Skip to main content

Cycrin Side Effects

Generic name: medroxyprogesterone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Cycrin Side Effects associated with medroxyprogesterone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Cycrin.

Applies to medroxyprogesterone: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Estrogen plus progestin therapy should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia.

Studies have demonstrated an increased risk of DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke and myocardial infarction in postmenopausal women during treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens combined with medroxyPROGESTERone acetate, relative to placebo.

Studies have also demonstrated estrogen plus progestin increases risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older.

It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women.

An increased risk of invasive breast cancer has also been found in studies.

In the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar for other doses of estrogens and progestins, and other combinations and dosage forms of estrogens and progestins.

Progestins with estrogens should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.

Serious side effects of Cycrin

Along with its needed effects, medroxyprogesterone (the active ingredient contained in Cycrin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking medroxyprogesterone:

Incidence not known

  • abdominal or stomach pain
  • absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
  • anxiety
  • blurred vision
  • breast pain or tenderness
  • changes in skin color
  • chills
  • clay-colored stools
  • cough
  • dark urine
  • decrease in amount of urine
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty swallowing
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • eye pain
  • fainting
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • headache
  • hives or welts, itching, redness, swelling, or skin rash
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • loss of appetite
  • menstrual changes
  • nausea
  • noisy, rattling breathing
  • pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
  • pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • severe, sudden headache
  • shortness of breath
  • slurred speech
  • stopping of menstrual bleeding
  • sudden loss of coordination
  • sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
  • sudden, unexplained shortness of breath
  • swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
  • troubled breathing at rest
  • unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • vision changes
  • vomiting of blood
  • weight gain
  • yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of Cycrin

Some side effects of medroxyprogesterone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

  • blemishes on the skin
  • discouragement
  • feeling sad or empty
  • hair loss, thinning of hair
  • increased hair growth, especially on the face
  • irritability
  • lack of appetite
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • nervousness
  • pimples
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • tiredness
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight changes

For healthcare professionals

Applies to medroxyprogesterone: compounding powder, intramuscular suspension, oral tablet, subcutaneous suspension.

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Metabolic

Weight gain is more frequently encountered than weight loss during medroxyprogesterone therapy. In women using intramuscular medroxyprogesterone for contraception, the mean weight gain after one year of therapy is 2.5 kg. After two, four, and six years, patients gain a mean of 3.7, 6.3, and 7.5 kg, respectively.[Ref]

Nervous system

Other

Cardiovascular

The majority of cases of thromboembolic disease during hormonal therapy have been attributed to estrogens and not to progestogens. However, it has been demonstrated that this drug, at least at high doses, can produce a hypercoagulable state. Whether or not this contributes to the development of thrombotic events remains unknown.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Musculoskeletal

Psychiatric

Respiratory

Endocrine

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Local

Ocular

Renal

Oncologic

A significant increase in the incidence of breast cancer in beagle dogs in addition to an apparent increase in the incidence of endometrial cancer in rhesus monkeys was noted in early animal carcinogenicity studies.[Ref]

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone)." Pharmacia and Upjohn

2. (2001) "Product Information. Provera (medroxyprogesterone)." Pharmacia and Upjohn

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

5. (2022) "Product Information. MedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate (medroxyPROGESTERone)." Greenstone LLC

6. (2022) "Product Information. depo-subQ provera 104 (medroxyPROGESTERone)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals Group

7. Fraser IS (1986) "Menstrual changes associated with progestogen-only contraception." Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand Suppl, 134, p. 21-7

8. Kora S, Virkar K (1975) "Incidence of pregnancy, changes in menstrual pattern, and recovery of endometrial function after discontinuation of medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy." Fertil Steril, 26, p. 121-5

9. Sapire KE (1991) "A study of bleeding patterns with two injectable contraceptives given postpartum and the effect of two non-hormonal treatments." Adv Contracept, 7, p. 379-87

10. Belsey EM (1991) "Menstrual bleeding patterns in untreated women and with long-acting methods of contraception. Task Force on Long-Acting Systemic Agents for Fertility Regulation." Adv Contracept, 7, p. 257-70

11. Fraser IS (1983) "A survey of different approaches to management of menstrual disturbances in women using injectable contraceptives." Contraception, 28, p. 385-97

12. Mukherjea M, Mukherjee P, Biswas R (1980) "Long-term contraception with Depo-Provera: a clinical evaluation." Int J Fertil, 25, p. 122-6

13. Woodruff JD, Pickar JH (1994) "Incidence of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women taking conjugated estrogens (Premarin) with medroxyprogesterone acetate or conjugated estrogens alone." Am J Obstet Gynecol, 170, p. 1213-23

14. Archer DF, Pickar JH, Bottiglioni F (1994) "Bleeding patterns in postmenopausal women taking continuous combined or sequential regimens of conjugated estrogens with medroxyprogesterone acetate." Obstet Gynecol, 83, p. 686-92

15. Kaunitz AM (1994) "Long-acting injectable contraception with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate." Am J Obstet Gynecol, 170, p. 1543-9

16. Leiman G (1972) "Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate as a contraceptive agent: its effect on weight and blood pressure." Am J Obstet Gynecol, 114, p. 97-102

17. Barnes RB, Roy S, Lobo RA (1985) "Comparison of lipid and androgen levels after conjugated estrogen or depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment in postmenopausal women." Obstet Gynecol, 66, p. 216-9

18. Amatayakul K, Sivasomboon B, Thanangkul O (1980) "A study of the mechanism of weight gain in medroxyprogesterone acetate users." Contraception, 22, p. 605-22

19. Haiba NA, el-Habashy MA, Said SA, Darwish EA, Abdel-Sayed WS, Nayel SE (1989) "Clinical evaluation of two monthly injectable contraceptives and their effects on some metabolic parameters." Contraception, 39, p. 619-32

20. Virutamasen P, Wongsrichanalai C, Tangkeo P, Nitichai Y, Rienprayoon D (1986) "Metabolic effects of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate in long-term users: a cross-sectional study." Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 24, p. 291-6

21. Teichmann AT, Wander HE, Cremer P, et al. (1987) "Medroxyprogesterone acetate and lipid metabolic changes." Arzneimittelforschung, 37, p. 573-77

22. Who Task Force on Long-acting Agents for Fertility Regulation (1986) "Metabolic side-effects of injectable depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, 150 mg three-monthly, in undernourished lactating women." Bull World Health Organ, 64, p. 587-94

23. Luciano AA, De Souza MJ, Roy MP, Schoenfeld MJ, Nulsen JC, Halvorson CV (1993) "Evaluation of low-dose estrogen and progestin therapy in postmenopausal women." J Reprod Med, 38, p. 207-14

24. Grady D, Yaffe K, Kristof M, Lin F, Richards C, Barrett-Connor E (2002) "Effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy on cognitive function: the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study." Am J Med, 113, p. 543-8

25. Astedt B, Jeppsson S, Pandolfi M (1972) "Fibrinolytic activity of veins during use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate as a contraceptive." Fertil Steril, 23, p. 489-92

26. Yamamoto H, Noguchi S, Miyauchi K, Inaji H, Imaoka S, Koyama H, Iwanaga T (1991) "Changes in hematologic parameters during treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate for breast cancer." Jpn J Cancer Res, 82, p. 420-5

27. Fukutomi T, Nanasawa T, Yamamoto H, Adachi I, Watanabe T (1990) "The induction of a hypercoagulable state by medroxyprogesterone acetate in breast cancer patients." Jpn J Surg, 20, p. 665-70

28. Skouby SO, Gram J, Andersen LF, Sidelmann J, Petersen KR, Jespersen J (2002) "Hormone replacement therapy: Estrogen and progestin effects on plasma C-reactive protein concentrations." Am J Obstet Gynecol, 186(5 Pt 1), p. 969-977

29. Farag NH, Nelesen RA, Parry BL, Loredo JS, Dimsdale JE, Mills PJ (2002) "Autonomic and cardiovascular function in postmenopausal women: The effects of estrogen versus combination therapy." Am J Obstet Gynecol, 186(5 Pt 1), p. 954-61

30. (2002) "Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results From the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial." JAMA, 288, p. 321-33

31. (2002) "Hormone replacement therapy." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 44, p. 78

32. Bosch X (2002) "Depo-Provera contraceptive may increase risk of cardiovascular disease." BMJ, 325, p. 513

33. Cundy T, Evans M, Roberts H, Wattie D, Ames R, Reid IR (1991) "Bone density in women receiving depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for contraception [published erratum appears in BMJ 1991 Jul27;303(6796):220]." BMJ, 303, p. 13-6

34. Cundy T, Farquhar CM, Cornish J, Reid IR (1996) "Short-term effects of high dose oral medroxyprogesterone acetate on bone density in premenopausal women." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 81, p. 1014-7

35. Paiva LC, PintoNeto AM, Faundes A (1998) "Bone density among long-term users of medroxyprogesterone acetate as a contraceptive." Contraception, 58, p. 351-5

36. Nand SL, Wren BG, Gross BA, Heller GZ (1999) "Bone density effects of continuous estrone sulfate and varying doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate." Obstet Gynecol, 93, p. 1009-13

37. Bjorn I, Bixo M, Nojd KS, Nyberg S, Backstrom T (2000) "Negative mood changes during hormone replacement therapy: A comparison between two progestogens." Am J Obstet Gynecol, 183, p. 1419-26

38. Siminoski K, Goss P, Drucker DJ (1989) "The Cushing syndrome induced by medroxyprogesterone acetate." Ann Intern Med, 111, p. 758-60

39. Spellacy WN, Buhi WC, Birk SA (1975) "Stimulated plasma prolactin levels in women using medroxyprogesterone acetate or an intrauterine device for contraception." Fertil Steril, 26, p. 970-81

40. Grenfell A, Rudenski A, Watts M, Wiltshire C, Day JL, Gray IP (1990) "Cushing's syndrome and medroxyprogesterone acetate" Lancet, 336, p. 256

41. Donckier JE, Michel LA, Buysschaert M (1990) "Cushing syndrome and medroxyprogesterone acetate" Lancet, 335, p. 1094

42. Wortsman J, Hirschowitz JS (1980) "Galactorrhea and hyperprolactinemia during treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome." Obstet Gynecol, 55, p. 460-3

43. Learoyd D, McElduff A (1990) "Medroxyprogesterone induced Cushing's syndrome." Aust N Z J Med, 20, p. 824-5

44. Chaudhury RR, Chompootaweep S, Dusitsin N, Friesen H, Tankeyoon M (1977) "The release of prolactin by medroxy-progesterone acetate in human subjects." Br J Pharmacol, 59, p. 433-4

45. Riippa P, Kauppila A, Sundstrom H, Vihko R (1984) "Hepatic impairment during simultaneous administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate and tamoxifen in the treatment of endometrial and ovarian carcinoma." Anticancer Res, 4, p. 109-12

46. Meyer WJ, 3d Wiener I, Emory LE, Cole CM, Isenberg N, Fagan CJ, Thompson JC (1992) "Cholelithiasis associated with medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy in men." Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol, 75, p. 69-84

47. Zacest R, Cushway A, Haines C, Cox LW (1982) "Hypersensitivity reaction to Depo-Provera" Med J Aust, 1, p. 12

48. Brooks GG (1974) "Anaphylactoid shock with medroxyprogesterone acetate: A case report." J La State Med Soc, 126, p. 397-9

49. Liang AP, Levenson AG, Layde PM, Shelton JD, Hatcher RA, Potts M, Michelson MJ (1983) "Risk of breast, uterine corpus, and ovarian cancer in women receiving medroxyprogesterone injections." JAMA, 249, p. 2909-12

50. (1984) "Breast cancer, cervical cancer, and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate. WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives" Lancet, 2, p. 1207-8

51. (1991) "Breast cancer and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate: a multinational study. WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives" Lancet, 338, p. 833-8

52. (1992) "Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and risk of invasive squamous cell cervical cancer. The WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives." Contraception, 45, p. 299-312

53. (1991) "Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. The WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives." Int J Cancer, 49, p. 191-5

54. (1991) "Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and risk of endometrial cancer. The WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives." Int J Cancer, 49, p. 186-90

55. (1991) "Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and risk of liver cancer. The WHO Collaborative Study of Neoplasia and Steroid Contraceptives." Int J Cancer, 49, p. 182-5

56. Oberle MW, Rosero-Bixby L, Irwin KL, Fortney JA, Lee NC, Whatley AS, Bonhomme MG (1988) "Cervical cancer risk and use of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate in Costa Rica." Int J Epidemiol, 17, p. 718-23

57. Jordan A (1994) "Toxicology of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate." Contraception, 49, p. 189-201

58. Lumbiganon P (1994) "Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and cancer of the endometrium and ovary." Contraception, 49, p. 203-9

59. Chilvers C (1994) "Breast cancer and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate - a review." Contraception, 49, p. 211-22

60. Lavecchia C (1994) "Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, other injectable contraceptives, and cervical neoplasia." Contraception, 49, p. 223-30

61. Skegg DC, Noonan EA, Paul C, Spears GF, Meirik O, Thomas DB (1995) "Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and breast cancer." JAMA, 273, p. 799-807

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Cycrin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.