$Unique_ID{BRK02014}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{MEDROXYPROGESTERONE}
$Subject{Amen (Carnrick)
Curretab (Reid-Provident)
Cycrin (Ayerst)
medroxyprogesterone acetate (various manufacturers)
Provera (Upjohn)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


MEDROXYPROGESTERONE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Amen (Carnrick)
     Curretab (Reid-Provident)
     Cycrin (Ayerst)
     medroxyprogesterone acetate (various manufacturers)
     Provera (Upjohn)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Progesterone
INGREDIENT:
     medroxyprogesterone
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (2.5 mg and 10 mg)
STORAGE:
     These tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Medroxyprogesterone is a synthetic progesterone (progesterone is a female
hormone that is naturally produced by the body) that is used to treat abnormal
menstrual bleeding, difficult menstruation, or lack of menstruation.  It can
be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

TREATMENT

     This medication may cause stomach irritation.  To avoid or minimize this
side effect, you can take medroxyprogesterone with food or immediately after a
meal.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose of the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Acne, dizziness, hair growth, headache, nausea, or vomiting.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     This medication may cause tenderness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums.
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may prevent this.  Also, you should
see your dentist regularly while you are taking this medicine.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
breast tenderness; change in menstrual patterns; chest pain; depression;
fainting; hair loss; itching; pain in the calves; rapid weight gain (three to
five pounds within a week); rash; slurred speech; sudden, severe headache;
swelling of the feet or ankles; unusual vaginal bleeding; or yellowing of the
eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Medroxyprogesterone should not interact with other medications if it is
used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to medroxyprogesterone, progestin, or
progesterone.
     * Before starting this drug, tell your doctor if you have ever had cancer
of the breast or genitals, clotting disorders, diabetes mellitus, depression,
epilepsy, gallbladder disease, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver
disease, migraines, porphyria, stroke, or vaginal bleeding.
     * A package insert should be included with this drug.  Read it carefully,
and consult your doctor if you have any questions.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activities that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Medroxyprogesterone
should not be used during the first four months of pregnancy because it has
been shown to cause birth defects.  Since hormones have long-term effects on
the body, medroxyprogesterone should be stopped at least three months before
you attempt to become pregnant.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of medroxyprogesterone pass into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
