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 uterine fibroids attempts either to shrink them or to reduce the bleeding they cause. These drug therapies are used to treat the symptoms without eliminating the cause.

Prescription Medications

Progestins

Common names include:

Progesterone
Medroxyprogesterone acetate
Norethindrone acetate
Megestrol Acetate

Progestins are one of the active ingredients in birth control pills. They reduce menstrual blood flow by altering the hormonal balance in the body. Possible side effects include:

Damage to early pregnancy—Not recommended for the first four months of a pregnancy.
Change in menstrual pattern
Sleepiness
Lightheadedness
Headache
Constipation
Nausea
Nervousness
Depression
Breast enlargement

Oral Contraceptives

Birth control pills may be used to control bleeding symptoms and menstrual cramps caused by uterine fibroids. They work by decreasing female hormones and preventing ovulation.

Possible side effects include:

Lightheadedness
Nausea
Headache

Raloxifene

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.

Possible side effects include:

Hot flashes
Sweating
Leg cramps
Blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes—rare

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid pills may be used to control bleeding symptoms.

Possible side effects include:

Indigestion
Diarrhea

Danazol

Danazol is a synthetic male hormone. It can suppress fibroid growth. But there are also a lot of side effects, such as:

Damage to early pregnancy
Life-threatening blood clots
Liver damage
Weight gain
Acne
Hirsutism —abnormal hair growth
Edema
Hair loss
Deepening of the voice
Flushing
Sweating
Vaginal dryness

Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists

Common names include:

Gonadorelin
Histrelin
Nafarelin

These drugs can reduce the size of fibroids and may be prescribed several months before surgery. GnRH agonists are given by injection, insertion under the skin, or nasal spray.

Possible side effects include:

Fibroid growth within six months
Rapid bone loss
Multiple pregnancy

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names include:

Indomethacin
Naproxen
Celecoxib

In addition to pain relief, NSAIDs may also reduce menstrual flow.

Possible side effects include:

Stomach irritation, ulceration, and bleeding
Allergic reactions
Kidney damage
Liver damage

Narcotics and Their Derivatives

Common names include:

Codeine
Pentazocine
Morphine
Meperidine
Fentanyl
Hydromorphone
Methadone
Oxycodone

If you have severe pain, your doctor may prescribe narcotics.

Most important side effects include:

Lightheadedness
Sleepiness
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Allergic reactions
Coma or death

Over-the-Counter Medications

Pain Relief

Common names include:

Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Piroxicam
Sulindac

Possible side effects include:

Stomach irritation, ulceration, and bleeding
Allergic reactions
Kidney damage
Liver damage

Acetaminophen/Paracetamol

Common name: Tylenol

Possible side effects include:

Allergic reaction
Liver damage

Special Considerations

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or schedule.
Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medication.
Do not share your prescription medication.
Medications can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medication, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
Plan ahead for refills as needed.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Call your doctor if:

Your symptoms become worse
Your medications are causing side effects

References:

Uterine fibroids. The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed December 7, 2017.

Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Updated February 6, 2017. Accessed December 7, 2017.

Uterine leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115612/Uterine-leiomyoma . Updated April 15, 2016. Accessed December 7, 2017.

Last reviewed November 2018 by Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 12/20/2014

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