Medroxyprogesterone is used to prevent pregnancy.
This medicine may also be used in the management of pain associated with endometriosis (a disease in which tissues that lines the uterus grows outside of it) when other treatment options are inadequate.
Medroxyprogesterone is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your condition.
Medroxyprogesterone must be administered on a regular interval for it to be effective. Do not stop receiving the treatment unless instructed by your doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Medroxyprogesterone.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of or existing blood clot disorder
- had a heart attack
- had a stroke
- known, suspected, or a history of breast cancer
- unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
- bone disease
- liver disease
as Medroxyprogesterone may not be suitable for you.
Do not use Medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Medroxyprogesterone may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- risk factors for osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) e.g. regular alcohol intake and smoking, eating disorder, family history of osteoporosis
- migraine
- family history of breast cancer
- high blood pressure
- heart problems
- diabetes
- history of or existing depression
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going for any laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are being treated with Medroxyprogesterone as it may interfere with certain tests.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have certain tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Medroxyprogesterone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, stomach pain, tiredness, back pain, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, acne, weight gain, breast pain, decreased sexual drive, and pain, tenderness, or lump at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- changes in your eyesight
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- shortness of breath, chest pain
- severe headache
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- rifampicin (medicines for TB [infection known as tuberculosis])
- efavirenz (medicines for HIV infection)
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Medroxyprogesterone.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.