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What is medroxyprogesterone
 Medroxyprogesterone
is a form of progesterone, which is a female hormone. Medroxyprogesterone
is used to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation (the
release of an egg from an ovary), by causing the cervical
mucous to thicken, which makes it harder for sperm to move
toward the uterus, and by causing shedding of the endometrium
(menstruation). Medroxyprogesterone also helps treat symptoms
of certain types of cancer.
Medroxyprogesterone
is used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. Injectable
medroxyprogesterone may also be used in the treatment of inoperable,
recurrent, and metastatic endometrial or renal carcinoma.
Medroxyprogesterone
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about medroxyprogesterone
Avoid smoking cigarettes during treatment with medroxyprogesterone.
Smoking may increase the risk of developing a heart attack,
stroke, or blood clot.
Medroxyprogesterone contraceptive
does not offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases--including
HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to obtain protection
from these diseases.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
medroxyprogesterone
Before using medroxyprogesterone, tell your doctor if you have:
- high blood pressure, angina, or heart
disease;
- had a stroke;
- a history of unusual
bleeding or blood-clotting;
- liver disease;
-
kidney disease;
- a personal or family history of
breast cancer, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer;
- undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding;
-
a history of intracranial hypertension (increased blood
pressure in the head);
- problems with the eyes;
- osteoporosis;
- depression;
- migraines;
- diabetes;
- asthma; or
- seizures
or epilepsy.
You may not be able to use medroxyprogesterone
or you may require special monitoring during treatment if
you have any of the conditions listed above.
Medroxyprogesterone
is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that medroxyprogesterone
is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Hormonal
changes during pregnancy can have serious negative effects
on a developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if
you think you might be pregnant.
Medroxyprogesterone
passes into breast milk but do not appear to affect a nursing
baby. Talk to your doctor before using medroxyprogesterone
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use medroxyprogesterone Use medroxyprogesterone exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Medroxyprogesterone is usually injected by a healthcare
provider. If you are injecting medroxyprogesterone at home,
your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider will give you
detailed instructions on administration of the medication.
When used as birth control, the initial injection
will be given during the first 5 days of a normal menstrual
period, within the first 5 days after giving birth if not
breast-feeding, or at the sixth week after giving birth
if exclusively breast-feeding.
When used as birth
control, medroxyprogesterone should be injected once every
3 months (13 weeks). It is important that each injection
be given at exactly a 3 month interval to ensure continued
contraceptive protection.
If medroxyprogesterone
is being used in the treatment of cancer or for other purposes
not described here, your doctor or healthcare provider will
give you additional information regarding use and storage
of the medication.
Your healthcare provider will
store medroxyprogesterone as directed by the manufacturer.
If you miss a dose: If a dose of medroxyprogesterone contraceptive is
missed or delayed past the 3 month interval, another form
of birth control should be used to ensure contraceptive
protection. Contact your healthcare provider if a dose is
missed or delayed.
Contact your doctor if a dose
of medroxyprogesterone is missed when being used in the
treatment of cancer.
What happens if you overdose: An overdose of medroxyprogesterone is unlikely to
threaten life. Seek medical attention if an overdose of
medroxyprogesterone is suspected.
What should you avoid while using medroxyprogesterone Avoid smoking cigarettes during treatment with medroxyprogesterone.
Smoking may increase the risk of developing a heart attack,
stroke, or blood clot.
Medroxyprogesterone contraceptive
does not offer protection from sexually transmitted diseases--including
HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to obtain protection
from these diseases.
Possible side effects of medroxyprogesterone If you experience any of the following uncommon but
serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or
notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of
the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- a blood clot
in the lung (shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or
coughing up blood);
- a blood clot in an arm or leg
(pain, redness, swelling, or numbness of an arm or leg);
- severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting,
problems with eyesight or speech, weakness, or numbness
in an arm or leg (indicating a possible stroke);
-
high blood pressure (severe headache, flushing, blurred
vision);
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin or
eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding
or bruising, severe fatigue);
- unusually heavy menstrual
bleeding; or
- persistent pain, pus, or bleeding
at the injection site.
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you
experience
- irregular, increased, or decreased menstrual
bleeding;
- no menstrual bleeding at all;
-
pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site;
-
headache or dizziness;
- nervousness;
- nausea;
- breast tenderness;
- changes in weight or
appetite;
- oily skin or acne; or
- changes
in hair growth.
Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect medroxyprogesterone Aminoglutethimide (Cytadren) administered at the
same time as medroxyprogesterone may decrease the effects
of medroxyprogesterone. Generally, these medications should
not be administered at the same time. Talk to your doctor
before taking these medications together.
Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products,
while using medroxyprogesterone. |
