Medroxyprogesterone

Always read the patient information leaflet for your medicine and take note of the instructions provided before use. It is vital to follow the directions given by your prescriber when taking this treatment.

1. The usual dose when used in combined HRT is one 10mg tablet, taken once daily, for the last 14 days of your 28 day cycle.
2. You should be given an oestrogen only treatment to take every day of the month.
3. This type of regime is called ‘sequential HRT’ and is used during perimenopause (the earlier stages of menopause) in women who have not had surgery to remove part or all of their womb (a hysterectomy).
4. Swallow tablets whole with water.
5. Take the tablets at the same time each day.
6. If you forget to take your tablet, you can do so when you remember. However, if your next dose is almost due, you should skip the one you have missed and continue to take the treatment as normal.
7. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
8. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice if there is anything to do with this medicine you are not sure about.
9. There is a greater risk for women aged over 35 of developing blood clots, when taking this medicine for Endometriosis. 
10. For women aged over 50, there is an increased possibility of blood clots when taking this medicine for heavy or painful periods. This is a common symptom of Endometriosis. It still may be feasible for you to take Medroxyprogesterone, but you should consult your doctor prior to doing so.  

Side Effects

If you notice any signs of the following, or any other side effects that become serious, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible:

• a blood clot in the lungs, such as sharp chest pain, coughing up blood or increased heartbeat;
• A stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness of one side of the body, including legs, hands and feet, slurred speech or difficulty finding words, sudden blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye, memory loss, confusion, dizziness and/or a sudden severe headache.
• a blood clot in a leg, such as purple discolouration, swelling, warmness or tenderness in the leg, particularly behind the calf, or around the ankles or feet;
• an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, breathing problems or hives.

Very common (1 in 10 people or more):

Headache, nausea, unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting.

Common (1 in 10 people or less):

Severe allergic reaction, depression, sleeping problems, nervousness, dizziness, hair loss, acne, hives, itchy skin, discharge from the vagina, breast pain or tenderness, fever, tiredness, weight gain.

Uncommon (1 in 100 people or less):

Excess hair growth on the face, discharge from the breast, water retention.

Frequency unknown:

Delayed egg release, longer menstrual cycle, drowsiness, swelling in the veins caused by blood clots, swelling in your calf, ankle or foot, rash, stopping or going for time time without periods, abnormality of cervix, lower sugar tolerance, drop in weight.

Warnings

Taking it with other medicines

Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This is particularly important if you have recently used any of the following, as they may interact with Provera (medroxyprogesterone): aminoglutethimide; blood thinning medicines such as warfarin; treatment for convulsions such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine; ritonavir and nelfinavir; treatments for infections, such as rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine or efavirenz; or St John’s wort.

Conditions to look out for

Your doctor needs to know about any medical conditions you have.

Do not use Provera if you: are allergic to anything in it; have or have had breast cancer; have or have had a blood clot; have liver problems; or have porphyria. 

It may also not be suitable, or you may need to have your use of Provera closely monitored, if you have: epilepsy; migraines; asthma; heart problems; kidney problems; diabetes; ever had depression; high blood pressure; liver problems; gallstones; lupus; or hearing problems.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Provera (medroxyprogesterone) if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Driving and using machinery

The treatment is not likely to inhibit your capacity to drive or use machines.

Blood clots

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) can slightly increase the risk of blood clots. More information can be found in the patient information leaflet on how to spot the signs of a blood clot, and what you should do if you notice them.

Lactose intolerance

This tablet contains lactose. If you have an intolerance to any sugars, you should talk to your doctor before using it.

Can I still drink alcohol?

Alcohol is not thought to interact with the function of this treatment.

Will I still be able to drive?

You should be able to, as this medication is not likely to affect your capacity to drive. If you notice any side effects that affect your judgment or co-ordination, do not drive and speak to your doctor.

Can I use this medicine while pregnant?

No. It is not suitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How do I store it?

Keep it in a safe place, not above 25°C.

Am I allergic to anything in the medicine?

Provera tablets contain: medroxyprogesterone, lactose monohydrate, sucrose, maize starch, liquid paraffin, talc, calcium stearate and purified water.

Do not take this treatment if you are allergic to any of the above.

Is it available over-the-counter?

No. You can only get this medicine on prescription.

Can I buy Medroxyprogesterone online?

Yes. If you are already taking hormone replacement therapy and have had treatment issued by a doctor, you can order and renew your prescription online through our service. Take our questionnaire to have your request reviewed by our doctor. Orders are dispensed and shipped from our UK pharmacy by next-day courier.

If you haven’t used HRT before, or are experiencing menopause symptoms for the first time, you should see your GP in person for further guidance.