Progestins For Noncontraceptive Use (Systemic)

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with their needed effects, progestins used in high doses sometimes cause some unwanted effects such as blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, or problems of the liver and eyes. Although these effects are rare, some of them can be very serious and cause death. It is not clear if these problems are due to the progestin. They may be caused by the disease or condition for which progestins are being used.

The following side effects may be caused by blood clots. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they need immediate medical attention. Get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Symptoms of blood clotting problems, usually severe or sudden , such as headache or migraine; loss of or change in speech, coordination, or vision; numbness of or pain in chest, arm, or leg; unexplained shortness of breath

Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Changes in vaginal bleeding (increased amounts of menstrual bleeding occurring at regular monthly periods, lighter vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, heavier vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods, or stopping of menstrual periods); symptoms of blood sugar problems (dry mouth, frequent urination, loss of appetite, or unusual thirst)

Less common

Mental depression; skin rash; unexpected or increased flow of breast milk

Rare

For megestrol - During chronic treatment

Backache; dizziness; filling or rounding out of the face; irritability; mental depression; unusual decrease in sexual desire or ability in men; nausea or vomiting; unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Abdominal pain or cramping; bloating or swelling of ankles or feet; blood pressure increase (mild); dizziness; drowsiness (progesterone only); headache (mild); mood changes; nervousness; pain or irritation at place of injection site; swelling of face, ankles, or feet; unusual or rapid weight gain

Less common

Acne; breast pain or tenderness; brown spots on exposed skin, possibly long-lasting; hot flashes; loss or gain of body, facial, or scalp hair; loss of sexual desire; trouble in sleeping

Not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for each of these medicines, but they have been reported for at least one of them. All of the progestins are similar, so any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice the following side effect:

Delayed return to fertility; stopping of menstrual periods; unusual menstrual bleeding (continuing)

For megestrol

Dizziness; nausea or vomiting; unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.