Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral).
Important information about estrogen and Progesterone:
- Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) should be used at the lowest dose that relieves your menopausal symptoms for the shortest time period possible.
- You should not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.
Many of these warnings apply to medroxyprogesterone because it is often taken with estrogen. It is not clear whether they are as likely to occur if medroxyprogesterone is taken alone or with medications to treat cancer. People taking Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) to treat cancer should discuss the risks and benefits of progestins with their doctor.
Bleeding: Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within 7 days of stopping medroxyprogesterone. If you experience vaginal bleeding on the days you are taking Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), contact your doctor.
Blood Clots: Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting, you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood-clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast disease: Certain types of breast disease (e.g., lumps or cysts) can be made worse by Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral). If you have a history of breast disease, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Breathing problems: Medroxyprogesterone can cause a build-up of fluid in the body, leading to difficulty breathing. If you have Asthma or other breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dementia: Women over the age of 65 receiving combined hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progestin) may be at increased risk of developing dementia (loss of memory and intellectual function). If you are over 65, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested for dementia.
Depression: Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, and decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes: Medroxyprogesterone may cause an increase in blood sugar levels, and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication. If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart disease: Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may cause an increase in the fluid retained by the body. This can increase the risk of problems if you have heart disease. If you have heart disease, such as Congestive Heart Failure, or high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may cause an increase in the fluid retained by the body. This increased amount of fluid in the body can increase the stress on the kidneys. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Migraine: Hormone therapy can sometimes cause migraine Headaches. If you experience migraines or have a history of migraines, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience unusual headaches, possibly affecting one side of the head, which may or may not have visual symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Seizures: Hormone therapy may cause an increase in the frequency of seizures for someone with seizure disorder. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase your risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Women should use effective birth control when taking this medication. If you become pregnant while taking medroxyprogesterone, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Medroxyprogesterone does pass into breast milk, but it has not been associated with harmful effects in breast-fed infants. If you have concerns about continuing to breast-feed while taking Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral), talk to your doctor.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Provera (Medroxyprogesterone-oral) have not been established for children.
