Generic Provera, tablets

Chemical Name: MEDROXYPROGESTERONE

Common uses

This medicine is a progestin used to treat menstrual disorders. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Progestins lower the risk of estrogen-related cancer of the uterus. This medicine used in combination with estrogen (hormone replacement therapy - hrt) should not be used to prevent heart disease.

Before using

Warning: two-drug combination hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progestin menopause hrt) can infrequently cause cancer of the breast, heart disease (e.g., heart attack), stroke, dementia, or blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) or leg. 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 doctor. If you use this drug for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least once a year. See caution section. 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 doctor 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. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart disease or circulation problems (e.g., stroke or heart attack), asthma, migraine headaches, any previous cancers (e.g., breast or ovary), blood disorders (e.g., blood clots), liver disease, gallbladder disease, history of depression, diabetes, seizure disorders, any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking rifampin.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of pulmonary embolism. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

You may experience absence of menstrual periods while using this medicine. If you experience irregular menstrual periods, contact your doctor. It is important that you keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., monthly breast self-exams, and yearly breast exams) should be performed to monitor for serious side effects. This medicine may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. If you have diabetes mellitus, this medicine may worsen blood sugar control. Check with your doctor before you adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach upset, or bloating. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss); breast tenderness; weight change; or swelling of your fingers or ankles. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience calf/leg pain or swelling; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; chest pain; sudden severe headache, dizziness, or fainting; abnormal vaginal bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; or abdominal pain, swelling, or tenderness; vomiting; vision problems; or coughing up blood. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and dizziness.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.