Medroxyprogesterone is a form of progesterone, a female hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Medroxyprogesterone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to reduce pain caused by endometriosis.

Medroxyprogesterone is also used to ease pain and other symptoms in women with metastatic uterine or kidney cancer. This medication is not a cure for these conditions.

Medroxyprogesterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Medroxyprogesterone can cause birth defects. Do not use if this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant soon after you stop using medroxyprogesterone.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone, or if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or a history of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.

Medroxyprogesterone may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) especially when used over long periods of time. Bone loss may not be reversible. Do not use this medication for longer than 2 years. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of bone loss.

Medroxyprogesterone will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

This medication may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) especially when used over long periods of time. Bone loss may not be reversible. Do not use this medication for longer than 2 years. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of bone loss.

Medroxyprogesterone can cause birth defects. Do not use if this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant soon after you stop using medroxyprogesterone.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone, or if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding;

• liver disease;

• a history of breast cancer; or

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.

To make sure you can safely use medroxyprogesterone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;

• high blood pressure, congestive heart failure;

• migraine headaches;

• a personal or family history of diabetes;

• asthma;

• bone disease or a family history of osteoporosis;

• seizures;

• depression, or an eating disorder;

• light, heavy, or irregular menstrual periods;

• a family history of breast cancer;

• if you have ever had a breast lump, an abnormal mammogram, or bleeding from your nipples; or

• if you drink large amounts of alcohol or if you smoke.

Medroxyprogesterone passes into breast milk, but it is not known whether this could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.