Medroxyprogesterone (By Mouth)

Medroxyprogesterone (me-DROKS-ee-proe-JES-te-rone)

Treats menstrual irregularities, some forms of cancer, and other conditions. This medicine is a progestin, which is a female hormone.

Brand Name(s):

Provera
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone or other progestin medicines, such as progesterone, norgestrel, desogen, megestrol, or birth control pills. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have had liver disease, blood clots, vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine may be given for only a few days or up to 2 weeks at a time, depending on why you are taking it. Try to take the medicine at the same time each day while you are using it.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aminoglutethimide (Cytadren®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have migraine headaches, diabetes asthma, kidney disease, or epilepsy, or if you have any type of cancer.
• Menstrual bleeding should start within 3 to 7 days after you take your last tablet. Tell your doctor if your period has not started within 7 days after you finish the medicine.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. The medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Large doses of this medicine taken over long periods of time may increase the risk of some kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Calf, leg or chest pain
• Numbness, pain, or tingling in your arms or legs
• Severe headache, slurred speech, changes in vision
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Sudden change in your vision
• Vaginal bleeding that lasts a long time

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Acne or changes in hair growth
• Breast tenderness
• Missed or irregular menstrual periods
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Tired feeling or depressed mood , weight changes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.