Medroxyprogesterone acetate adverse effects

The adverse effects of norethisterone enantate when used as a 2-monthly injectable contraceptive have been compared in various populations with those of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and were found to be closely similar (5,6). 

Reports on adverse reactions to lower doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate are not entirely consistent, probably because of differences in pharmaceutical formulation which markedly affect the drug s systemic availability. However, high doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate are extensively used for the treatment of hormone-depen-dent carcinomas (notably of the breast) and marked adverse effects occur consistently under these conditions (SEDA-12, 343). Such doses are likely to bring out the... 

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Fig. 46.13), administered by injection (Depo-Provera), orally, or delivered via lUD, effectively suppresses the HPO axis, induces anovulation, and reduces serum estrogen levels (83). This prevents menstruation and endometrial implant growth. As a result, endometriosis-related pain is minimized in approximately 90% of the patients. Drug therapy selection should reflect the fact that pharmacological therapy is likely to be required on a chronic basis. The progestins are fairly well tolerated and relatively inexpensive, but they are not without adverse effects. 

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