Drug
Medroxyprogesterone
Pronounced
"meh-DROX-ee-pro-JESS-tur-own A-seh-tate"
Uses
This medication is used to prevent pregnancy. Medroxyprogesterone is like a natural hormone made by the body.
Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).
Warning
This medication may cause serious bone loss which may not return to normal after you stop using it. The risk of bone loss increases with longer use of this medication and smoking. This medication should not be used for longer than 2 years unless other birth control methods will not work for you. An important time when your bones continue to build up is during your teenage and young adult years. Use of this medication may increase the risk of weak/brittle bones (osteoporosis), which can lead to broken bones when you are older. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication and other birth control choices.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used for endometriosis.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a muscle as directed by your doctor, usually once every 3 months. The injection is given in the upper arm or buttock. To make sure you are not pregnant, the first injection is usually given during the first 5 days of your menstrual period. If you have just given birth or had a pregnancy loss or abortion after the first 3 months of pregnancy, talk with your doctor about the best time to start using this form of birth control.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder. If more than 13 weeks pass between injections, you could become pregnant. Use a form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy until you can get the next injection. Your doctor may direct you to first have a pregnancy test before your next injection.