Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is prescribed to treat abnormal uterine bleeding caused by hormonal imbalances, cessation of menses (amenorrhea), endometrial cancer, renal cancer and endometriosis; it's also used for contraceptive purposes. Depo-Provera carries serious side effects, and according to the PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook, the FDA standards for dispensing this drug include having the patient read the package insert and receive a verbal explanation before the drug is given.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Pulmonary embolism and thromboembolism are very serious side effects possible with Depo-Provera. Patients should be aware of painful swelling, warmth or redness of the calf muscles, or sudden and severe vision changes, difficulty breathing or numbness in an extremity. These symptoms may quickly become life-threatening and should be immediately reported to a physician. Other cardiac side effects include thrombophlebitis (inflammation of blood vessels) and edema.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Stroke is the most serious nervous system side effect reported with Depo-Provera use. Patients and family members should report to a physician any signs and symptoms of sudden, severe headache, numbness and tingling of the extremities, facial or eyelid droop, confusion, inability to talk or inability to walk, and also seek immediate medical treatment. Other side effects include depression and generalized pain.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Bloating and abdominal pain have been reported with Depo-Provera use.
Hepatic Side Effects
Some patients have experienced yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) that is accompanied by abdominal pain and dark urine. These symptoms should be discussed with a health care provider immediately as serious liver complications are possible.
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat
Patients have reported seeing double (diplopia) while using Depo-Provera.
Genitourinary Side Effects
Breakthrough bleeding and absence of menses are the most common side effects that women experience while taking Depo-Provera. Other side effects include painful periods, cervical erosion, abnormal secretions, breast tenderness, breast enlargement and breast secretions.
Integumentary Side Effects
Excessive hair growth, hair loss, rash, acne and skin abscesses have been reported by women taking Depo-Provera. Symptoms should be discussed with a doctor if they become unmanageable or severe.
Metabolic Side Effects
Weight gain has been noted while taking Depo-Provera.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
An increase in the incidence of osteoporosis has been reported by several women taking Depo-Provera. Regular bone density measurements should be taken by a physician during treatment with Depo-Provera.
Drug to Food Side Effects
Caffeine may increase the absorption of Depo-Provera. Patients may have to decrease their consumption of caffeine while taking this drug.
Drug to Lifestyle Side Effects
Smoking may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects, and patients should ask their doctor for an alternative medication should they want to continue smoking.
References
- "PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook 2010"; Thomson Reuters and Alexander Ivy; 2009
- "Mosby's 2010 Nursing Drug Reference"; Linda Skidmore-Roth; 2009
