Question 1

What is Medroxyprogesterone Acetate used for?

Accepted Answer

Family planning (contraception), irregular menstrual periods, heavy or painful periods, endometriosis (when womb tissue grows outside the womb), abnormal bleeding from the womb, certain types of cancer (breast, kidney, womb lining)

Question 2

How do you take Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?

Accepted Answer

For family planning, the injection (e.g. Depo-Provera 150 mg) is given by a nurse or doctor into your buttock or upper arm muscle once every 3 months (12 weeks). The first injection is usually given within the first 5 days of your menstrual period to ensure immediate protection. For tablets, your doctor will tell you the exact dose and schedule depending on your condition — usually 2.5 mg to 10 mg daily for a set number of days.

Question 3

What are the side effects of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?

Accepted Answer

Irregular periods or no period at all (very common with the injection), weight gain, headaches, mood changes or feeling low, mild stomach discomfort

Question 4

Who should not take Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?

Accepted Answer

Women who are pregnant, women with unexplained vaginal bleeding, women who have or have had blood clots (in the legs or lungs), women with severe liver disease, women with breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers, women who are allergic to medroxyprogesterone or any ingredient in the product.

Question 5

Is Medroxyprogesterone Acetate safe during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, as it may harm the unborn baby. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor — small amounts can pass into breast milk, but the injection is generally considered acceptable after 6 weeks postpartum.

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

What is this drug?

What is it used for?

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