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PMS-Medroxyprogesterone

(medroxyprogesterone acetate)

In this factsheet:
• How does PMS-Medroxyprogesterone work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use PMS-Medroxyprogesterone?
• What form(s) does PMS-Medroxyprogesterone come in?
• Who should NOT take PMS-Medroxyprogesterone?
• What side effects are possible with PMS-Medroxyprogesterone?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for PMS-Medroxyprogesterone?
• What other drugs could interact with PMS-Medroxyprogesterone?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does PMS-Medroxyprogesterone work? What will it do for me?

Medroxyprogesterone belongs to the group of medicines known as progesterones. Progesterones are female hormones. They are produced by the body and are necessary along with other hormones for normal female sexual development and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during childbearing years. Medroxyprogesterone is a progesterone that is derived from soybeans. It reduces the effects of estrogen on tissues such as the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and the breast.

Medroxyprogesterone has a variety of uses. It is used in addition to postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to prevent estrogen from thickening the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). This significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. It is also used to treat irregular menstrual cycles, lack of menstruation, and abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Medroxyprogesterone is also used alone or in combination with other cancer medications for the treatment of endometrial cancer and breast cancer.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use PMS-Medroxyprogesterone?

The recommended adult dose of medroxyprogesterone varies widely and depends on the condition being treated and the response to treatment. For example, a typical dose for hormone replacement therapy ranges from 2.5 mg to 10 mg daily, whereas a typical dose for treatment of breast cancer is 400 mg daily, and a typical dose for endometrial cancer treatment is 200 mg to 400 mg daily.

For hormone replacement therapy, tablets are taken either on a daily basis, or a cyclic basis (i.e., specific days of the month). For controlling unusual and heavy bleeding of the uterus, or for treating unusual stopping of menstrual periods, a typical dose of medroxyprogesterone is 5 mg to 10 mg daily for 10 to 14 days per month.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If the dose or schedule of medication that has been prescribed for you is different from those listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

If you miss a dose of medroxyprogesterone, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not double doses.

Medroxyprogesterone should be stored in a dry place at room temperature and out of direct light.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does PMS-Medroxyprogesterone come in?

pms-Medroxyprogesterone^® is available in strengths of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg.

2.5 mg: Each peach-coloured, round tablet, marked with "P2.5", contains medroxyprogesterone 2.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Yellow No. 6 lake, sorbic acid, lactose, sucrose, light mineral oil, talc, and calcium stearate.

5 mg: Each blue, round tablet, marked with "P5", contains medroxyprogesterone 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 2 lake, sorbic acid, lactose, sucrose, light mineral oil, talc, and calcium stearate.

10 mg: Each white, round tablet, marked with "P10", contains medroxyprogesterone 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, sorbic acid, lactose, sucrose, light mineral oil, talc, and calcium stearate.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take PMS-Medroxyprogesterone?

Medroxyprogesterone should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to medroxyprogesterone or any ingredients in this medication
• has certain blood clotting disorders or a history of these disorders (thrombophlebitis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral apoplexy)
• has undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• has undiagnosed urinary tract bleeding
• has undiagnosed breast disease
• is pregnant

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