Medroxyprogesterone (By mouth)

Medroxyprogesterone (me-drox-ee-proe-JES-ter-one)

Treats menstruation problems caused by a hormone imbalance. Prevents overgrowth of the uterine lining in women who are taking estrogen.

Brand Name(s):

Provera

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone, if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor, or a history of breast cancer or blood clots.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, endometriosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lupus, porphyria, migraines, thyroid problems, or a history of seizures or cancer. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
This medicine may increase your risk for the following:
- Blood clots, which could lead to stroke or heart attack
- Dementia (when used with estrogen in women older than 65)
- Breast or endometrial cancer (when used with estrogen)
Tell any doctor who treats you that you use this medicine. You may need to stop taking it before you have surgery or if you need to be on bedrest.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Breast lump, pain, or tenderness
Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Loss of vision, blurred vision
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with speech or walking, pain in your lower leg (calf)
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Severe or unusual vaginal bleeding
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Depression, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
Mild stomach pain or cramps

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017