Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
Progesterone or progesterone-like drugs have been used to prevent miscarriage in the first few months of pregnancy. No adequate evidence is available to show that they are effective for this purpose. Therefore, the use of medroxyprogesterone during the first 4 months of pregnancy is not recommended. 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 is used to treat amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and abnormal bleeding from the uterus caused by hormonal imbalance. This drug also may be taken with estrogen to decrease the risk of endometrial cancer.
Medroxyprogesterone injection is used as a contraceptive. It prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and thus prevents pregnancy.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Medroxyprogesterone tablets may be prescribed in two different ways: 1) once a day for 5-10 days, starting during the latter half of the menstrual cycle (16th to 21st day); or 2) once a day every day of the month. 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. Do not stop taking medroxyprogesterone without talking to your doctor.
Medroxyprogesterone injection is given once every 3 months as a contraceptive. The first dose is given only during the first 5 days after the start of a normal menstrual period. For new mothers not planning to breast-feed, the injection is given within the first 5 days after birth. If the new mother plans to breast-feed, the injection is given during the sixth week.
Before taking medroxyprogesterone,
Medroxyprogesterone may cause an upset stomach. Take medroxyprogesterone with food or milk.
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.
The time between medroxyprogesterone injections should be no longer than 14 weeks. Otherwise, your doctor may administer a pregnancy test to be sure that you are not pregnant before you receive more drug.
Although side effects from medroxyprogesterone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
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). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical exam, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test at least yearly. Follow your doctor's directions for examining your breasts; report any lumps immediately.
Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take medroxyprogesterone as this medication may interfere with some laboratory tests.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |