Medroxyprogesterone tablets

NHS information about medroxyprogesterone tablets, including what they're used for, who can take them, how to take them and side effects.

What medroxyprogesterone tablets are for

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are used to treat heavy, painful or irregular periods.

They're also sometimes used in the treatment of:

endometriosis
menopause symptoms, as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
breast, womb (uterus) and prostate cancer

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are a type of medicine called progestogens. They work like the hormone progesterone, which your body makes.

How to take medroxyprogesterone tablets

How you take medroxyprogesterone tablets, and for how long, depends on what you're taking them for and your symptoms.

You may be advised to take them:

a few days each month, for period problems and HRT
every day for a few months, for endometriosis

Your doctor or specialist treatment team will advise you on how to take them.

When taking medroxyprogesterone tablets:

swallow them whole with a drink of water
take them at the same time every day

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take your medicine or have problems taking it.

Side effects of medroxyprogesterone tablets

Like all medicines, medroxyprogesterone tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of medroxyprogesterone tablets include:

vaginal bleeding or spotting
headaches
feeling sick (nausea)
depression or anxiety
difficulty sleeping
hair loss
itchy skin
breast pain
weight gain

Medroxyprogesterone tablets will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of medroxyprogesterone tablets.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take medroxyprogesterone tablets

Most adults can take medroxyprogesterone tablets.

But medroxyprogesterone tablets are not suitable for everyone. For example, they may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from taking progesterone
you have migraines
you have high blood pressure
you've had or have depression
you have epilepsy
you have lupus
you have heart, liver or kidney problems
you've had or have breast cancer
you've had or have a meningioma (a type of tumour on the brain or spinal cord)

Before taking medroxyprogesterone tablets, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and medroxyprogesterone tablets

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Medroxyprogesterone tablets are not usually used while breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and medroxyprogesterone tablets

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are not used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant before you take medroxyprogesterone tablets.

Taking medroxyprogesterone tablets with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with medroxyprogesterone tablets.

This includes:

medicines used to treat seizures, such a phenobarbital
some antibiotics, such as rifampicin or rifabutin
medicines used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir
St John's wort (a herbal remedy)

Before taking medroxyprogesterone tablets, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

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