Medroxyprogesterone - Subcutaneous

Medroxyprogesterone is used to prevent pregnancy for a long period.

This medicine may also be used in the management of pain associated with endometriosis (abnormal growth of tissues outside the womb).

Medroxyprogesterone is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the upper 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:

• current or history of meningioma (a tumour of the tissue layer covering the brain and spinal cord)
• 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 cancer of the breast or sex organs
• unexplained or unusual vaginal bleeding
• significant or severe liver disease

as Medroxyprogesterone may not be suitable for you.

Do not use 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 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 using Medroxyprogesterone.

This medicine does not lower the risk of getting HIV infection or any other sexually transmitted diseases. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid getting these diseases.

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, eye examination) 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, abdominal pain or discomfort, back pain, hair loss, itchy skin, hives, pimples, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycle, and decreased sex drive.

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)
• sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination, fainting
• 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 a blood clot in a lung artery e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
• signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. 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 epilepsy e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine
• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
• 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.

Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.