Medroxyprogesterone Tablets
Read this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine. Keep it — you may need to read it again.
Important — Read First
Medroxyprogesterone tablets do not prevent pregnancy. They are not a contraceptive. Use condoms or another non-hormonal method while taking this medicine. If you think you may be pregnant, stop the tablets and speak to your doctor immediately.
Section 1
What is Medroxyprogesterone and what is it used for?
Medroxyprogesterone is a medicine called a progestogen — a synthetic version of progesterone, a hormone your body makes naturally. It works the same way as natural progesterone, but with stronger effects.
It is used to treat:
- Absence of periods (amenorrhea)
- Irregular or heavy periods (abnormal uterine bleeding)
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Menopausal symptoms — when taken alongside oestrogen as hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Hot flushes caused by prostate cancer treatment
- Prevention of thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia) in women on HRT
High-dose tablets (100mg, 200mg, 400mg) are used separately for certain cancers — your doctor will explain this if it applies to you.
ℹ️ Low Progesterone — What It Can Cause
Low progesterone can lead to missed periods, frequent miscarriages, abdominal pain in pregnancy, decreased sex drive, weight gain, and gallbladder problems. This medicine helps restore progesterone levels to correct these issues.Section 2
Before you take Medroxyprogesterone
🔴 Do NOT take this medicine if you:
- Are allergic to medroxyprogesterone or peanuts
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Have had or currently have breast cancer or uterine/endometrial cancer
- Are already on oestrogen + progestin treatment
- Have had a blood clot in a vein (DVT) or lung (pulmonary embolism)
- Have had liver problems
- Have had a heart attack or have angina
- Have a type of brain tumour called a meningioma
⚠️ Tell your doctor BEFORE taking it if you have:
- High blood pressure, kidney problems, or diabetes
- Epilepsy, migraines, asthma, or gallstones
- Lupus, thyroid problems, or high calcium levels in your blood
- Hearing loss caused by otosclerosis
- A history of mental health problems
- A rare blood disorder called porphyria
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant
- A close relative who has had hormone-related cancer
⚠️ Other medicines and supplements
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following, as they can affect how medroxyprogesterone works:- Rifampicin (antibiotic)
- HIV or Hepatitis C medicines
- Anti-epileptic medicines: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- St John's Wort — do not take this herbal remedy with medroxyprogesterone
Always tell your doctor about any herbal remedies, vitamins, or supplements you take.
🤰 Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Do not take medroxyprogesterone while pregnant. It can affect natural hormone changes. Low doses (2.5–10mg) are unlikely to harm if taken before pregnancy was known. Stop immediately and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: Generally safe — only a small amount enters breast milk. Monitor your baby for any changes in feeding and speak to your doctor if concerned.
- Fertility: This medicine may reduce fertility while taking it, but fertility returns after stopping. Discuss with your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
Section 3
How to take Medroxyprogesterone
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Your doctor will set the dose and duration based on your condition.
✅ You can
- Take with or without food
- Take at any time of day — but stick to the same time each day
- If 3 times a day: space doses evenly throughout the day
❌ Do NOT
- Chew, crush, or break the tablet
- Take a double dose to make up for a missed one
- Stop taking on your own without consulting your doctor
Swallow whole with a glass of water.
| Condition | Usual Dose | How Long |
|---|---|---|
| Period problems / Heavy bleeding | 2.5–10mg once daily | 5–10 days per cycle; 2–3 cycles |
| Endometriosis | 10mg three times a day | 3 months continuously |
| PCOS (absent/infrequent periods) | 10mg once daily | 14 days every 1–3 months |
| Prostate cancer hot flushes | 20mg (two 10mg) once daily | 10 weeks, then reviewed |
| Menopause symptoms (HRT) | As advised by doctor | Part of 28-day HRT cycle |
⏰ If you miss a dose
You may notice some breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember — unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip it and continue as normal. Never take two doses at once. Setting a daily alarm can help you remember.🔴 If you take too much (overdose)
Symptoms of overdose include: seizures (fits), vomiting, nausea, difficulty breathing, and altered mental status. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have taken too much.Section 4
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, medroxyprogesterone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Most do not require medical attention and resolve over time.
Common side effects (more than 1 in 100 people) — and what to do:
- Rest and drink plenty of water
- Try paracetamol or ibuprofen
- See your doctor if headaches are severe or last more than a week
- Take tablets with food
- Avoid rich, spicy, or fatty meals
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Ginger tea or ginger candies can help
- Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra
- Use hot or cold packs on the area
- Limit caffeine
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief
- Make sure you're taking tablets on the correct days
- If it continues, speak to your doctor — dose adjustment may be needed
- Often due to fluid retention
- Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly
- Usually only a small amount over a short course
- Sit or lie down until it passes
- Do not drive or use machinery
- Avoid alcohol — it makes these worse
- Talk to your doctor if mood changes persist
- Do not suffer in silence — treatment adjustments are possible
- Wash with a mild, gentle cleanser twice daily
- Avoid heavy cosmetics or exfoliants
- Do not pick or squeeze spots
Other common side effects:
🔴 Serious side effects — seek urgent help
These are rare (less than 1 in 1,000) but serious. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience:
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth in a leg or arm — possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain with cough, or coughing up blood — possible blood clot in the lungs
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes — possible blood clot
- Lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swelling — possible serious allergic reaction
- Struggling to breathe or swallow, throat feeling tight
- Skin turning blue, grey or pale
- Sudden extreme confusion, drowsiness or fainting
- Seizures (fits), severe vomiting, or difficulty breathing — possible overdose
📋 Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect to your national medicines authority (e.g. Yellow Card scheme in the UK). This helps improve safety information for everyone.Section 5
How to store Medroxyprogesterone
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Contact your local pharmacy or council waste service for safe disposal.
Section 6
Lifestyle tips while taking this medicine
Stay Active
Regular exercise reduces hot flushes, improves sleep and mood, and strengthens bones. Try walking, yoga, tai chi, or aerobics.
Better Sleep
Wear loose clothes. Sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room. Aim for at least 8 hours. Avoid screens before bed.
Avoid Triggers
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and spicy food — all known triggers for hot flushes and night sweats.
Manage Stress
Hormonal changes can affect your mood. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness can help reduce mood swings.
Stop Smoking
Smoking worsens hot flushes and raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Stopping has immediate benefits.
Healthy Eating
A balanced diet low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates helps with weight management and breast tenderness.
🍽️ Food & Drink
You can eat and drink normally while taking this medicine. There are no significant food interactions. Alcohol is permitted in moderation, but avoid it if you experience dizziness, fatigue, or sleep problems.Section 7
Further information & common questions
If you have any questions or concerns about this medicine, always ask your doctor. They are there to help and can answer questions specific to your situation.
Medroxyprogesterone Tablets — Patient Information Leaflet
Synthetic Progestogen · Prescription Only · Therapeutic Class: Hormones
This leaflet is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Always follow your doctor's instructions. Last reviewed: March 2026.