Medications and Drugs

Pancreatic Cancer Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE - INJECTION (ANTICANCER AGENT) (meh-DROX-ee-pro-JESS-tur-own A-seh-tate)

BRAND NAME(S): Depo-Provera

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle usually once a week. Once improvement occurs and the cancer appears to be stabilized, it may be given less frequently, such as once a month.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication causes irregular menstrual bleeding patterns but with continued use may result in an absence of menstrual bleeding. Headache, stomach cramps, dizziness, nausea, depression, breast tenderness, fluid retention, bloating, hot flashes, acne, change in appetite, sweating, nervousness, weight gain or pain and irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a sudden severe headache, vomiting, fainting, pain in the calf associated with warmth/red- ness/swelling, breathing trouble, chest pain, vision changes, numbness in the arm or legs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, diabetes, a seizure disorder, kidney disease, heart trouble, eye disorders, asthma, a history of depression, blood clots, migraines, previous miscarriage, any allergies. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.