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Black Box Warning
WARNING: LOSS OF BONE MINERAL DENSITY:
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
Women who use medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension may lose significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible.
It is unknown if use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension during adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion, will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture in later life.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should not be used as a long-term birth control method (i.e., longer than 2 years) unless other birth control methods are considered inadequate.
Overview
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) is a progestin that is FDA approved for the prevention of pregnancy. There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include injection site reaction, weight gain , abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, feeling nervous , amenorrhea, disorder of menstruation, menstrual spotting, reduced libido, fatigue.
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Indications
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Injectable Suspension USP is indicated only for the prevention of pregnancy.
Dosage
Prevention of Pregnancy
The 1 mL vial of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should be vigorously shaken just before use to ensure that the dose being administered represents a uniform suspension. The recommended dose is 150 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension every 3 months (13 weeks) administered by deep IM injection in the gluteal or deltoid muscle. Medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should not be used as a long-term birth control method (i.e., longer than 2 years) unless other birth control methods are considered inadequate. Dosage does not need to be adjusted for body weight.
To ensure the patient is not pregnant at the time of the first injection, the first injection should be given ONLY during the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period; ONLY within the first 5-days postpartum if not breast-feeding; and if exclusively breast-feeding, ONLY at the sixth postpartum week. If the time interval between injections is greater than 13 weeks, the physician should determine that the patient is not pregnant before administering the drug. The efficacy of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension depends on adherence to the dosage schedule of administration.
Switching from other Methods of Contraception
When switching from other contraceptive methods, medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should be given in a manner that ensures continuous contraceptive coverage based upon the mechanism of action of both methods, (e.g., patients switching from oral contraceptives should have their first injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension on the day after the last active tablet or at the latest, on the day following the final inactive tablet).
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
There is limited information regarding FDA-Labeled Use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in pediatric patients.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
The use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension is contraindicated in the following conditions:
Known or suspected pregnancy or as a diagnostic test for pregnancy.
Active thrombophlebitis, or current or past history of thromboembolic disorders, or cerebral vascular disease.
Known or suspected malignancy of breast.
Known hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension or any of its other ingredients.
Significant liver disease.
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
Warnings
WARNING: LOSS OF BONE MINERAL DENSITY:
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
Women who use medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension may lose significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible.
It is unknown if use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension during adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion, will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture in later life.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should not be used as a long-term birth control method (i.e., longer than 2 years) unless other birth control methods are considered inadequate.
1. Loss of Bone Mineral Density
Use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension reduces serum estrogen levels and is associated with significant loss of bone mineral density (BMD). This loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion. It is unknown if use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension by younger women will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture in later life.
After discontinuing medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension in adolescents, mean BMD loss at total hip and femoral neck did not fully recover by 60 months (240 weeks) post-treatment. Similarly, in adults, there was only partial recovery of mean BMD at total hip, femoral neck and lumbar spine towards baseline by 24 months post-treatment.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should not be used as a long-term birth control method (i.e., longer than 2 years) unless other birth control methods are considered inadequate. BMD should be evaluated when a woman needs to continue to use medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension long-term. In adolescents, interpretation of BMD results should take into account patient age and skeletal maturity.
Other birth control methods should be considered in the risk/benefit analysis for the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension in women with osteoporosis risk factors. Medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension can pose an additional risk in patients with risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g., metabolic bone disease, chronic alcohol and/or tobacco use, anorexia nervosa, strong family history of osteoporosis or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass such as anticonvulsants or corticosteroids). Although there are no studies addressing whether calcium and Vitamin D may lessen BMD loss in women using medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, all patients should have adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake.
2. Thromboembolic Disorders
There have been reports of serious thrombotic events in women using medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension (150 mg). However, medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension has not been causally associated with the induction of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders. Any patient who develops thrombosis while undergoing therapy with medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should discontinue treatment unless she has no other acceptable options for birth control.
Do not re-administer medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension pending examination if there is a sudden partial or complete loss of vision or if there is a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. Do not re-administer if examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions.
3. Cancer Risks
Breast Cancer
Women who have or have had a history of breast cancer should not use hormonal contraceptives, including medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer should be monitored with particular care.
The results of five large case-control studies1, 2, 3, 4, 5 assessing the association between depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) use and the risk of breast cancer are summarized in Figure 1. Three of the studies suggest a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in the overall population of users; these increased risks were statistically significant in one study. One recent US study1 evaluated the recency and duration of use and found a statistically significantly increased risk of breast cancer in recent users (defined as last use within the past five years) who used DMPA for 12 months or longer; this is consistent with results of a previous study4.
Figure 1 Risk estimates for breast cancer in DMPA users
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
Cervical Cancer
A statistically nonsignificant increase in RR estimates of invasive squamous-cell cervical cancer has been associated with the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension in women who were first exposed before the age of 35 years (RR 1.22 to 1.28 and 95% CI 0.93 to 1.70). The overall, nonsignificant relative rate of invasive squamous-cell cervical cancer in women who ever used medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension was estimated to be 1.11 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.29). No trends in risk with duration of use or times since initial or most recent exposure were observed.
Other Cancers
Long-term case-controlled surveillance of users of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension found no overall increased risk of ovarian or liver cancer.
4. Ectopic Pregnancy
Be alert to the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy among women using medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension who become pregnant or complain of severe abdominal pain.
5. Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactoid Reaction
Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reaction have been reported with the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension. Institute emergency medical treatment if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
6. Liver Function
Discontinue medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension use if jaundice or acute or chronic disturbances of liver function develop. Do not resume use until markers of liver function return to normal and medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension causation has been excluded.
7. Convulsions
There have been a few reported cases of convulsions in patients who were treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension. Association with drug use or pre-existing conditions is not clear.
8. Depression
Monitor patients who have a history of depression and do not readminister medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension if depression recurs.
9. Bleeding Irregularities
Most women using medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension experience disruption of menstrual bleeding patterns. Altered menstrual bleeding patterns include amenorrhea, irregular or unpredictable bleeding or spotting, prolonged spotting or bleeding, and heavy bleeding. Rule out the possibility of organic pathology if abnormal bleeding persists or is severe, and institute appropriate treatment.
As women continue using medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, fewer experience irregular bleeding and more experience amenorrhea. In clinical studies of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, by month 12 amenorrhea was reported by 55% of women, and by month 24, amenorrhea was reported by 68% of women using medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension.
10. Weight Gain
Women tend to gain weight while on therapy with medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension. From an initial average body weight of 136 lb, women who completed 1 year of therapy with medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension gained an average of 5.4 lb. Women who completed 2 years of therapy gained an average of 8.1 lb. Women who completed 4 years gained an average of 13.8 lb. Women who completed 6 years gained an average of 16.5 lb. Two percent of women withdrew from a large-scale clinical trial because of excessive weight gain.
11. Carbohydrate Metabolism
A decrease in glucose tolerance has been observed in some patients on medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension treatment. Monitor diabetic patients carefully while receiving medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension.
12. Lactation
Detectable amounts of drug have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension. In nursing mothers treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, milk composition, quality, and amount are not adversely affected. Neonates and infants exposed to medroxyprogesterone from breast milk have been studied for developmental and behavioral effects through puberty. No adverse effects have been noted.
13. Fluid Retention
Because progestational drugs including medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension may cause some degree of fluid retention, monitor patients with conditions that might be influenced by this condition, such as epilepsy, migraine, asthma, and cardiac or renal dysfunction.
14. Return of Fertility
Return to ovulation and fertility is likely to be delayed after stopping medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension. In a large US study of women who discontinued use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension to become pregnant, data are available for 61% of them. Of the 188 women who discontinued the study to become pregnant, 114 became pregnant. Based on Life-Table analysis of these data, it is expected that 68% of women who do become pregnant may conceive within 12 months, 83% may conceive within 15 months, and 93% may conceive within 18 months from the last injection. The median time to conception for those who do conceive is 10 months following the last injection with a range of 4 to 31 months, and is unrelated to the duration of use. No data are available for 39% of the patients who discontinued medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension to become pregnant and who were lost to follow-up or changed their mind.
15. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Patients should be counseled that medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
16. Pregnancy
Although medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should not be used during pregnancy, there appears to be little or no increased risk of birth defects in women who have inadvertently been exposed to medroxyprogesterone acetate injections in early pregnancy. Neonates exposed to medroxyprogesterone acetate in-utero and followed to adolescence showed no evidence of any adverse effects on their health including their physical, intellectual, sexual or social development.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
Postmarketing Experience
This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.
Drug Interactions
Changes in Contraceptive Effectiveness Associated with Coadministration of Other Products
If a woman on hormonal contraceptives takes a drug or herbal product that induces enzymes, including CYP3A4, that metabolize contraceptive hormones, counsel her to use additional contraception or a different method of contraception. Drugs or herbal products that induce such enzymes may decrease the plasma concentrations of contraceptive hormones, and may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives include:
barbiturates
bosentan
carbamazepine
felbamate
griseofulvin
oxcarbazepine
phenytoin
rifampin
St. John’s wort
topiramate
HIV protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma levels of progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration of HIV protease inhibitors. Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma levels of the progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Antibiotics: There have been reports of pregnancy while taking hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics, but clinical pharmacokinetic studies have not shown consistent effects of antibiotics on plasma concentrations of synthetic steroids.
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
Laboratory Test Interactions
The pathologist should be advised of progestin therapy when relevant specimens are submitted.
The following laboratory tests may be affected by progestins including medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension:
Plasma and urinary steroid levels are decreased (e.g., progesterone, estradiol, pregnanediol, testosterone, cortisol).
Gonadotropin levels are decreased.
Sex-hormone-binding-globulin concentrations are decreased.
Protein-bound iodine and butanol extractable protein-bound iodine may increase. T 3-uptake values may decrease.
Coagulation test values for prothrombin (Factor II), and Factors VII, VIII, IX, and X may increase.
Sulfobromophthalein and other liver function test values may be increased.
The effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on lipid metabolism are inconsistent. Both increases and decreases in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density *lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol have been observed in studies.
Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) Pregnancy Category
There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in women who are pregnant.
Labor and Delivery
There is no FDA guidance on use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) during labor and delivery.
Nursing Mothers
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) with respect to nursing mothers.
Pediatric Use
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) with respect to pediatric patients.
Geriatic Use
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) with respect to geriatric patients.
Gender
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) with respect to specific gender populations.
Race
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) with respect to specific racial populations.
Renal Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in patients with hepatic impairment.
Females of Reproductive Potential and Males
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in women of reproductive potentials and males.
Immunocompromised Patients
There is no FDA guidance one the use of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in patients who are immunocompromised.
Administration and Monitoring
Administration
Oral
Intravenous
Monitoring
A woman who is taking hormonal contraceptive should have a yearly visit with her healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated healthcare.
IV Compatibility
There is limited information regarding IV Compatibility of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in the drug label.
Overdosage
Acute Overdose
Signs and Symptoms
Description
Management
Description
Chronic Overdose
There is limited information regarding Chronic Overdose of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in the drug label.
Pharmacology
There is limited information regarding Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) Pharmacology in the drug label.
There is limited information regarding Patient Counseling Information of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) in the drug label.
Precautions with Alcohol
Alcohol-Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injection) interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.
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