Medroxyprogesterone Acetate belongs to a class of medications called progestins. It resembles a female hormone progesterone in our bodies. It is used to treat various conditions related to the female reproductive system, including abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhoea (missing one or more periods), and the prevention and treatment of endometriosis (a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows in other places). It is also used for contraception and treating cancers of the kidney, breast and lining of the uterus.
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate can be taken by mouth as a tablet or injected into a muscle or under the skin as directed by your doctor. You can take the oral tablet with or without food. Taking it with food may help to reduce indigestion.
Contraception
Adult
Intramuscular: Inject 150 mg during the first five days of a normal menstrual cycle, or within the first five days following childbirth (delay until 6 weeks after childbirth if breastfeeding). Further doses must be given at 12 or 13-week intervals. The administration schedule may vary depending on previous contraception methods.
Subcutaneous: 104 mg during the first five days of a normal menstrual cycle, or within the first five days following childbirth (delay until 6 weeks after childbirth if breastfeeding). Further doses must be given at 12-14 week intervals. The administration schedule may vary depending on previous contraception methods.
Endometriosis
Adult
Oral: 10 mg three times daily for 90 consecutive days in mild to moderate cases. Initiate on the first day of menstrual cycle.
Intramuscular: Inject 50 mg weekly or 100 mg every 2 weeks for at least 6 months.
Subcutaneous: In case when other treatments are inadequate, inject 104 mg every 12-14 weeks.
Secondary amenorrhoea
Adult
Oral: 2.5-10 mg daily for 5-10 days. Initiate on the 16th-21st day of menstrual cycle. Alternatively, start treatment at any time. Repeat for 3 consecutive cycles.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Adult
Oral: 2.5-10 mg daily for 5-10 days. Initiate on the 16th-21st day of menstrual cycle. Alternatively, start treatment at any time. Given for 2 consecutive cycles.
Endometrial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma
Adult
Oral: 200-600 mg daily.
Intramuscular: Initially, inject 400-1000 mg weekly. Maintain the lowest recommended dose every month.
Breast cancer
Adult
Oral: 400-1500 mg daily for postmenopausal women.
Common dosing schedule:
Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your condition.
Some common medications Medroxyprogesterone Acetate may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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