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medroxyprogesterone acetate (anticancer agent) - injection, Depo-Provera

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GENERIC NAME: MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE (ANTICANCER AGENT) - INJECTION (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 (e.g., uterine cancer). Medroxyprogesterone is like a natural hormone made by the body called progesterone. It is usually used with or after other treatments (e.g., radiation, surgery). Medroxyprogesterone may prevent or slow the worsening of the cancer and decrease pain and other symptoms.

HOW TO USE: This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.Shake the container well before each injection. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. This medication is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional, usually once a week or as directed by your doctor. Do not inject this medication into a vein.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. When the medication is working and your condition stops getting worse, your doctor may direct you to have your injections less often, such as once a month.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Keep all your medical appointments. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach cramping/bloating, dizziness, headache, tiredness, breast tenderness, decrease in breast size, acne, hair loss, or irritation/pain at injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Women using this medication may have irregular menstrual periods or heavier or lighter flow. You may also have some spotting between periods. Your periods may stop completely after you have been receiving this medication for about a year. If this occurs, your periods will normally return after you stop receiving this medication.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), changes in sexual interest/ability, swelling of the ankles/feet, unusual/sudden weight gain.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: bone pain, unusual breast discharge/lump in breast, abnormal severe/persistent vaginal bleeding, persistent nausea/vomiting, seizures, severe stomach/abdominal/pelvic pain, unusual weakness/tiredness, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes.This drug may rarely cause blood clots. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: chest/jaw/left arm pain, sudden shortness of breath, confusion, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, sudden/severe headache, slurred speech, vision changes/problems, weakness on one side of the body.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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