Medroxyprogesterone adverse effects

Lactation Detectable amounts of the drug have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving medroxyprogesterone. In nursing mothers treated with medroxyprogesterone, milk composition, quality, and amount are not adversely affected. Infants exposed to medroxyprogesterone via breast milk have been studied for developmental and behavioral effects through puberty no adverse effects have been noted. 

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). 

Medroxyprogesterone is taken orally continuously. It is licensed to be taken for 90 days although some clinicians advise continued use if adverse effects are minimal and symptoms are well controlled. 

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. 

Lactation Detectable amounts of progestins enter the milk of mothers receiving these agents. The effect on the nursing infant has not been determined. Medroxyprogesterone does not adversely affect lactation and may increase milk production and duration of lactation if given in the puerperium. 

---