Medroxyprogesterone - oral

Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat abnormal vaginal bleeding (due to hormonal imbalance) and absence of menstruation.

It may also be used to treat cancers of the kidney, breast, and lining of the uterus.

This medicine may be used to treat other condition as decided by your doctor.

Take Medroxyprogesterone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. However, incidence of stomach upset increases as dose increase. You may take it with food if necessary. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.

Medroxyprogesterone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of or existing blood clot disorder
• recent heart attack
• active or recent chest pain
• known, suspected, or a history of breast cancer (unless being treated for this disease)
• unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
• porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
• had a missed abortion (the body did not expel the deceased foetus)
• liver disease

as Medroxyprogesterone may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. 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:

• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• asthma
• migraine
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• diabetes
• systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
• history of depression
• high cholesterol levels
• high calcium levels in the blood
• history of problems with your eyesight
• overweight
• history of liver disease
• 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 taking 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, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tiredness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, acne, hair loss, itching, rash, increased weight, breast pain or tenderness, increased appetite, excessive sweating, and erectile dysfunction.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding
• changes in your eyesight
• yellowing of skin or eyes
• shortness of breath, chest pain
• severe headache
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed)

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 (medicine for TB [infection known as tuberculosis])
• medicines for HIV infection e.g. nevirapine, efavirenz
• ciclosporin (medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
• aminoglutethimide (medicine used for Cushing syndrome [a disorder that occurs when the body makes too much hormone called cortisol])
• 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.