Medroxyprogesterone side effects

List of side effects
Cardiovascular disorders Malignant neoplasms Malignant neoplasms Dementia Gallbladder Disease Visual Abnormalities
 * Coronary heart disease and stroke
 * Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
 * Breast cancer
 * Endometrial cancer
 * Breast cancer
 * Endometrial cancer

Coronary heart disease and stroke
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction and CHD death) was observed in women receiving Medroxyprogesterone (0.625 mg conjugated estrogens plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate) per day compared to women receiving placebo (37 vs 30 per 10,000 women-years). The increase in risk was observed in year one and persisted. Return to top

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a 2-fold greater rate of VTE, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, was observed in women receiving Medroxyprogesterone compared to women receiving placebo. The rate of VTE was 34 per 10,000 women-years in the PREMPRO group compared to 16 per 10,000 women-years in the placebo group. The increase in VTE risk was observed during the first year and persisted. Return to top

Breast cancer
In some studies, the use of estrogens and progestins by postmenopausal women has been reported to increase the risk of breast cancer. The most important randomized clinical trial providing information about this issue is the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial of estrogen plus progestin. The results from observational studies are generally consistent with those of the WHI clinical trial. Return to top

Endometrial cancer
The use of unopposed estrogens in women with intact uteri has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. The reported endometrial cancer risk among unopposed estrogen users is about 2- to 12-fold greater than in nonusers, and appears dependent on duration of treatment and on estrogen dose. Most studies show no significant increased risk associated with the use of estrogens for less than one year. The greatest risk appears associated with prolonged use, with increased risks of 15- to 24-fold for five to ten years or more, and this risk has been shown to persist for at least 8 to 15 years after estrogen therapy is discontinued. Return to top

Dementia
In the estrogen plus progestin substudy, after an average follow-up of 4 years, 40 women in the estrogen plus progestin group and 21 women in the placebo group were diagnosed with probable dementia. The relative risk of probable dementia for estrogen plus progestin versus placebo was 2.05 (95% CI 1.21-3.48). The absolute risk of probable dementia for Medroxyprogesterone versus placebo was 45 versus 22 cases per 10,000 women-years. Return to top

Gallbladder Disease
A 2- to 4-fold increase in the risk of gallbladder disease requiring surgery in postmenopausal women receiving estrogens has been reported. Return to top

Hypercalcemia
Estrogen administration may lead to severe hypercalcemia in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases. If hypercalcemia occurs, use of the drug should be stopped and appropriate measures taken to reduce the serum calcium level.Return to top

Visual Abnormalities
Retinal vascular thrombosis has been reported in patients receiving estrogens. Discontinue medication pending examination if there is sudden partial or complete loss of vision, or a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. If examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, estrogens should be discontinued. Return to top