MEDROXYPROGESTERONE-ORAL (cont.)
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Take this medication as prescribed. It is usually taken for 5 to 13 days during the later end of the menstrual cycle. A menstrual period should begin within 3 to 10 days of stopping the medication. For treatment of cancer, the medication is usually taken more often. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, sleeplessness, or irritability. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become severe, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following infrequent side effects: dizziness or fainting, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, memory loss), sudden severe headache, changes in vision, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, swelling of the hands or feet, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the leg accompanied by swelling/warmth/ redness, changes in vaginal bleeding (spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged or complete stoppage of bleeding). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before you take this medication, tell your doctor your medical history (and family history), including: high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, heart disease or blood vessel problems (e.g., stroke, heart attack), liver or kidney disease, blood clots, history of cancer, high blood level of cholesterol or fats, depression, excessive weight gain or fluid retention during menstrual cycle, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes). Because this drug can interfere with laboratory tests, tell the doctor and laboratory personnel that you take medroxyprogesterone. Due to the risk of fetal harm, this medication must not be used during pregnancy (especially during the first four months of pregnancy). If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This drug passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of problems in nursing infants, breast-feeding while using very high doses of this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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