Generic name: Medroxyprogesterone

Why is this medication prescribed?
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.

How should this medicine be used?
Medroxyprogesterone tablets may be prescribed in two different ways: 1) once a day for 5-10 days, starting during the latter half of the menstrual cycle (16th to 21st day); or 2) once a day every day of the month. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take medroxyprogesterone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking medroxyprogesterone without talking to your doctor.

Medroxyprogesterone injection is given once every 3 months as a contraceptive. The first dose is given only during the first 5 days after the start of a normal menstrual period. For new mothers not planning to breast-feed, the injection is given within the first 5 days after birth. If the new mother plans to breast-feed, the injection is given during the sixth week.

What special precautions should I follow?
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 or a family history of breast cancer; abnormal vaginal bleeding; 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 the 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.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Medroxyprogesterone may cause an upset stomach. Take medroxyprogesterone with food or milk.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The time between medroxyprogesterone injections should be no longer than 14 weeks. Otherwise, your doctor may administer a pregnancy test to be sure that you are not pregnant before you receive more drug.

What side effects can this medication cause?
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

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.

What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical exam, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test at least yearly. Follow your doctor's directions for examining your breasts; report any lumps immediately.

Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take medroxyprogesterone as this medication may interfere with some laboratory tests.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.