• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
MEDROXYPROGESTERONE (me DROX ee proe JES te rone) is a hormone in a class called progestins. It is commonly used to prevent the uterine lining from overgrowth in women taking an estrogen after menopause. It is also used to treat irregular menstrual bleeding or a lack of menstrual bleeding in women.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• breast tenderness or discharge
• changes in mood or emotions, such as depression
• changes in vision or speech
• pain in the abdomen, chest, groin, or leg
• severe headache
• skin rash, itching, or hives
• sudden shortness of breath
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• acne
• change in menstrual bleeding pattern or flow
• changes in sexual desire
• facial hair growth
• fluid retention and swelling
• headache
• upset stomach
• weight gain or loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medicine?

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• bosentan
• carbamazepine
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Active thrombophlebitis, current or past history of thromboembolic disorders, or cerebrovascular disease.
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
• Known or suspected pregnancy.
• Liver dysfunction or disease.
• Known or suspected malignancy of the breast.
• Known hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Use as a pregnancy test.

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine at once and contact your doctor or health care professional.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood vessel disease or a history of a blood clot in the lungs or legs
• breast, cervical or vaginal cancer
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• migraine
• recent miscarriage or abortion
• mental depression
• migraine
• seizures (convulsions)
• stroke
• vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated
• an unusual or allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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