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Medroxyprogesterone & Dangers

Medroxyprogesterone is a type of synthetic progesterone--the female hormone that helps regulate ovulation and menstruation--according to Drugs.com. Medroxyprogesterone has several uses, including the treatment of irregular periods and abnormal bleeding, and preventing the lining of the uterus from overgrowth in post-menopausal women. Brand names of medroxyprogesterone are Provera, Curretab, Depo-Provera, Amen and Cycrin. According to Drugs.com, medroxyprogesterone is associated with many risks.

  1. Serious Side Effects

    • Drugs.com advises that medroxyprogesterone can cause serious side effects, including sudden numbness, headache, speech and vision problems, chest pain, swelling, dizziness, jaundice and depression.

    Complications

    • According to Drugs.com, medroxyprogesterone can increase the chance of post-menopausal women developing heart disease, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart attack, blood clots, stroke and dementia.

    Pregnancy

    • The Food and Drug Administration classifies medroxyprogesterone as pregnancy category X, which indicates that it is known to cause birth defects. It can also pass into breast milk and cause harm to a nursing baby.

    Overdose

    • According to Drugs.com, an overdose of medroxyprogesterone is accompanied with nausea, stomach pain, vaginal bleeding, vomiting, dizziness and breast tenderness. A medroxyprogesterone overdose requires immediate medical attention.

    Warning

    • Drugs.com warns that smoking while taking medroxyprogesterone can increase the chance of developing blood clots.

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