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Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Information about Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Medroxyprogesterone acetate Uses

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is used for abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis.

How Medroxyprogesterone acetate works

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a progestin (female hormone). It works by replacing the natural progesterone hormone that the body is unable to make. This treats painful, irregular/absent menstrual periods and prevents overgrowth of the lining of the uterus in menopausal women taking oestrogen (another female hormone). It also works as a contraceptive.

Common side effects of Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Headache, Abdominal pain, Weakness, Dizziness, Irregular menstrual cycle, Nervousness

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

23 Sep 2021 | 10:25 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Expert advice for Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is used for a wide range of menstrual disorders such as heavy, painful or absent periods, and endometriosis.
In high doses, it is used in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer.
It may cause bleeding or spotting in between menstrual periods. Let your doctor know if this occurs frequently.
Stop taking Medroxyprogesterone acetate and inform your doctor immediately if you get severe headaches, stabbing pains or swelling in one leg, pain on breathing, sudden changes in your vision or hearing, or yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.
Use a non-hormonal method of contraception such as condoms to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication.
Do not take Medroxyprogesterone acetate if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have unusual vaginal bleeding, or have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, liver problems, or bleeding problems.

Frequently asked questions for Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Q. How does Medroxyprogesterone acetate work? What is it used for?

Medroxyprogesterone acetate works similar to the progesterone hormone naturally produced by the body. It helps in regulating the periods, stopping irregular bleeding and for controlling the withdrawal bleeding in case of amenorrhea (unusual stopping of menstrual periods). It is also used to prevent endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the lining of the uterus) in women who are taking conjugated estrogens.

Q. When and how to take Medroxyprogesterone acetate?

Take it strictly as advised by your doctor. The number of doses and the duration will depend on the medical problem you are being treated for. You can take it with or without food, preferably at the same time of each day to ensure consistent levels of medicine in your body.

Q. What if I miss to take Medroxyprogesterone acetate?

Ideally, you should not miss any dose during any treatment. Missing a dose may increase the likelihood of breakthrough vaginal bleeding or spotting (blood stain). However, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the usual dosing schedule.

Q. What are the common side effects which I can experience while taking Medroxyprogesterone acetate?

The common side effects of Medroxyprogesterone acetate include headache, nausea (feeling sick), weight gain, breast pain, and unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting. Do not worry, most of these symptoms are temporary. However, if they persist, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Q. Is Medroxyprogesterone acetate a contraceptive?

No, Medroxyprogesterone acetate is not a contraceptive. You should use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away to avoid any harm to the baby.

Q. How are Medroxyprogesterone acetate and Depo-Provera different?

Depo-Provera is an injection form of Medroxyprogesterone. It is used as a contraceptive injection for women, whereas Medroxyprogesterone acetate is an oral form of Medroxyprogesterone and is not used as a contraceptive. Instead, it treats a wide variety of menstrual disorders.