What is Medroxyprogesterone?
Medroxyprogesterone injection is a prescription drug. The medication is available under the brand name drugs called Depo-Provera, Depo-Provera CI or Depo-subQ Provera 104. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin (a form of progesterone) that aids in the regulation of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) and menstrual cycles in women. The drug is used to treat irregular or missing menstrual cycles, as well as abnormal uterine bleeding. It is also used to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia while taking estrogens. The doctor also prescribe this medicine for preventing the overgrowth in the lining of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are been receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
Medroxyprogesterone Uses
Medroxyprogesterone is a hormone produced by females (progestin). This drug is similar to the hormone progesterone that your body produces naturally and is used to replace when your body does not produce enough of it. This drug is used to treat irregular uterine bleeding in women who are not pregnant or going through menopause, as well as to restore regular menstrual cycles in women who stopped having them for many months (amenorrhea). Medroxyprogesterone is also used to treat menopause symptoms as part of a combined hormone replacement treatment with estrogens (e.g., hot flashes).
Medroxyprogesterone Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Medroxyprogesterone are:
- Change in menstrual period
- Weight gain
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Depression
- Breast pain
- Swelling
- Stomach cramps
- Leg cramps
- Back or joint pain
- Loss of hair
Some of the serious side effects of Medroxyprogesterone are:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Seizure
- Frequent urination
Medroxyprogesterone can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions
Before taking Medroxyprogesterone talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medication. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the drug talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as blood clots, internal bleeding, liver disease, cancer, vaginal bleeding or seizures.
How to use Medroxyprogesterone?
The suspension (liquid) of medroxyprogesterone intramuscular injection is injected into the buttocks or upper arm. It is normally provided by a healthcare provider in an office or clinic once every three months (13 weeks). Subcutaneous injection of medroxyprogesterone is available as a suspension to be injected just under the skin. The doctor will inject it once every 12 to 14 weeks in an outpatient environment.
Take this medication once daily for 5-10 days during the second half of the scheduled menstrual cycle or as prescribed by your doctor to treat stopped menstrual cycles (amenorrhea) and irregular uterine bleeding. After you quit taking the drug, you should experience withdrawal bleeding within 3-7 days.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of medroxyprogesterone won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed medroxyprogesterone tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions
For people with blood clots or stroke
This medication increases the chances of getting a blood clot. If you've ever had a blood clot or stroke, check with your doctor and see if this medication is right for you.
For people with Liver Problems
Your liver aids in the absorption of this medication. Increased levels of this drug in your body can be caused by liver disorders, which can lead to further side effects. Consult your doctor if you have liver problems or a history of liver disease to see if this medication is right for you.
Pregnant Women
During pregnancy, medroxyprogesterone should never be used. If you get pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor right away.
Breastfeeding
Medroxyprogesterone can pass into breast milk and cause problems in a breastfed infant. If you are breastfeeding your infant, speak with your doctor. It's possible that you'll have to quit breastfeeding or take this drug.
Medroxyprogesterone can pass into breast milk and cause problems in a breastfed infant. If you are breastfeeding your infant, speak with your doctor. It's possible that you'll have to quit breastfeeding or take this drug.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Fondaparinux vs Heparin:
Medroxyprogesterone |
Norethisterone |
|---|---|
| Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin (a form of progesterone) that aids in the regulation of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) and menstrual cycles in women. | Norethisterone is a synthetic progestin. It works by imitating the effects of natural progesterone (female hormone). It helps to regulate the growth and shedding of the lining of the womb, thus treating menstrual irregularities. |
| Medroxyprogesterone is also used to treat menopause symptoms as part of a combined hormone replacement treatment with estrogens (e.g., hot flashes). | This medicine is used to prevent pregnancy. It is often referred to as the "mini-pill" because it does not contain any estrogens. |
Some of the common side effects of Medroxyprogesterone are:
|
Some of the common and serious side effects of Norethindrone are: |
