Ralovera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ralovera Used For?
Ralovera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic hormone similar to the natural hormone progesterone that your ovaries produce during your menstrual cycle.
Primary Uses
Ralovera treats endometriosis (tissue growing outside the uterus causing pain), absence of menstrual periods not due to pregnancy, abnormal uterine bleeding, certain cancers including breast, kidney and endometrial cancer, and menopausal symptoms when combined with estrogen in women with an intact uterus.
How It Works
As a progestogen, Ralovera works by mimicking natural progesterone to help regulate menstrual cycles, stop abnormal tissue growth in endometriosis, and protect the uterine lining during menopause hormone therapy.
How to Take Ralovera
Your doctor will determine the right dose for your specific condition. Ralovera should be used at the lowest effective dose and may be taken daily or in cycles with breaks.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water at about the same time each day. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly and continue taking for as long as prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe the shortest duration necessary to treat your condition effectively.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. If it’s not close to your next dose time, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose as this may increase your chance of unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- dizziness
- increased heart rate
- mood changes
- sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
- skin conditions like rash or acne
- menstrual changes
- breast tenderness
- changes in sex drive
- weight changes
- appetite changes
- fluid retention
- headache
- nausea
- backache
- leg cramps
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- swollen or tender veins
- painful swelling in arms or legs
- severe headaches
- changes to speech or vision
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- swelling of face, lips, tongue
- difficulty breathing
- hand tremors
- seizures
- weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- hearing loss
- breast lumps or changes
Important Warnings
Ralovera has important safety considerations and is not suitable for everyone. Review these warnings carefully with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Ralovera
Do not use if you’re allergic to medroxyprogesterone acetate, have had strokes or blood clots, have severe liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast discharge, breast cancer (unless prescribed for treatment), suspected breast cancer, missed miscarriage, uncontrolled high blood pressure, are pregnant or suspect pregnancy, or if the medication is expired or damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, kidney problems, migraine, brain/spinal tumors, unusual vaginal bleeding, genital or breast cancer, epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, depression, bone disease or family history of osteoporosis, vision problems, or fluid retention issues.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Ralovera if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, as it may affect your developing baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Vision Changes: Tell your doctor immediately if you experience sudden partial or complete vision loss, double vision, or migraine – you may need to stop taking the medication.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Ralovera works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- aminoglutethine (used for breast cancer treatment) – may reduce Ralovera’s effectiveness
Alcohol & Driving
Ralovera may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Take precautions until you know how the medication affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. There is no specific information available about how Ralovera and alcohol may interact.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Ralovera affects you. The medication may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or affect your vision.
Storage
Keep Ralovera tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children and dispose of expired medication at any pharmacy.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Ralovera, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Ralovera to work depends on your condition. Your doctor will prescribe it for the shortest duration necessary to effectively treat your condition and will monitor your progress regularly.
Ralovera should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. The medication information doesn’t specify whether it needs to be taken with or without food, so follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. If it’s not close to your next dose time, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one as this may increase side effects.
Do not change your dose or stop taking Ralovera without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your progress and determine when it’s appropriate to stop treatment.
Yes, Ralovera may decrease calcium in your bones, potentially increasing osteoporosis risk, especially with long-term use. Your bone calcium will start increasing again after stopping treatment, though recovery time varies and some women may only partially recover.
Visit your doctor regularly for progress checks. You should also regularly check your breasts for lumps and have professional breast examinations and mammograms as recommended. If using Ralovera for menopause for 5+ years, your doctor will need pelvic exams and blood tests.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may have an increased chance of experiencing some side effects. Your doctor will consider this when prescribing and monitoring your treatment.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.