Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic analogue of the female sex hormone progesterone. Under natural conditions, 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 antineoplastic 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 drugs based on medroxyprogesterone.
Pharmacological action
How does medroxyprogesterone acetate affect the body? This substance does not have androgenic or estrogenic properties, however, it suppresses the production of gonadotropic hormones from the pituitary gland. As a result, the maturation process is inhibited in the ovaries.follicles and ovulation stops. Medroxyprogesterone acts as a contraceptive because it blocks the production of eggs. Often, drugs based on medroxyprogesterone 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 autonomic symptoms of menopause (feeling hot, flushing).
Drugs with medroxyprogesterone inhibit the development of tumors. If the growth of a neoplasm depends on the production of hormones, then a progesterone analogue can stop the division of malignant cells.
Trade names
There are several types of drugs containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. The brand names of these medicines may vary. They are produced both in the form of tablets and in the form of suspensions for injections. 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 ingredient - medroxyprogesterone acetate. Only the release form and manufacturers of these medicines differ.
Issue Forms
Depo-Provera and Medroxyprogesterone (LENS) are produced in the form of suspensions for intramuscularinjections. Each bottle of medicine contains 150, 500 or 1000 mg of the active ingredient.
The drug "Veraplex" is produced in the form of tablets containing 100, 250 or 500 mg of the active ingredient. This form of medicine 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;
- kidney cancer;
- prostate cancer in men;
- vegetative 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 by prescription, and self-medication in this case is unacceptable.
Instructions for the use of "Depo-Provera" also allows the use of drug injections for contraception. The drug is convenient to use, as it has a prolonged action. One injection of the drug provides reliable contraception for 1 month. However, before using this remedy, you need to consult a gynecologist. The long-acting contraceptive has many contraindications.
Contraindications
Preparations with medroxyprogesterone acetate are absolutely contraindicated in the following diseases andstates:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- vaginal bleeding;
- liver disease;
- allergies to synthetic progesterone analogues.
There are also relative contraindications to prescribing drugs containing synthetic analogues of progesterone:
- epilepsy;
- post-stroke conditions;
- cardiovascular pathology;
- migraine;
- kidney failure;
- thrombophlebitis;
- high blood calcium levels.
In these cases, drugs are prescribed only when absolutely necessary. They should only be taken under close medical supervision.
Unwanted effects
It is important to remember that hormonal preparations with medroxyprogesterone have many side effects. Therefore, they are used only under careful monitoring of the patient's condition. Most often, patients have the following undesirable manifestations:
- headache;
- irritability, irritability, sleep disturbances;
- double vision;
- appearance of age spots and acne on the skin;
- dyspepsia (nausea, diarrhea);
- breast engorgement;
- hormonal disorders of the body;
- libido disorders;
- allergic skin reactions (rashes, itching).
In rare cases, patients develop Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, accompanied by severe obesity of the upper body and abdomen, excessivefacial hair, the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. In such cases, the drug must be discontinued.
Instructions for the use of "Depo-Provera" warns of possible long-term violations of the menstrual cycle and ovulation after the use of the drug. Therefore, gynecologists do not recommend using this contraceptive for young girls. Injectable contraceptives are more often prescribed to women of mature age. Long-acting drugs are indicated for those patients who already have children and do not plan pregnancy in the near future.
The action of medroxyprogesterone on the female body is quite reversible. However, in many patients, menstrual irregularity and ovulation can last from 12 to 30 months. Often, the reproductive system recovers for a long time after Depo-Provera injections.
How to use
Injectable forms of Depo-Provera and Medroxyprogesterone-LENS are administered intramuscularly at an initial dosage of 50 to 500 mg. The scheme 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 patient's weight, as treatment with progesterone hormones often leads to obesity.
If Depo-Provera is used as a long-acting contraceptive, then150 mg suspension is administered once a month. The injection must be done in the first 5 days from the start of menstruation.
Instructions for the 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 of 400 to 1200 mg per day may be used.
Reviews
You can find various reviews of 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 the course of treatment there was a significant decrease in the growth of the neoplasm.
Patients suffering from severe manifestations of menopause also respond positively to the drug. Using Depo-Provera helped them get rid of the hot flashes, hot flashes and mood swings of menopause.
There are conflicting opinions about long-term contraception by 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 weight gain, dyspeptic and allergic manifestations.
Some women reported prolonged amenorrhea and anovulation after discontinuation of the drug. Restoration of reproductive functiontook quite a long period of time. Therefore, before using a long-acting contraceptive, 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 remedy.
