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Chemical Name: MEDROXYPROGESTERONE (me-DROX-ee-proe-JESS-te-rone)
This medicine is a progestin used to treat menstrual disorders. This
medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor. Progestins lower the risk of estrogen-related cancer of the uterus. This
medicine used in combination with estrogen (hormone replacement therapy - HRT)
should not be used to prevent heart disease.
WARNING: Two-drug combination hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and
progestin menopause HRT) can infrequently cause cancer of the breast, heart
disease (e.g., heart attack), stroke, dementia, or blood clots in the lung
(pulmonary embolism) or leg. Estrogens may also increase the risk of cancer of
the ovary. These risks appear to depend on the length of time this combination
is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, two-drug HRT should be
used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose, so
you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from
long-term treatment. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you use
this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year.
See Caution section. Blood clots may be more likely to form during very long
periods of sitting or if you are bedridden, as well as with certain types of
surgery. If this applies to you, ask your doctor whether you should temporarily
stop your medication. You should not use this medicine during the first 4 months
of pregnancy because birth defects may occur. This medicine has not been proven
to prevent natural abortions that occur early in the pregnancy. Often, the cause
of an early natural abortion is due to a defective female egg. Using this drug
does not fix a defective egg and may get in the way of expelling it. Some
medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you
are taking. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions including heart disease or circulation problems (e.g., stroke
or heart attack), asthma, migraine headaches, any previous cancers (e.g., breast
or ovary), blood disorders (e.g., blood clots), liver disease, gallbladder
disease, history of depression, diabetes, seizure disorders, any allergies,
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION
may be needed if you are taking rifampin. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT
RECOMMENDED if you have a history of pulmonary embolism. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS
MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. TAKE THIS MEDICINE at
the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. STORE THIS MEDICINE at
room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU
MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
YOU MAY EXPERIENCE absence of menstrual periods while using this medicine. If
you experience irregular menstrual periods, contact your doctor. IT IS IMPORTANT
that you keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this
medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., monthly breast self-exams, and
yearly breast exams) should be performed to monitor for serious side effects.
THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may
make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective
clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. IF YOU PLAN ON
BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE
OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your
doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES
MELLITUS, this medicine may worsen blood sugar control. Check with your doctor
before you adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.
SIDE EFFECTS that may go away during treatment, include dizziness,
lightheadedness, nausea, stomach upset, or bloating. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
if you experience mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss);
breast tenderness; weight change; or swelling of your fingers or ankles. CONTACT
YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience calf/leg pain or swelling; trouble
breathing or shortness of breath; chest pain; sudden severe headache, dizziness,
or fainting; abnormal vaginal bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark
urine; or abdominal pain, swelling, or tenderness; vomiting; vision problems; or
coughing up blood. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness,
and dizziness.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT
USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out.
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