Medroxyprogesterone tablets

Medroxyprogesterone tablets

What it's for

Medroxyprogesterone tablets

How it's used (previously Dosage and administration)

Medroxyprogesterone tablets

Side effects

Medroxyprogesterone tablets

Who it's for

Medroxyprogesterone tablets

Interactions

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are used to treat heavy, painful or irregular periods. They're also used to treat endometriosis and menopause symptoms.

How you take medroxyprogesterone tablets depends on why you're taking them. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Side effects of medroxyprogesterone tablets include vaginal bleeding or spotting, headaches and feeling sick. More serious side effects are rare.

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are suitable for most adults, but always check before taking them because they're not suitable for everyone.

Taking medroxyprogesterone tablets with other medicines, such as some medicines for seizures, can cause problems. Always check before taking it.

What medroxyprogesterone tablets are for

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are used to treat heavy, painful or irregular periods.

They're also sometimes used in the treatment of:

• endometriosis
• menopause symptoms, as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• breast, womb (uterus) and prostate cancer

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are a type of medicine called progestogens. They work like the hormone progesterone, which your body makes.

How to take medroxyprogesterone tablets

How you take medroxyprogesterone tablets, and for how long, depends on what you're taking them for and your symptoms.

You may be advised to take them:

• a few days each month, for period problems and HRT
• every day for a few months, for endometriosis

Your doctor or specialist treatment team will advise you on how to take them.

When taking medroxyprogesterone tablets:

• swallow them whole with a drink of water
• take them at the same time every day

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take your medicine or have problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of medroxyprogesterone

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you take too much medroxyprogesterone

Taking an extra dose of medroxyprogesterone is unlikely to cause problems but can cause tummy pain, headache and vaginal bleeding. It's important to get medical advice because if you take too much, it can sometimes be dangerous.

Speak to a pharmacist as soon as possible if:

• you've taken more than your prescribed dose of medroxyprogesterone tablets

If you're unable to speak to a pharmacist, or you took too much of your medicine on purpose, call NHS 111 for advice.

Find a pharmacy

Information

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the medroxyprogesterone tablets packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of medroxyprogesterone tablets

Like all medicines, medroxyprogesterone tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of medroxyprogesterone tablets include:

• vaginal bleeding or spotting
• headaches
• feeling sick (nausea)
• depression or anxiety
• difficulty sleeping
• hair loss
• itchy skin
• breast pain
• weight gain

Medroxyprogesterone tablets will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

• you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you’re advised to stop.

Find a pharmacy

Serious side effects

Medroxyprogesterone tablets can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of medroxyprogesterone tablets include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• stroke – which can cause symptoms such as a severe headache, difficulty speaking, or weakness in your face or arms
• a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) – which can cause symptoms such as severe pain and swelling in your lower leg or foot, the area may be warm to touch or red or purple (which may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in your lungs) – which can cause symptoms such as severe pain in your chest, sudden difficulty breathing or coughing up blood

Call 999 if:

• you're taking medroxyprogesterone tablets and think you might be having anaphylaxis, a stroke or have a blood clot

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

Who can and cannot take medroxyprogesterone tablets

Most adults can take medroxyprogesterone tablets.

But medroxyprogesterone tablets are not suitable for everyone. For example, they may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from taking progesterone
• you have migraines
• you have high blood pressure
• you've had or have depression
• you have epilepsy
• you have lupus
• you have heart, liver or kidney problems
• you've had or have breast cancer
• you've had or have a meningioma (a type of tumour on the brain or spinal cord)

Before taking medroxyprogesterone tablets, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and medroxyprogesterone tablets

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Medroxyprogesterone tablets are not usually used while breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and medroxyprogesterone tablets

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are not used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant before you take medroxyprogesterone tablets.

Taking medroxyprogesterone tablets with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with medroxyprogesterone tablets.

This includes:

• medicines used to treat seizures, such a phenobarbital
• some antibiotics, such as rifampicin or rifabutin
• medicines used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir
• St John's wort (a herbal remedy)

Before taking medroxyprogesterone tablets, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with medroxyprogesterone tablets

You can eat and drink as normal while taking medroxyprogesterone tablets.