used alone or in combination with other cancer medications for the treatment of endometrial cancer and breast cancer.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Before using
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), kidney disease, obesity, heart disease (e.g., past heart attacks, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, strokes.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed for a long time (e.g., a long plane flight). You may need to stop the medication for a time or take special precautions because of the increased risk for blood clots. Ask your doctor for more details.
Do not smoke. Smoking combined with this medication further increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby, especially during the first 4 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Directions
The recommended adult dose of medroxyprogesterone varies widely and depends on the condition being treated and the response to treatment. For example, a typical dose for hormone replacement therapy ranges from 2.5 mg to 10 mg daily, whereas a typical dose for treatment of breast cancer is 400 mg daily, and a typical dose for endometrial cancer treatment is 200 mg to 400 mg daily.
For hormone replacement therapy, tablets are taken either on a daily basis, or a cyclic basis (i.e., specific days of the month). For controlling unusual and heavy bleeding of the uterus, or for treating unusual stopping of menstrual periods, a typical dose of medroxyprogesterone is 5 mg to 10 mg daily for 10 to 14 days per month.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If the dose or schedule of medication that has been prescribed for you is different from those listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
If you miss a dose of medroxyprogesterone, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not double doses.
Cautions
This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. It does not provide contraception against pregnancy, because it doesn't stop you releasing an egg (ovulation). You should use a method of contraception to avoid getting pregnant while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor for advice.
If you are taking this medicine every day, i.e. for endometriosis, then you may get irregular bleeding to start with. This should usually stop after about two weeks; if any bleeding lasts for longer than two weeks you should consult your doctor.
Possible side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
• Headache
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
• Tiredness
• Nervousness
• Depression
• Nausea
• Acne
• Dizziness
• Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)
• Increased hair growth (hirsutism)
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Weight gain
• Skin reactions such as rash and itch
• Breast tenderness or milky white discharge from the nipple(s)
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Provera, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting.
Additional information
NURSING MOTHERS: Medroxyprogesterone is secreted in breast milk. The effect on the infant has not been determined.
Drug interactions
Aminoglutethimide may increase the breakdown of medroxyprogesterone by the liver leading to a decrease in the concentration of medroxyprogesterone in blood and a possible reduction in effectiveness.
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