Megestron (other name Provera)

Common use

Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, female hormone used to regulate ovulation and menstrual periods. The medication is used to treat secondary amenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding caused by hormonal imbalance (fibroids, uterine cancer), to reduce the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women.

Dosage and direction

Take 5 or 10 mg of this medication daily for 5 to 10 days. Take exactly according to recommendations of your doctor. Avoid taking larger amounts of the medication. Your doctor may administer to start taking the medication on a certain day of your menses. While you are on Provera examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis. Provera may change results of certain medical tests. Inform your doctor that you take this drug.

Precautions

Do not smoke while you take Provera, unless risk of blood clotting increases. Inform your doctor about conditions you may have as dose adjustment may be needed: hypertension, heart disease, recent stroke or heart attack, congestive heart failure, hypercalcinemia, high cholesterol or triglycerides, recent miscarriage or abortion, severe pelvic pain, asthma, migraine headaches, epilepsy, a thyroid disorder, diabetes, kidney disease, lupus, depression.

Contraindications

Do not take this medication if you have hypersensitivity to its components, pregnant or breastfeed, suffer with a hormone-related cancer of genitals or mammary gland, abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed, have liver disease, a history of stroke or blood clot.

Possible side effect

The most frequent side effects of Provera are: headache, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, depression, nausea, abdominal pain, thrombophlebitis, cerebrovascular disorders, hypersensitivity nipple breast, galactorrhoea, erosion of the cervix, dysmenorrhea.
High doses of the medication may produce acne, hirsutism, changes in body weight, moon face, hyperthermia, alopecia.
Allergic reactions such as hives, rash, facial swelling and difficulty breathing are also possible.

Drug interaction

Aminoglutethimide reduces plasma concentrations and reduces efficiency of Provera. Inform your doctor about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications, herbal products, vitamins and food supplements you use.

Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms may be: dizziness, drowsiness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, or vaginal bleeding. Seek immediate medical help if you experience the symptoms listed above.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.