Medroxyprogesterone - Oral

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

This medicine may also be used to treat cancer of the kidney, breast, and lining of the womb.

Medroxyprogesterone may be used to treat other conditions 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. 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 and your response to the medication.

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:

• current or history of blood clot disorder e.g. formation of blood clots in the leg veins or in a lung artery
• recent heart attack
• stroke
• known or suspected breast cancer (unless being treated for this disease)
• unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
• 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 Medroxyprogesterone, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart problems
• history of depression
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• high lipid (fats) level in the blood
• lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
• family history of breast cancer
• migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound)
• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• asthma
• risk factors for blood clot disorder e.g. obesity, unable to move for long periods of time, serious injury or major surgery
• risk factors for osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) e.g. family history of osteoporosis, eating disorder, alcohol abuse, smoking
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. certain steroid or hormone test, blood-clotting factors test), inform your doctor that you are taking Medroxyprogesterone.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. pelvic and breast exams, blood sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of signs or symptoms of depression or unusual bleeding may also be needed.

Medroxyprogesterone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased appetite, hair loss, itchy skin, hives, pimples, weight gain, and irregular menstrual cycle.

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

• changes in vision, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, memory loss, fits or seizures, weakness in the arms or legs
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes with stomach pain, persistent tiredness, nausea or vomiting
• breast pain or tenderness, lump in the breast, nipple discharge
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed)
• weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
• pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
• sudden loss of vision, pain or swelling of the eye
• signs and symptoms of blood clot in a lung artery e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
• signs and symptoms of heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness

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 epilepsy e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
• aminoglutethimide (medicine used for Cushing's syndrome [a disorder that occurs when the body makes too much of the 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 and 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.

It is important that you have enough calcium and vitamin D in your body, whether from diet or supplements. It may be helpful to discuss this with your doctor or dietitian.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.