Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Side Effects

The FDA indicates that medroxyprogesterone acetate is a form of contraception. This medication is most often injected subcutaneously. It is a derivative of the female hormone progesterone. This drug will regulate ovulation and the timing of the menstrual cycle. This medication can alternatively be used as a hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing menopause. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is considered convenient and effective due to infrequent dosing periods. Patients are only required to administer a dosage every 3 months. This leads to higher patient compliance.

Common Side Effects

Pharmacia and Upjohn define common side effects as side effects that appeared in at least 5% of patients during clinical studies. These side effects are menstrual irregularities which include bleeding and amenorrhea (the suppression of menstrual flow), abdominal discomfort, weight changes, dizziness, headache, fatigue and nervousness. Although these are common side effects, contact your physician if any of these are experienced to an extreme degree.

Less Common Side Effects

Pharmacia and Upjohn define less common side effects as side effects that appeared in 1% to 5% of patients during clinical studies. These side effects are decreased libido or anorgasmia (the inability to reach orgasm during intercourse), pelvic pain, backache, breast pain, leg cramps, alopecia (the loss of hair and its growth), depression, bloating, nausea, rash, insomnia, edema (swelling in the body from fluid accumulation), leucorrhea (a white mucous discharge from the vagina), hot flashes, acne, arthralgia (pain in joints) and vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina). Note that this does not mean 1% to 5% of patients experienced all of these side effects. This information merely shows that patients may have experienced one or more of the less common side effects.

Serious Side Effects

Although uncommon, serious side effects cannot be overlooked in the same manner as other side effects. According to Pharmacia and Upjohn, these side effects include thromboembolic disorders that can lead to blood clots, ocular disorders that can lead to partial or complete loss of vision, unexpected pregnancy which can lead to an ectopic pregnancy (a dangerous condition that leads to the fetus developing outside of the uterus) and anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reaction (an allergic reaction from the body that can be manifested as anything from digestion problems to hives and swelling or even difficulty breathing). If any of the serious side effects are manifested, it is advised that the administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate is halted and to immediately consult a health professional.

Loss of Bone Mineral Density

Pharmacia and Upjohn Company advises that the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate will decrease estrogen levels in the body. A decreased estrogen level will cause the body to adapt to this change and lower bone mineral density (BMD). This most strongly affects adolescents and young adults due to the fact that they are in a critical period when bone growth is most active. Use of medroxyprogesterone acetate should be consulted by a health care professional if patients are in this stage of bone growth or have osteoporosis risk factors. A healthcare professional can evaluate the patient's skeletal maturity, risk factors and regular calcium and vitamin D intake if the patient is deemed fit for this medication.