Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin,that is, a derivative of progesterone. Progestins cause the changes in themucus of the uterine cervix and the inner lining of the uterus(endometrium) which naturally occur during the second half ("secretoryphase") of the menstrual cycle. In some women, progestins alsoinhibit ovulation (release of the egg). Progestins were first isolated in1933, and progesterone itself was synthesized in the 1940s.

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored between 2° (36°F)and 30°C (86°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Medroxyprogesterone oral tablets are used totreat some women who have stopped menstruating but who have not yetreached menopause (secondary amenorrhea) and in some women with excessivebleeding from the uterus. It is not used for uterine bleeding due tofibroids or tumors, however. The injectable form of medroxyprogesterone, Depo-Provera, is used to prevent pregnancy and in the treatment of some cancers.

DOSING: Medroxyprogesterone is usually given daily for severalconsecutive days.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known interactions with oralmedroxyprogesterone. Aminoglutethimide interacts with injectablemedroxyprogesterone, resulting in lower blood levels and possibly loss ofeffectiveness.

PREGNANCY: Progestins should not be taken during the first fourmonths of pregnancy. The incidence of certain malformations in thedeveloping male penis (hypospadias) appears to be increased by progestins.

NURSING MOTHERS: There have not been ill-effects in infantsnursed by mothers who have been receiving medroxyprogesterone.

SIDE EFFECTS: Breast tenderness and milk leakage from thebreast can occur rarely. Various skin reactions, including hives, acne,hair growth and hair loss, have also been reported occasionally.Break-through bleeding (menstrual-like bleeding in the middle of themenstrual cycle), spotting, changes in menstrual flow, increased ordecreased weight, nausea, fever, insomnia, and jaundice have all beenreported.

Blood clots are an occasional, serious adverse reaction to progestintherapy, and cigarette smokers may be at higher risk. Therefore, patientsrequiring progestin therapy are strongly encouraged to quit smoking.