Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat irregular vaginal bleeding or abnormal menstruation (periods). Medroxyprogesterone can also be used to start a normal menstrual cycle in women who previously had one but have not had one in at least six months, are not pregnant, or are not going through menopause (change of life). In patients taking oestrogen, medroxyprogesterone is also used to prevent the uterine lining from growing too much and may lower the risk of uterine cancer. Progestins are a class of drugs that includes medroxyprogesterone. It functions by inducing the uterus to produce specific hormones and halting the formation of the uterine lining.

Medroxyprogesterone is available as an oral tablet. On specific days throughout a typical monthly cycle, it is typically taken once each day. Medroxyprogesterone should be taken on the days you are supposed to take it at roughly the same time each day to help you remember to take it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the prescription for medroxyprogesterone precisely. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Your illness may be controlled by medroxyprogesterone, but it won’t be cured. Even if you feel good, continue taking medroxyprogesterone according to your monthly plan. Medroxyprogesterone should not be stopped abruptly without consulting your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking medroxyprogesterone,

• If you have any drug allergies, including those to maize, medroxyprogesterone (Provera, Depo-Provera), or any other substances, tell your doctor right away.
• Inform your physician and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Mention aminoglutethimide if you can (Cytadren). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had breast cancer or cancer of the female reproductive system, unexplained vaginal bleeding, missed abortion (pregnancy that ended when the foetus died in the uterus but was not expelled from the body), blood clots in your legs, lungs, brain, or eyes, and streptococcus pneumoniae.oke or mini-stroke; seizures; migraine headaches; depression; asthma; diabetes; or heart, kidney, or liver disease.
• If you are or plan to become pregnant, or if you are nursing a baby, let your doctor know. Medroxyprogesterone can cause pregnancy, so call your doctor right once if it does. During the first few months of pregnancy, medroxyprogesterone shouldn’t be used as a pregnancy test or to avoid miscarriage. There is no evidence that medroxyprogesterone can stop miscarriages, and it may even harm the foetus.
• Inform the surgeon or dentist that you are taking medroxyprogesterone if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Side effects from medroxyprogesterone are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Sensitive breasts that bleed or secrete liquid
• Modifications to menstrual flow
• Abnormal spotting or bleeding in the vagina
• Acne
• Facial hair growth
• Hair loss on the scalp
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep
• Drowsiness
• Uneasy stomach
• Loss or increase of weight

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Even though the following signs are unusual, you should call your doctor right once if you notice any of them:

• One leg only may experience pain, swell, warmth, redness, or discomfort.
• Slow or challenging speech
• Unsteadiness or weakness
• Arm or leg weakness or numbness
• Breathing difficulty
• Exhaling blood
• Crushing or sudden chest discomfort
• A hammering or rapid heartbeat
• Vision loss or sudden changes in vision
• Dual perception
• Distorted vision
• Enlarged eyes
• Missed cycles
• Depression
• The skin or eyes turning yellow
• Fever
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Hands, foot, ankles, or lower legs swelling

When fed medroxyprogesterone, several laboratory animals developed breast cancers. It is unknown if medroxyprogesterone makes people more susceptible to developing breast cancer. Additionally, medroxyprogesterone may raise your risk of developing a blood clot that travels to your lungs or brain. The dangers of using this drug should be discussed with your doctor.

Other negative consequences of medroxyprogesterone are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Inform the lab staff and your doctor that you are taking medroxyprogesterone prior to any laboratory test.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.