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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
Direct treatment of fibroids attempts either to shrink them or to reduce the bleeding they cause. These drug therapies are used to treat the symptoms without curing the problem.
Common names include:
Progestins are one of the active ingredients in birth control pills. They reduce menstrual blood flow by altering the hormonal balance of the body in a fashion similar to pregnancy. Norethindrone is given 2.5-10 milligrams per day by mouth for 5-10 days each menstrual cycle.
Megestrol is given 10-20 milligrams per day by mouth for 10-14 days each menstrual cycle.
Medroxyprogesterone is given 5-10 milligrams per day by mouth for 10-14 days each menstrual cycle or 150 mg by injection every three months. The long-acting shots are usually used after a trial of pills, in case the side effects prove uncomfortable.
Possible side effects include:
Raloxifene is an estrogen-blocking agent. Because fibroids sometimes depend on the presence of estrogen to help grow or maintain themselves, blocking estrogen may stop growth or even shrink fibroid tumors. It has the additional benefit of helping to maintain bone density.
Possible side effects include:
Fadrozole is an aromatase-inhibitor. Aromatase-inhibitors interfere with a crucial step in estrogen’s synthesis in the body, thus decreasing the amount of circulating estrogen. Deprived of estrogen, fibroids often shrink. With long-term use, possible side effects include:
This is a synthetic male hormone. It can suppress growth of fibroids, but has a high incidence of adverse side effects.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
These drugs, which stimulate the production of estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries via the pituitary when present normally in low and changing amounts, have the opposite effect when given in higher, steady doses thereby largely eliminating the production of estrogen and progesterone. Their primary use is in other conditions, but they have proven effective in reducing the size of fibroids, usually in anticipation of surgery. They are given by injection, subdermal pellet (inserted under the skin), or nasal spray.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
In addition to pain relief, NSAIDs can reduce menstrual flow by what appears to be a separate effect. Their most common side effect is stomach irritation. The newer and more expensive selective NSAIDs (celecoxib) are expected to produce fewer gastrointestinal problems.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
There is no substitute for narcotics in the treatment of severe pain. Because they are addictive and can be abused, they are tightly controlled by the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
Most important side effects include:
Common names include:
There are minor differences among the available pain relief agents in terms of dosing intervals, frequency of certain side effects, and other characteristics.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
This is a common painkiller used for mild to moderate pain. In ordinary doses, acetaminophen is considered very safe. Do not drink alcohol when taking these medications.
Possible side effects include:
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp074.cfm . Accessed June, 30, 2008.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th ed. Merck and Co; 1999.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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