Provelle-28

Generic Name:
Product Name: Provelle-28

Indication

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a drug which is used in the treatment of some cancers. It is a man-made drug which is similar to the female hormone progesterone.

Action

Many cancers rely on supplies of specific sex hormones, such as oestrogen, to grow. Cancer cells have proteins called receptors on their surface which the sex hormones attach to. The easiest way to understand the significance of these receptors is to compare the process to that of a lock and key. Under normal circumstances, when the sex hormones come into contact with the receptors they fit into the lock and activate the cancer cells to divide, and the tumour grows.Medroxyprogesterone acetate disrupts this process in some way. It may be that it prevents the cancer cells from maintaining the receptors on their surface, effectively removing the lock. Or it may have a more direct means of destroying cancer cells that has not, as yet, been identified.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

Increased appetiteThe most commonly reported side effect is an increase in appetite, causing some people to put on weight. Nausea and indigestionOccasionally nausea is are present for the first few weeks of taking medroxyprogesterone acetate, but often the nausea then disappears. It can usually be relieved by taking the tablets with food and milk.Fluid retentionSome people have experienced mild ankle swelling caused by fluid retention. This is not harmful but can be uncomfortable.Vaginal bleeding (in women)Occasionally women may have some light vaginal bleeding (spotting) while having treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate.

For further information talk to your doctor.