Medroxyprogesterone Acetate is a synthetic analogue of the female sex hormone progesterone. In vivo, progesterone hormones are produced in the body in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Medicines based on this substance are used in gynecology and oncology. The progesterone analog acts as a contraceptive and antitumor agent. Also, medroxyprogesterone is able to stop the manifestations of menopause. In the article we will consider in detail the indications and contraindications for the use of medroxyprogesterone-based drugs.
pharmachologic effect
How does acetate medication act on the body? This substance does not have androgenic or estrogenic properties, however, it inhibits the production of pituitary gonadotropin hormones. As a result, the process of follicular maturation is inhibited in the ovaries and ovulation stops. Medroxyprogesterone acts as a contraceptive, as this substance blocks the formation of eggs. Often, medroxyprogesterone-based drugs are used for contraception.
This synthetic hormone prevents the growth of the uterine mucosa, which allows it to be used for polyposis and endometriosis. Medroxyprogesterone also reduces the autonomic manifestations of menopause (feeling hot, flushing).
Medroxyprogesterone drugs inhibit the development of tumors. If the growth of the neoplasm depends on the production of hormones, then the progesterone analogue can stop the division of malignant cells.
Trade names
Several types of medications containing medroxyprogesterone acetate are available. Trade names for these medicines may vary. They are produced both in the form of tablets and in the form of injectable suspensions. In pharmacy chains, the following drugs are most often found:
- "Depo-Provera";
- "Medroxyprogesterone LENS";
- Veraplex.
All these drugs are structural analogues. They contain the same active substance - medroxyprogesterone acetate. Only the form of release and the manufacturers of these medicines differ.
Release Forms
Depo-Provera and Medroxyprogesterone (LANS) are available in the form of suspensions for intramuscular injections. Each vial of the drug contains 150, 500 or 1000 mg of the active component.
The drug "Veraplex" is produced in the form of tablets containing 100, 250 or 500 mg of the active substance. This form of medication is intended for oral administration.
Indications
In oncology and gynecology, there are the following indications for the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate:
- oncological diseases of the endometrium and mammary glands in women;
- renal cancer;
- prostate cancer in men;
- autonomic disorders during menopause;
- uterine bleeding;
- endometrial polyps;
- endometriosis.
It is important to remember that any hormonal medication can be taken only with the permission of a doctor. Preparations with synthetic analogues of progesterone are dispensed from pharmacies strictly according to the prescription, and self-medication in this case is unacceptable.
Instructions for use "Depo-Provera" also allows the use of injection of medication for contraception. The medication is convenient to use, since it has a prolonged effect. One injection of the drug provides reliable contraception for 1 month. However, before using this tool, you need to consult a gynecologist. A contraceptive drug of prolonged action has many contraindications.
Contraindications
Preparations with medroxyprogesterone acetate are absolutely contraindicated in the following diseases and conditions:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- vaginal bleeding;
- liver diseases;
- allergies to synthetic progesterone analogues.
There are also relative contraindications to the use of drugs containing synthetic analogues of progesterone:
- epilepsy;
- post-stroke conditions;
- cardiovascular pathology;
- migraine;
- renal failure;
- thrombophlebitis;
- elevated levels of calcium in the blood.
In these cases, drugs are prescribed only when absolutely necessary. They can be taken only under close medical supervision.
Unwanted effects
It is important to remember that hormonal drugs with medroxyprogesterone have many side effects. Therefore, they are used only under careful monitoring of the patient's condition. Most often, the following undesirable manifestations are noted in patients:
- headache;
- irritability, increased nervous irritability, sleep disturbances;
- double vision
- the appearance of age spots and blackheads on the skin;
- dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, diarrhea);
- breast engorgement;
- violation of the hormonal background of the body;
- libido disorders;
- allergic skin reactions (rashes, itching).
In rare cases, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome occurs in patients, accompanied by severe obesity of the upper body and abdomen, excessive facial hair growth, and the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. In such cases, the drug must be discontinued.
Instructions for use "Depo-Provera" warns of possible long-term menstrual irregularities and ovulation after using the drug. Therefore, gynecologists do not recommend using this drug for contraception to young girls. Injectable contraceptives are more often prescribed to women of mature age. Prolonged drugs are indicated for those patients who already have children and do not plan a pregnancy in the near future.
The effect of medroxyprogesterone on the female body is completely reversible. However, in many patients, disorders of regularity of menstruation and ovulation can last from 12 to 30 months. Often the reproductive system is restored for a long time after injections "Depot-Provera".
Mode of application
Injectable formulations of Depo-Provera and Medroxyprogesterone-LENS are administered intramuscularly at an initial dosage of 50 to 500 mg. The schedule and duration of treatment is determined by the nature of the disease. During the course of therapy, it is necessary to control the content of liver enzymes in the blood, as well as the level of glucose tolerance. It is important to monitor the weight of the patient, since treatment with progesterone hormones often leads to obesity.
If the drug "Depo-Provera" is used as a contraceptive of prolonged action, then 150 mg of the suspension is administered once a month. An injection must be made in the first 5 days from the onset of menstruation.
Instructions for use of Veraplex in tablets recommends starting treatment with a dose of 200-600 mg per day. This amount of the drug is divided into several doses. For breast cancer, a higher daily dosage can be used - from 400 to 1200 mg per day.
Reviews
You can find various reviews about drugs based on medroxyprogesterone. The opinion of cancer patients about such drugs is usually positive. If medroxyprogesterone was used in the early stages of hormone-dependent tumors, then after a course of treatment, a significant decrease in the growth of the neoplasm was noted.
Patients suffering from severe manifestations of menopause also respond positively to the drug. The use of "Depo-Provera" helped them get rid of the sensation of heat, hot flashes and mood swings during menopause.
There are conflicting reviews about long-term contraception using an injection of Depo-Provera. Patients note the convenience of using this tool. To achieve a contraceptive effect, you do not need to take pills daily, but just one injection per month is enough. However, many women complain about the side effects of this contraceptive. Most often, patients experienced an increase in body weight, dyspeptic and allergic manifestations.
Some women noted prolonged amenorrhea and anovulation after drug withdrawal. The restoration of reproductive function took a rather long period of time. Therefore, before applying a contraceptive of prolonged action, it is necessary to undergo a thorough gynecological and therapeutic examination. This will help to take into account all the indications and contraindications for the use of such a tool.