Medroxyprogesterone Contraceptive Injection

About Medroxyprogesterone Contraceptive Injection

This belongs to the group of medicines known as progestogens.

Medroxyprogesterone injection is used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping the egg cells from ripening and being released and it also changes the lining of the womb to make it less likely that a fertilised egg will attach to it. The mucus that surrounds the woman's cervix (neck of the womb) also becomes thicker so that the sperm cannot get through as easily to fertilise an egg.

Medroxyprogesterone is available in a long-acting injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Depo-Provera.

Before Using Medroxyprogesterone

Before using Medroxyprogesterone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you suffer from breast or cervical cancer or a family history of this condition
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems
• if you suffer from jaundice, porphyria (a blood disorder) or migraines
• if you suffer from depression or thrombosis or have a history of these conditions
• if you have a family history of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
• if you suffer from otosclerosis (a disease of the bones of the inner ear causing hearing impairment)
• if you suffer from diabetes mellitus or have a family history of this condition
• if you suffer from asthma, epilepsy or high blood pressure
• if you suffer from pruritus or pemphigoid gestationis (itching during pregnancy)or have a history of these conditions
• if you suffer from vaginal bleeding other than your normal monthly period
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Use Medroxyprogesterone

• Use your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Medroxyprogesterone injection is injected every 12 weeks by your doctor or nurse. It is usually injected into the muscle in your bottom. The first injection is usually given within five days of your period starting.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment. Your doctor will have discussed this treatment with you as once it has been injected the contraceptive effect cannot be reversed until the 12 weeks is up.
• Make sure that you keep your appointment for your next injection. If you are late going back for your next injection it may no longer be working and you may be at risk of getting pregnant. Discuss this with your doctor. You may need to use an additional form of contraception such as a condom for 14 days until the next injection takes effect.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Medroxyprogesterone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Medroxyprogesterone.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are using Medroxyprogesterone.
• Your periods may become irregular or completely stop while using Medroxyprogesterone. This is nothing to worry about and it may continue for a while even when you have stopped using this medicine.
• Do not stop using this medicine without speaking to your doctor. If you wish to try for a baby you may find that it can take up to six months after stopping using Medroxyprogesterone injection before you are fertile. This will be different for different people; some women have become pregnant within one month of stopping the injection.
• If you have diabetes you must test for sugar in the blood or urine regularly to check your diabetes is being well controlled.
• If you have any medical tests you should tell the person doing the tests that you are using this medicine.

Can Medroxyprogesterone cause problems?

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

Irregular periods or no periods at all, bloating, fluid retention, breast tenderness, weight gain, tummy pain, weakness, tiredness, nervousness, feeling sick, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, depression, itching, skin rash, acne like spots, no hair growth or hair loss, problems sleeping, change in sexual desire, back ache, leg cramps, vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvis, hot flushes.

You may have a skin reaction such as redness and swelling where this medicine was injected. If this does not seem to be getting any better, or becomes worse speak to your doctor.

Important:If you experience pain and swelling in one calf, sudden shortness of breath or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) speak to your doctor or go to the Accident and Emergency Department of your local hospital immediately.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

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.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 24/01/2005