Uses of Medroxyprogesterone

Medroxyprogesterone is used to maintain balance on menstrual cycle and controls abnormal tissue growth in the uterus.                          

Therapeutic Category

Medroxyprogesterone: Hormones (Progestins)     

How Medroxyprogesterone works

Medroxyprogesterone works by stopping the production of gonadotropin hormone, which is responsible for maturation of cells in the ovary and the process of releasing mature egg from the ovary (ovulation) to avoid pregnancy. This kind of action also thins the endometrium (uterus lining), which in turn provides relief from unpleasant period symptoms.  

Common side effects of Medroxyprogesterone

• headache
• nausea
• unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
• wheezing, difficulty breathing due to allergic reaction
• dizzy and nervous
• difficulty in falling asleep
• hair loss and acne
• raised reddish bumps in skin with itching
• vaginal discharge
• breast pain and tenderness
• fever, tiredness and increase in weight

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience severe allergic reaction (signs include wheezing, difficulty breathing, fainting, swelling of the face or tongue, hands and feet, intense itchy skin rash)
• If you experience signs of a blood clot in the lungs (sudden, severe, sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat)
• If you experience signs of a blood clot in the brain/stroke (unusually severe or long headache, eyesight affected, difficulty in speaking, collapse or faint and any part of your body feels weak or numb)
• If you experience signs of a deep-vein thrombosis (severe pain, tenderness or swelling in your calf, ankle or foot, purple discolouration of the skin of the leg or the skin becomes red and warm to touch)
• If you experience vomiting, yellowing of the skin, eye or nail beds
• If you experience signs of dementia (confusion or memory loss)
• If you experience lumps or change in your breasts

Health Tips for Medroxyprogesterone

• Take medroxyprogesterone exactly as advised by your doctor. Follow the specified dosage and regimen. Do not change the dosage or discontinue the medicine without first consulting your doctor
• Do not drive or operate machines if you feel dizzy, drowsy or tired while taking medroxyprogesterone
• Medroxyprogesterone is not recommended for use in individuals with liver problems, stroke or heart attack in the past years, have or had breast cancer in the past, have or had venous thrombosis or arterial thrombosis in the past, porphyria and undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Also, it is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age
• It is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women (atleast for 6 weeks after the baby has been born as it may pass through the breast milk). Use other methods of contraceptives while taking this medicine
• Before taking medroxyprogesterone inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken prescription medicines, over the counter drugs (OTC), supplements including herbal products as it may interact with each other leading to potential decrease in therapeutic effectiveness or increase the risk of any unusual effects