Provera Tablets
Chemical Name: PROVERA MEDROXYPROGESTERONE (me-DROX-ee-proe-JESS-te-rone)
Common Provera 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 Provera
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. 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. 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. 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.
Provera 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.
Provera 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 of Provera
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.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction
checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Provera
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 Provera 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.
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