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Medroxyprogesterone

  • Your dose of medroxyprogesterone will depend on what you are being treated for. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about when to take it.
  • If you are due to have an operation, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking medroxyprogesterone.

About medroxyprogesterone

Type of medicine Progestogen (female hormone)
Used for Irregular or missed periods, endometriosis (a condition where cells that usually line the womb are found elsewhere), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in combination with an oestrogen, some cancers
Also called Climanor® (medroxyprogesterone acetate);
Indivina® (medroxyprogesterone acetate combined with estradiol valerate);
Premique® Low Dose, Premique®, Premique® Cycle (medroxyprogesterone acetate combined with conjugated estrogens);
Tridestra® (medroxyprogesterone acetate combined with estradiol valerate);
Provera® (medroxyprogesterone acetate)
Available as Tablets

Medroxyprogesterone is a progestogen which is a female hormone. It works by replacing or supplementing naturally produced progesterone. At higher doses it can be used to help treat breast or endometrial cancer in women, and kidney cancer in both men and women.

Before taking medroxyprogesterone

Before taking medroxyprogesterone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from breast or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb).
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder) or migraine.
  • If you suffer from depression or thrombosis, or have a history of these conditions.
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) or have a family history of this condition.
  • If you suffer with asthma, epilepsy or high blood pressure.
  • If you suffered during pregnancy from pruritus (severe itching), pemphigoid gestationis (a rare blistering disease) or jaundice.
  • If you suffer from vaginal bleeding other than your normal monthly period.
  • If you have had a blood clot of an artery (e.g. stroke or heart attack).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take medroxyprogesterone

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Your dose will depend on what you are being treated for. You may only need to take it for certain days of your menstrual cycle. Ask your doctor if you are not sure about when to take it.
  • Try to take medroxyprogesterone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose in which case miss out the forgotten dose. Do not take two doses together to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before buying any medicines check with your pharmacist which are safe for you to take alongside medroxyprogesterone.
  • If you have diabetes you should test for sugar in the blood or urine regularly to check that your diabetes is being well controlled. If there are any extreme changes talk to your doctor.
  • These tablets are not for preventing pregnancy. If you need contraception you should discuss this with your doctor who may suggest a combined oral contraceptive pill.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking medroxyprogesterone.
  • It is best to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol while taking medroxyprogesterone. If you are a smoker, ask your pharmacist for advice on stopping.
  • Remember to keep your regular doctor's appointments, breast screening and cervical smear tests.

Can medroxyprogesterone cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues or is severe, speak with your doctor
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Irregular periods, breast tenderness, swelling, weight changes, dizziness, difficulty sleeping or drowsiness, changes in sexual desire and mood changes, skin rash, acne like spots, changes in hair growth Speak with your doctor if any of these are troublesome

Important: If you experience pain in your chest that spreads to your neck and arm, contact your doctor immediately.

Important: If you experience swelling in your leg or a sudden pain in your chest with difficulty breathing, contact your doctor straight away.

Important: If you experience yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, or swelling of the mouth or face, contact your doctor straight away.

How to store medroxyprogesterone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Indivina®, Orion Pharma (UK), electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised July 2006, accessed 25 February 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Premique®, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Written 6 December 2005, accessed 25 February 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Provera®, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised June 2007, accessed 25 February 2008.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3577		 DocRef:
dils3044		 Last Updated:
14 Apr 2008		 Date of Next Review:
14 Apr 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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