medroxyprogesterone – oral, Provera
WARNING: Medroxyprogesterone is sometimes used in combination with estrogen as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women after menopause. HRT can rarely cause serious side effects such as heart disease, stroke, blood clots, dementia, and breast cancer. Some of these risks depend on the length of treatment and other factors. Therefore, HRT should be used for the shortest possible time at the lowest effective dose. HRT should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Regular check-ups are important if you take HRT. If you use this medication for an extended period, you should have a complete physical exam at regular intervals or as directed by your doctor.
USES: Medroxyprogesterone is a type of female hormone (progestin) that is used to treat abnormal bleeding from the uterus and to restore normal menstrual periods in women who have stopped having them for several months. It is also used as part of hormone replacement therapy to reduce menopause symptoms and to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus. This medication should not be used to test for pregnancy.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For hormone replacement therapy, take this medication once daily for the prescribed number of days each month. For the treatment of stopped menstrual periods and abnormal bleeding, take this drug once daily for 5-10 days during the second half of the planned menstrual cycle or as directed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, change in vaginal discharge, mood swings, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, or weight gain/loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual vaginal bleeding, mental/mood changes, swelling of the hands/feet, frequent/burning/painful urination, breast lumps, dark patches on the skin or face, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual tiredness. This medication may rarely cause very serious problems such as blood clots, heart attack, stroke, blindness. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, confusion, severe headache, severe dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, pain/redness/swelling/weakness of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking medroxyprogesterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies. Some brands of this product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: family medical history, kidney disease, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, strokes. Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed for a long time. Do not smoke. This medication may cause dark areas on your skin. Sunlight may worsen this effect. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
QUESTION
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aminoglutethimide, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove medroxyprogesterone from your body. This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this medication.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination at regular intervals. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to examine your own breasts and report any lumps immediately. You should also be regularly screened for cervical cancer and have periodic mammograms as determined by your doctor.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
