Depo-Provera

Brand Name:Apo-Medroxy, Gen-Medroxy, Novo-Medrone, Provera, Provera-Pak, ratio-MPA

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Medroxyprogesterone is primarily used with estrogen in the short-term to treat the symptoms of menopause in women, otherwise known as “hormone replacement therapy” (HRT). It is also used to treat the symptoms of endometriosis, to help women who are having problems with their menstrual periods, as an injection to prevent pregnancy and may be used in the treatment of some cancers.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had osteoporosis or breast cancer. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had problems with your breasts, such as lumps, bleeding from your nipples, an abnormal mammogram (breast x-ray), or fibrocystic breast disease (swollen, tender breasts and/or breast lumps that are not cancer) and/or any of the following:

  • unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • irregular or very light menstrual periods
  • excessive weight gain or fluid retention before your period
  • blood clots in your legs, lungs, brain, or eyes
  • stroke or “mini-stroke”
  • migraine headaches
  • seizures
  • depression
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • asthma
  • heart disease or congestive heart failure
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects include:

  • changes in menstrual periods:
                - injection: menstrual periods may be absent, even for a period of time after stopping the drug
                - injection or pill form: spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
  • weight gain
  • nausea
  • breast soreness
  • pain at the injection site
  • acne
  • headache
  • decreased interest in sex

Less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • rash
  • swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • feeling nervous or agitated
  • clots in the lung, legs, brain, or eye (rare; if this occurs, it is usually in those with other risk factors) - call your doctor immediately if you notice:
    - sudden shortness of breath
    - sudden sharp or crushing chest pain
    - severe headache
    - change or loss of vision
    - double vision
    - bulging eyes
    - difficulty speaking
    - weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
    - pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or tenderness in one leg only
  • loss of bone, increase chances for osteoporosis (if this occurs, it is typically with injection, with long-term therapy and when used by itself without estrogen)
  • increased risk for breast cancer - talk to your doctor

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact and may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • rifampin, Phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s wort - may decrease the amount of medroxyprogesterone in the blood

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

If you are using the injection: You may not have your menstrual period for a long time after you stop the medication. If you are interested in getting pregnant, this may not happen too soon after you stop the medication. You should consider this risk if you choose this method of birth control. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tests and follow-up: If you use the injection for a long-time, your doctor may want to order tests to check your bone density. Over a long-period of time, this medication may decrease the amount of calcium in the bone, which can contribute to osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about increasing the calcium in your diet.

Children: Not usually prescribed.

Seniors: May take this drug as prescribed.

Pregnant women: Not prescribed. May cause birth defects.

Women who are nursing: Can be used. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Alcohol: Should always be consumed in moderation.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug.

If you miss a dose: Take it when you remember. However, if your next dose is within three hours, take a single dose now and skip the next one. Do not take a double dose. If you miss an appointment to receive an injection of medroxyprogesterone, tell your doctor as you may not be protected from pregnancy if you do not receive your injections on schedule.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: You should eat plenty of foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking medroxyprogesterone injection.