Medroxyprogesterone

Medroxyprogesterone should be taken exactly as directed by your pharmacist, prescriber or the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

For period delay, medroxyprogesterone is usually started before the expected period, where clinically suitable. The exact dose and course length must be confirmed by the clinician reviewing your consultation. Do not change the dose, extend the course or restart treatment without clinical advice.

Take the tablets with water. They can usually be taken with or after food if this helps reduce stomach upset. Try to take each dose at the same time each day.

A period-like bleed will usually occur after stopping the tablets, although timing can vary. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting may happen while taking medroxyprogesterone. If bleeding is heavy, persistent, unusual for you or associated with pain, seek clinical advice.

If you forget a dose, take advice from the patient leaflet or a healthcare professional. Do not take a double dose unless specifically advised.

If you take more than directed, or feel unwell after taking medroxyprogesterone, seek medical advice promptly and take the medicine packaging with you where possible.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets contain medroxyprogesterone acetate as the active ingredient.

For Provera tablets, each tablet contains either 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate, depending on the strength supplied.

Other ingredients vary by strength and manufacturer. Provera tablets may contain lactose monohydrate, sucrose, maize starch or starch, liquid paraffin, talc, calcium stearate and purified water. Some strengths may also contain colourings such as sunset yellow (E110) or FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminium Lake.

Medroxyprogesterone tablets may contain lactose and sucrose. If you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars, seek advice before taking this medicine.

Some people experience side effects while taking medroxyprogesterone. Very common side effects can include headache, feeling sick, and unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting.

Other possible side effects include mood changes, depression, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, dizziness, acne, hair loss, itchy skin, hives, vaginal discharge, breast pain, breast tenderness, tiredness, fever, weight change, facial hair growth, fluid retention, drowsiness or changes to your menstrual cycle.

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, feeling faint, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet, or an intense itchy rash.

Stop taking medroxyprogesterone and seek medical advice promptly if you develop symptoms that may suggest a blood clot, such as sudden chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, severe calf pain, leg swelling, redness or warmth in one leg, sudden weakness or numbness, collapse, difficulty speaking or changes in vision.

Medroxyprogesterone is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, have or have had breast cancer, have or have had blood clots in the veins or arteries, have liver problems, porphyria, or are allergic to medroxyprogesterone acetate or any ingredient in the tablets.

Extra clinical review may be needed if you have or have had epilepsy, migraine, asthma, heart problems, kidney problems, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, liver problems, gallstones, systemic lupus erythematosus, hearing problems, meningioma, significant clotting risk, unexplained vaginal bleeding or hormone-sensitive conditions.

Medroxyprogesterone can interact with other medicines, including blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, some epilepsy medicines, some HIV medicines, some infection treatments such as rifampicin or rifabutin, aminoglutethimide and herbal products such as St John’s wort. Always list all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products during your consultation.

Medroxyprogesterone should not be used during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, have recently given birth, or are trying to conceive, you should seek clinical advice before treatment is considered.

Suitability depends on your cycle dates, pregnancy risk, medical history, current medicines, migraine history, clotting risk, liver health, breastfeeding status, allergy history and clinical assessment. Prescription medicine is supplied only where clinically appropriate.