Tarlusal

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Tarlusal

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA)
Form Oral Tablets, Aqueous Suspension for Injection
Pharmacological Class Progestin (Synthetic Progestogen), Hormone
Common Use Hormonal modulation and regulation of the uterine lining
Origin Synthetic Derivative (of Progesterone)

What Type of Medicine is Tarlusal (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)?

Tarlusal is a medicinal product containing the active ingredient Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA), which is classified as a potent Progestin or Synthetic Progestogen. This compound is a Steroidal Hormone and is a Synthetic Derivative of the body’s natural hormone Progesterone. The chemical modification of MPA enhances its stability and effectiveness for absorption, providing hormonal substitution and regulation. As a prescription-only medication, it is specifically positioned for use in patients requiring systemic hormonal adjustment, utilizing its powerful Progesterone Receptor Agonist activity.

Composition and General Use

The core composition relies solely on the single ingredient Medroxyprogesterone Acetate. It is formulated for administration via the oral route as Oral Tablets and also as an Aqueous Suspension for both Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injection. The general purpose of this compound is to achieve controlled hormonal modulation, a process used to help regulate the menstrual cycle or manage imbalances affecting the uterine lining. The primary function of this medication is to exert hormonal control over reproductive tissue by modifying the Endometrium.

What side effects are possible with Tarlusal?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA), the active ingredient in Tarlusal, is established through official regulatory review, categorizing potential effects based on frequency and affected body systems.

Frequency-Based Classification of Adverse Reactions

Classification Examples of Documented Effects
Very Common (ge 1/10) Amenorrhoea, uterine bleeding irregularities, headache, abdominal pain/discomfort.
Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) Nausea, bloating, depression, decreased libido, dizziness, weight change, breast tenderness, fatigue.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Warnings

Official prescribing information emphasizes several safety risks, though these may be rare or of Not Known frequency. These include Thromboembolic Disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The medication is also associated with an increased risk of invasive breast cancer (in combined therapy) and, with long-term, high-dose use, a risk of meningioma. Of significant note is the association with a Loss of Bone Mineral Density (BMD), particularly concerning for adolescents and young women during critical bone accretion periods, which is tied to the duration of use.

Population and Time-Related Safety Considerations

The regulatory safety profile mandates caution for specific populations. Use is generally restricted in individuals with severe hepatic dysfunction. Due to the potential for fluid retention, caution is advised for patients with pre-existing conditions like epilepsy, migraine, or cardiac and renal dysfunction. The risk of BMD loss is a primary consideration for therapy lasting longer than two years.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

This section outlines the officially documented overdose information for Tarlusal (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate), based strictly on government regulatory documents.

Overdose Scope

Feature Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations: High oral doses, up to 3 g per day, have been formally documented as well tolerated in regulatory prescribing information.
Physiological systems affected (as stated in label): No specific physiological systems are listed in the overdose section as being distinctly affected by acute oral overdose.
Dose-related or exposure-related factors: Documented tolerance extends up to 3 g per day for oral exposure.
Emergency-response statements (as written in official documents): Contact medical personnel for assessment and initiation of treatment. Overdose treatment is required to be symptomatic and supportive.
When immediate medical help is required (label-derived phrasing only): Immediate medical help must be sought for management and assessment to institute symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Aspect Official Regulatory Statement
Severity classification (as defined in official documents): The documented profile indicates a high tolerance for acute oral overdose, although medical attention is still mandated for assessment.

Official Overdose Statements

  • Oral doses of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate up to 3 g per day have been formally documented as well tolerated.
  • No specific antidote is known for the management of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate overdose.
  • Overdose treatment is required to be symptomatic and supportive.

Connection to the overall overdose profile:

The official regulatory profile is defined by the high tolerance demonstrated at high oral doses and the lack of a known specific antidote. These factors constrain the official emergency actions to the prompt seeking of medical attention for clinical assessment and the initiation of non-specific, symptomatic and supportive treatment, as mandated by regulatory authorities.

Therapeutic Uses of Tarlusal

What Tarlusal Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

This medication is generally used to help address symptoms related to systemic imbalance, specifically those causing irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea) and abnormal or excessively heavy uterine bleeding. It is also considered relevant for easing symptoms related to physical discomfort associated with conditions like endometriosis. The application includes use for helping to restore menstrual periods.

Tarlusal is used across domains where symptomatic support is considered relevant, such as when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain. It is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort and may assist with managing challenging symptomatic phases. The therapy contributes to easing the overall symptom load and may assist with maintaining functional stability when symptoms are more noticeable.

“It is commonly used to help with easing physical discomfort and contributes to maintaining functional stability when symptoms interfere with routine activities.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Fluctuating Symptoms

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Tarlusal?

This section outlines the official eligibility and non-eligibility profiles for Tarlusal (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) based on government regulatory documentation, defining which populations are strictly excluded or require special consideration for use.


Populations Who Must NOT Use Tarlusal (Contraindications)

Tarlusal is strictly contraindicated and must not be used by individuals who are pregnant or suspect they are pregnant. Use is also prohibited for those with a known or suspected hormone-dependent cancer, particularly breast malignancy. Patients who have or have a history of thromboembolic disorders (such as blood clots in the legs or lungs, or stroke) are excluded. Other absolute contraindications include severe liver failure, undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding, and known hypersensitivity to the medicine or its ingredients.

Populations Requiring Restricted or Conditional Use

Certain populations require caution or close medical supervision:

  • Long-term Use: Use longer than two years is generally restricted due to concerns about bone mineral density.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: Caution and monitoring are necessary for patients with a history of depression, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, asthma, migraine, or heart-related problems.
  • Age: Use is not established in children. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents describe several interactions primarily affecting the plasma concentration of medroxyprogesterone (the active ingredient in Tarlusal) due to metabolic changes.

Interacting Drug Categories

Interactions are chiefly noted with medicines that act as hepatic enzyme inducers, particularly those affecting the CYP3A4 enzyme system. These substances can increase the clearance of medroxyprogesterone, potentially reducing its effectiveness, which is a significant concern when the product is used for contraception.

Specific interacting medicine categories and examples mentioned in regulatory labeling include:

  • Enzyme Inducers: Medicines that accelerate the metabolism of medroxyprogesterone, such as the anticonvulsant aminoglutethimide.
  • HIV/AIDS Medications: Significant changes in medroxyprogesterone plasma concentration have been marked when co-administered with certain HIV protease inhibitors and Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs).

Clinical Constraints

The most prominent official constraint is the potential for reduced therapeutic effectiveness when Tarlusal is co-administered with strong enzyme-inducing agents. Patients are consistently advised to consult a healthcare provider regarding the concurrent use of Tarlusal with any medication that affects its metabolic clearance. This consultation is necessary to ensure the continued intended action of the medicine.

Mechanism of Action

How Tarlusal Works

Tarlusal's mechanism of action is defined by its precise influence on distinct receptor- and enzyme-mediated signaling pathways, resulting in a modulated physiological state. The drug selectively engages mechanisms that regulate dysregulated processes within targeted biological systems.


Modulation of Specific Receptor Signaling

This domain covers Tarlusal's function as an agonist or antagonist at select membrane-bound receptors. The interaction either initiates or blocks these cellular targets, influencing systems where specific neurotransmitters or mediators dominate. This action modifies the subsequent activity ratio of associated downstream effectors, altering the flow of the intracellular signaling cascade.


Regulation of Enzyme-Mediated Cascades

Tarlusal exerts an intracellular effect by modifying the function of crucial enzymes involved in signaling. By influencing these early molecular steps, the compound alters pathway activity that may become elevated under certain conditions. This engagement with feedback regulation mechanisms attenuates the overall signaling output driven by mediator concentration, re-establishing an appropriate basal phosphorylation state within the pathway.

Dosage and Administration Information

Tarlusal is administered via three approved routes: oral tablets, or as an aqueous suspension for deep Intramuscular (IM) or Subcutaneous (SC) injection. The specific use pattern—whether cyclic or long-term—is established for these routes and is not indicated for intravenous (IV) administration.

Official Dosing and Administration

Administration Type Dosing Schedule Contextual Instruction
Oral Tablets Typically 5 mg or 10 mg daily for a limited, consecutive course (e.g., 5 to 10 days). Tablets should be taken with food to maximize the drug's absorption.
IM Injection Single dose of 150 mg administered strictly every 3 months (13 weeks). The first injection must align with a specific time, such as the first five days of a normal menstrual period, to ensure patient status.
SC Injection Single dose of 104 mg administered every 12 to 14 weeks. Dosage does not need to be adjusted based on body weight.

Procedural Requirements

For the injectable suspension, both the IM and SC forms must be shaken vigorously for one minute immediately prior to administration to ensure a uniform dose. The efficacy of the injectable form relies on strict adherence to the specified 3-month schedule. If the interval between injections is exceeded, the patient's status must be confirmed prior to receiving the subsequent dose. Continuous use of the injectable form is generally not recommended for periods longer than two years unless other options are deemed inadequate.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Tarlusal: Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Cycle Regulation and Abnormal Bleeding

Research examining the use of Tarlusal in women with conditions characterized by systemic or functional imbalance, such as secondary amenorrhea (absent periods) and abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal factors, has utilized various study designs. These include observational cohort studies, retrospective comparative studies, and limited randomized trials. Studies focused on women of reproductive age who experience fluctuating symptom patterns, excluding those with physical pathology. Primary study outcomes monitored included measurements related to the regularity of the menstrual cycle and patterns of measured changes in bleeding. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to patterns of measured cyclical activity.

Evidence for Endometriosis-Associated Pain Management

For conditions such as pain related to endometriosis, research has explored outcomes related to physical discomfort utilizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. These studies examined patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and functional status in women with symptomatic endometriosis, including those with varying levels of disease severity. Studies monitored changes in pain severity scores compared to placebo and other active hormonal treatments. Measured changes in pain were reported as similar to those measured for certain comparator hormonal treatments. These findings contribute to understanding symptom patterns, particularly outcomes related to physical discomfort.

Long-Term Follow-up and Study Limitations

Long-term outcomes are not fully established. Research describes that the return of symptoms was observed in a substantial proportion of the monitored population up to five years after treatment ended. Regulatory guidance includes a limitation on the duration of continuous use examined in studies to two years, relating to this duration of observed data. Additionally, certainty remains low for certain acute uses of Tarlusal due to smaller, non-placebo-controlled trials, and data for certain groups, such as those with comorbid conditions, remain insufficient. Evidence quality varies across studies, and findings were mixed for some comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Tarlusal (FAQ)

Q: What is the main condition Tarlusal is approved to treat?

A: The oral tablet form of the medicine is officially indicated for the treatment of specific hormonal conditions. These approved uses include secondary amenorrhea (absent menstrual periods) and abnormal uterine bleeding that is caused by a hormonal imbalance.


Q: What is the difference between Tarlusal and its generic name?

A: Tarlusal is the brand name used for the medication. The chemical name for the single active ingredient contained in the medicine is Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA). This distinction is common for prescription medications.


Q: Is Tarlusal the same kind of medicine as [similar drug name]?

A: Tarlusal is the brand name for the active ingredient Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA), which is classified as a potent Progestin, a synthetic version of the body's natural hormone progesterone. Many different medications belong to this pharmacological class and are used to manage hormonal imbalances.


Q: Does Tarlusal need to be taken at the same time every day?

A: Official patient information indicates that oral doses should be taken at regular intervals. Maintaining a consistent schedule is intended to help achieve and maintain stable levels of the medicine.


Q: If I miss a dose of Tarlusal, what is the general recommendation?

A: For the oral tablet form, official guidance provides a general instruction regarding the timing of a missed dose. If less than 12 hours have passed, the dose can generally be taken, but if it is almost time for the next dose (more than 12 hours), official guidance describes the protocol as skipping the missed dose, and continuing the regular schedule.


Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks I should avoid while using Tarlusal?

A: According to authoritative patient information, consumption of alcohol in small amounts does not appear to affect the safety or effectiveness of the medicine. However, you should follow any specific dietary guidance provided by your healthcare team.


Q: How long does Tarlusal typically take before people notice an effect?

A: The time required to reach the peak concentration of the oral tablet is relatively short, typically occurring in 2 to 7 hours after taking the dose. If the medicine is prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle, withdrawal bleeding is generally expected to occur within 3 to 7 days after the course of therapy is finished.


Q: How long does Tarlusal stay in your system after the last dose?

A: The active ingredient is metabolized in the liver and then processed for elimination from the body. According to official documents, it is primarily eliminated via faecal excretion as a conjugated metabolite.


Q: Does Tarlusal have a risk of dependence or addiction?

A: According to regulatory authorities, the medicine is Not a controlled substance. This classification indicates that the medicine has no known risk for dependence or addiction and is not scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).


Q: Can Tarlusal interact with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen?

A: Regulatory documents list interactions primarily with medicines that affect the CYP3A4 enzyme system. While no specific clinically significant interaction between the active ingredient and over-the-counter NSAID pain relievers is noted, it is always best to mention all medicines you are taking to your provider.


Q: Is Tarlusal known to interact with herbal supplements?

A: The medicine is known to interact with substances that can speed up its breakdown, specifically those affecting the CYP3A4 enzyme system. For this reason, official documents advise consultation with a healthcare provider regarding the concurrent use of any supplement, including herbal products, that affects metabolic clearance.


Q: What types of allergic reactions are possible with Tarlusal?

A: Documented hypersensitivity reactions include generalized rash, hives (urticaria), and itching (pruritus). More serious but less common reactions that have been reported include swelling of the face and throat (angioedema) or anaphylaxis.


Q: Can Tarlusal be used by people with kidney problems?

A: Official guidelines advise that Tarlusal should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing conditions like renal dysfunction (kidney problems). This is because the medicine has the potential to cause fluid retention, which may affect these conditions.


Q: Is Tarlusal safe for use in older adults (seniors)?

A: Official regulatory warnings note that caution is required in the older population. Studies involving postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older reported an increased risk of probable dementia when the medicine was used in combination with estrogen.


Q: Can Tarlusal affect my sleep patterns?

A: Official adverse reaction lists document that the medicine may affect sleep patterns. Reported effects include both difficulty sleeping (Insomnia) and excessive sleepiness (Somnolence).


Q: Can I drive or operate machinery while using Tarlusal?

A: Due to the potential for side effects such as dizziness and sleepiness (somnolence), official patient information notes that activities requiring full alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, may be impaired until the effect of the medicine is known.


Q: What should I do if I feel dizzy or lightheaded after taking Tarlusal?

A: According to official adverse reaction documents, dizziness is listed as a common reported side effect. This simply indicates that the effect is documented and expected in some people who use the medicine.


Q: Do I need to get regular blood tests while taking Tarlusal?

A: Regulatory information recommends periodic check-ups during treatment. The frequency and nature of these check-ups are adapted to the individual, and may include certain examinations as judged appropriate by the healthcare provider.


Q: Does Tarlusal cause any changes to blood pressure?

A: Official documents list changes to blood pressure in the adverse reaction profile. A significant increase in blood pressure is documented as a rare side effect.


Q: What kind of lifestyle changes might complement treatment with Tarlusal?

A: Official warnings highlight the potential for Loss of Bone Mineral Density (BMD), especially with longer-term use. Because of this, regulatory guidance suggests monitoring bone health, which may include attention to adequate calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise.

How should Tarlusal be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal instructions for Tarlusal (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) are strictly defined by regulatory documents to ensure product stability and safety.

Official Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature (20 C to 25 C / 68 F to 77 F).
Container Keep in the original, tightly closed container and do not freeze.
Protection Must be protected from light and stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired medication should be disposed of via a drug take-back program. If a program is unavailable, official guidelines recommend mixing the product with an undesirable substance, sealing it in a container, and placing it in the trash. The medication should not be flushed down the toilet unless explicitly instructed by the official label.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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