Medroxyprogesterone

(me DROKS ee proe JES te rone)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Do not take this drug during the first 4 months of your pregnancy. Progestins may cause birth defects. Call your doctor if you think you may be pregnant. This drug does not stop the spread of diseases caused by having sex.
• Women taking this drug for birth control may lose bone. Bone loss is greater the longer the drug is used. It is not known what the effects will be on bones when used in teenage and young adult women.
• This drug does not protect the body from HIV infection or other diseases caused by having sex.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to medroxyprogesterone or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Blood clots, liver disease, stroke, or vaginal bleeding.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop pregnancy.
• It is used to stop pain caused by endometriosis.
• It is used to treat uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance.
• It is used to treat women who do not have a monthly period cycle.

How does this drug work?

• Progestins are made by the body and are used by the milk-making glands and to help the period (menstrual) cycle.
• Medroxyprogesterone stops egg growth and egg release (ovulation) to avoid pregnancy.

How is this drug given?

• Have your child follow the diet plan your child's doctor told you about.
• Oral:
• Give tablet with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Shot:
• It is given as a shot into a muscle. Depo-subQ provera 104™ is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Oral:
• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Shot:
• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• If your child has any blood flow problems, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood pressure checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Weight gain.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Belly pain.
• More hungry.
• Swelling.
• Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting between cycles or very light periods.
• Weak bones with long-term use.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has chest pain or pressure.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has swelling or pain in his/her leg or arm.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store tablets at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• The shot will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.