Medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injection

About medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injection

Medroxyprogesterone is a progestogen which is a female hormone. Medroxyprogesterone injection is used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.

Medroxyprogesterone works by stopping a woman's 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.

Before having medroxyprogesterone injection

Before having this injection make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you think you may be pregnant.
• If you have ever had breast cancer or a cancer of the sex organs.
• If you have vaginal bleeding other than your normal monthly period.
• If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
• If you have atherosclerosis (thickening of your arteries).
• If you have problems with your liver or have liver disease.
• If during a past pregnancy you have had jaundice, itching or difficulty hearing.
• If you have had an ectopic or abnormal pregnancy.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use medroxyprogesterone injection

• It is important that before beginning treatment you read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Discuss any questions you have with your doctor as, once it has been given, the contraceptive effect cannot be reversed until after 12 weeks.
• Medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injection is given as a single injection into the muscle in your bottom or upper arm by your doctor or nurse. The first injection will be given during the first 5 days after you begin a normal menstrual period and when given this way you will be protected from pregnancy straight away.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Make sure that you keep your appointment for your next injection which will be in 12 weeks time.
• If you are more than 5 days late going back for your next injection you may be at risk of getting pregnant. If this happens, your doctor will want to be sure that you are not pregnant before giving you another injection. You also may need to use an additional form of contraception such as a condom for 14 days until this next injection takes effect.
• Your periods may become irregular or completely stop while you are using medroxyprogesterone. This is nothing to worry about and it may continue for a while even when you have stopped having these injections.
• 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 able to conceive although this takes different times in different women. Some women have become pregnant within one month of stopping the injection, for others it takes longer.
• If you are having any medical tests you should tell the person doing the tests that you are using medroxyprogesterone as a contraceptive.
• You may gain a little weight while you are using medroxyprogesterone. Eating a well-balanced diet and taking regular exercise can help but if this is a concern to you, you should discuss it with your doctor.

Can medroxyprogesterone injection cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These 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.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store medroxyprogesterone injection

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

Important information about all medicines