How does it work?

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Medroxyprogesterone mimics the effects of progesterone on the womb lining and ovaries. It is given on different days of the menstrual cycle depending on which condition is being treated. Giving medroxyprogesterone encourages the normal development of womb lining. When medroxyprogesterone is discontinued, a normal type of menstrual period occurs. This hormone may be given to treat a range of menstrual bleeding disorders that are thought to result from a lack of progesterone in the body. These include absent or abnormal menstrual bleeding and endometriosis.

What is it used for?

Abnormal menstrual bleeding without ovulation

Ceasing of establised menstrual periods/cycle (secondary amenorrhoea)

Mild to moderate endometriosis

Warning!

This medicine does not provide contraception against pregnancy. If contraception is required other non-hormonal methods should be used.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Decreased heart function

Decreased kidney function

Diabetes

Epilepsy

History of depression

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Migraine

Not to be used in

Cancer of the breast or reproductive organs

Decreased liver function

Liver disease

Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk, however there are no reported harmful effects when used by breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Tiredness

Changes in mood

Nausea

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Dizziness

Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)

Increased hair growth (hirsutism)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Weight changes

Skin reactions such as rash and itch

Breast tenderness or milky white discharge from the nipple(s)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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