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Drug Notebook

FDA Alerts

    Bone Mineral Density
  • Use of parenteral medroxyprogesterone preparations (i.e., Depo-Provera® Contraceptive, depo-subQ provera 104®, or medroxyprogesterone acetate contraceptive injection) may result in loss of bone mineral density (BMD). Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of therapy and may not be completely reversible.
  • Not known whether use of these parenteral preparations in young women (e.g., during adolescence, early adulthood) will reduce peak bone mass and increase risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life. Loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion.
  • Use parenteral medroxyprogesterone for long-term contraception (e.g., >2 years) only if other contraceptive methods are inadequate.

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medroxyPROGESTERone injection
(me DROX ee proe JES te rone)

What is this medicine?
MEDROXYPROGESTERONE (me DROX ee proe JES te rone) is a man-made hormone. It is used to treat the symptoms of endometrial and renal cancer.

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.

Depo-Provera 400MG/ML Suspension PFIZER U.S.2/$178.24 or 7/$504.18
MedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate 10MG Tablets BARR LABS30/$12.99 or 60/$16.98
MedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate 150MG/ML Suspension GREENSTONE1/$52.99 or 2/$94.98
MedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate 2.5MG Tablets BARR LABS30/$12.99 or 60/$20.98
MedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate 5MG Tablets BARR LABS90/$19 or 180/$23.99
Provera 10MG Tablets PFIZER U.S.30/$57.32 or 90/$152.11
Provera 2.5MG Tablets PFIZER U.S.30/$37.79 or 90/$89.22
Provera 5MG Tablets PFIZER U.S.30/$47.24 or 90/$120.72

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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:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breast tenderness or discharge
  • breathing problems
  • changes in vision
  • depression
  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
  • fever
  • pain in the abdomen, chest, groin, or leg
  • problems with balance, talking, walking
  • unusually weak or tired
  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

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

  • fluid retention, swelling
  • headache
  • irregular periods, spotting, or absent periods
  • irritation at site where injected
  • nausea
  • trouble sleeping
  • 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?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each injection. 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.

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?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

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What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • bosentan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • aminoglutethimide
  • antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin
  • aprepitant
  • barbiturate medicines such as phenobarbital or primidone
  • bexarotene
  • carbamazepine
  • medicines for seizures like ethotoin, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, topiramate
  • modafinil
  • 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?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

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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
  • breast cancer
  • history of a blood clot in the lungs or legs
  • liver disease
  • mental depression
  • migraine
  • seizures
  • stroke
  • vaginal bleeding
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone, other hormones, 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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