MEDROXYPROGESTERONE acetate oral

Last updated: October 2021

Therapeutic action

• Progestogen

Indications

• Abnormal uterine bleeding (especially functional uterine bleeding unrelated to pregnancy)

Forms and strengths

• 10 mg tablet

Dosage and duration

Persistent abnormal uterine bleeding despite tranexamic acid therapy or heavy bleeding when tranexamic acid is contra-indicated

• Adolescent and adult: 20 mg 3 times daily for 7 days
   

Long-term treatment of functional uterine bleeding 

• Adult: 10 mg once daily (up to 30 mg once daily if necessary). Continue treatment according to clinical response.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

• Do not administer to patients with breast cancer, severe hypertension (≥ 160/100), active thromboembolic disorders, uncontrolled or complicated diabetes, severe or recent hepatic disease.
• May cause: menstrual irregularities, amenorrhoea, menometrorrhagia, breast tenderness, headache, weight gain, acne, mood change, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbances.
• Pregnancy: CONTRA-INDICATED
• Breast-feeding: no contra-indication

Remarks

• Unlike injectable medroxyprogesterone, the oral form has no contraceptive effect.

Storage