How does Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) work:

Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) is used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial cancer and renal cell cancer.It is used to oppose endrometrial effects on post menopausal oestregen treatment. The active ingredient, Medroxyprogesterone (or Progesterone), is a female hormone, usually called "progesterone". It is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat conditions such as irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding and lack of menstruation.

Medroxyprogesterone drugs have been used to prevent miscarriage in the first few months of pregnancy. No adequate evidence is available to show that they are effective for this purpose. Furthermore, most cases of early miscarriage are due to causes which could not be helped by these drugs. These drugs have been used as a test for pregnancy but such use is not longer considered safe because of possible damage to a developing baby. Also, more rapid methods for testing for pregnancy are now available.

Dosage & Administration:

Your physician will choose the appropriate dosage schedule for your needs. Allow 2 to 3 menstrual cycles of use to assess the drug's effectiveness. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Store Provera at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Side Effects:

• breast tenderness
• skin sensitivity reactions
• rash
• acne
• alopecia
• hirsutism
• heart problems
• spotting
• change in menstrual flow
• change in weight
• changes in cervical erosion and cervical secretions
• cholestatic jaundice
• anaphylactoid reactions
• anaphylaxis rash with and without pruritus
• mental depression
• pyrexia
• insomnia
• nausea
• somnolence

Precautions:

Estrogens may also increase the risk of cancer of the ovary. These risks appear to depend on the length of time this combination is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. Therefore, two-drug HRT should be used for the shortest possible length of time at the lowest effective dose, so you obtain the benefits and minimize the chance of serious side effects from long-term treatment.

Discuss the risks and benefits with your physician. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year. Blood clots may be more likely to form during very long periods of sitting or if you are bedridden, as well as with certain types of surgery. If this applies to you, ask your physician whether you should temporarily stop your medication.

You should not use this medicine during the first 4 months of pregnancy because birth defects may occur. This medicine has not been proven to prevent natural abortions that occur early in the pregnancy. Often, the cause of an early natural abortion is due to a defective female egg. Using this drug does not fix a defective egg and may get in the way of expelling it. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your physician or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine.

Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including heart disease or circulation problems, asthma, migraine headaches, any previous cancers, blood disorders, liver disease, gallbladder disease, history of depression, diabetes, seizure disorders, any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of pulmonary embolism.

Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.