pronounced as (me drox' ee proe jes' te rone)
- Why is this medication prescribed?
- How should this medicine be used?
- Other uses for this medicine
- What special precautions should I follow?
- What special dietary instructions should I follow?
- What should I do if I forget a dose?
- What side effects can this medication cause?
- What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
- In case of emergency/overdose
- What other information should I know?
- Brand names
- Brand names of combination products
- Other names
Why is this medication prescribed?
Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat abnormal menstruation (periods) or irregular vagin*l bleeding. Medroxyprogesterone is also used to bring on a normal menstrual cycle in women who menstruated normally in the past but have not menstruated for at least 6 months and who are not pregnant or undergoing menopause (change of life). Medroxyprogesterone is also used to prevent overgrowth of the lining of the uterus (womb) and may decrease the risk of cancer of the uterus in patients who are taking estrogen. Medroxyprogesterone is in a class of medications called progestins. It works by stopping the growth of the lining of the uterus and by causing the uterus to produce certain hormones.
How should this medicine be used?
Medroxyprogesterone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day on certain days of a regular monthly cycle. To help you remember to take medroxyprogesterone, take it at around the same time every day on the days you are scheduled to take it. 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.
Medroxyprogesterone may control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take medroxyprogesterone according to your monthly schedule even if you feel well. Do not stop taking medroxyprogesterone without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking medroxyprogesterone,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone (Provera, Depo-Provera), any other medications, or corn.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention aminoglutethimide (Cytadren). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had cancer of the breasts or female organs; unexplained vagin*l bleeding; a missed abortion (a pregnancy that ended when the unborn child died in the uterus but was not expelled from the body); blood clots in your legs, lungs, brain, or eyes; stroke or mini-stroke; seizures; migraine headaches; depression; asthma; diabetes; or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- 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. Medroxyprogesterone should never be used to test for pregnancy or to prevent miscarriage during the first few months of pregnancy. Medroxyprogesterone has not been shown to prevent miscarriage and may harm the fetus.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking medroxyprogesterone.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
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.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Medroxyprogesterone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- breasts that are tender or produce a liquid
- changes in menstrual flow
- irregular vagin*l bleeding or spotting
- acne
- growth of hair on face
- loss of hair on scalp
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- weight gain or loss
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or tenderness in one leg only
- slow or difficult speech
- dizziness or faintness
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
- sudden sharp or crushing chest pain
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- sudden vision changes or loss of vision
- double vision
- blurred vision
- bulging eyes
- missed periods
- depression
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- fever
- hives
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Some laboratory animals who were given medroxyprogesterone developed breast tumors. It is not known if medroxyprogesterone increases the risk of breast cancer in humans. Medroxyprogesterone may also increase the chance that you will develop a blood clot that moves to your lungs or brain. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
Medroxyprogesterone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
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).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking medroxyprogesterone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names
- Amen®¶
- Curretab®¶
- Cycrin®¶
- Prodroxy®¶
- Provera®
Brand names of combination products
- Premphase® (containing Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Conjugated Estrogens)
- Prempro® (containing Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Conjugated Estrogens)
Other names
- acetoxymethylprogesterone
- methylacetoxyprogesterone
¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.
Last Revised - 07/15/2017Browse Drugs and Medicines
I'm well-versed in pharmaceuticals and medication. The information you provided pertains to medroxyprogesterone, a medication utilized for various purposes:
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Why it's prescribed: Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat abnormal menstruation or irregular vagin*l bleeding. It's also employed to induce a normal menstrual cycle in women who previously had regular menstruation but haven't menstruated for at least 6 months, provided they're not pregnant or in menopause. Additionally, it's used to prevent overgrowth of the uterine lining and may reduce the risk of uterine cancer in patients taking estrogen.
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How it should be used: Typically administered orally in tablet form, it's taken once a day during specific days of a regular monthly cycle. Patients are advised to take it at the same time each day as prescribed, even if they feel well, as it controls conditions but doesn't cure them.
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Other uses: Sometimes, this medication might be prescribed for reasons not listed; patients should consult their healthcare provider for further information.
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Special precautions: Prior to taking medroxyprogesterone, it's crucial to disclose allergies to this medication or related compounds, as well as other medications, supplements, or herbal products being consumed. Inform your doctor about any medical history involving cancers, blood clots, strokes, seizures, depression, asthma, diabetes, or organ diseases. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should notify their doctor.
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Special dietary instructions: Unless otherwise advised by the doctor, maintaining a regular diet is typically recommended.
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Missing a dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it when remembered. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue the regular schedule. Avoid doubling doses.
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Side effects: Medroxyprogesterone may cause various side effects ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include changes in menstrual flow, breast tenderness, acne, changes in hair growth, among others. Some severe symptoms, such as chest pain, vision changes, or difficulty breathing, require immediate medical attention.
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Storage and disposal: Store medroxyprogesterone in its original container, away from children, at room temperature, and shielded from heat and moisture. Proper disposal guidelines should be followed; medicine take-back programs are recommended for safe disposal.
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Emergency/overdose: In cases of overdose, contact poison control or emergency services immediately.
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Additional information: Keep all appointments with your doctor, maintain a list of medications taken, and avoid sharing this prescription with others.
Lastly, medroxyprogesterone is available under various brand names like Provera®, Amen®, and Cycrin®. Combination products like Premphase® and Prempro® contain medroxyprogesterone along with conjugated estrogens.
This comprehensive medication overview demonstrates the nuanced considerations and usage guidelines for medroxyprogesterone, promoting informed and safe usage for patients under medical supervision.
