by Polsdorfer R

Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. These medicines do not get rid of fibroids, but they can ease symptoms and shrink them. Only common problems with them are listed.

Prescription Medications

Progestins

Common names are:

  • Progesterone
  • Medroxyprogesterone acetate
  • Norethindrone acetate
  • Megestrol Acetate

Progestins are one of the active ingredients in birth control pills. They reduce menstrual blood flow by changing the balance of hormones in the body.

Problems may be:

  • Damage to the fetus if taken during the first four months of pregnancy
  • Changes in menstrual pattern
  • Sleepiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Depression
  • Breast enlargement
Oral Contraceptives

Hormonal steroids like birth control pills and levonorgestrel may be used to control bleeding and menstrual cramps. They work by lowering female hormones and preventing ovulation.

Problems may be:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
Raloxifene

Raloxifene is an estrogen-blocking agent. Fibroids sometimes need estrogen to grow or maintain themselves. Blocking estrogen can stop this process. It may also shrink fibroids.

Problems may be:

  • 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.

Problems may be:

  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhea
Danazol

Danazol is a synthetic male hormone. It can slow fibroid growth.

Problems may be:

  • Damage to the fetus if taken during early pregnancy
  • Blood clots (can be deadly)
  • Liver damage
  • Weight gain
  • Acne
  • Hirsutism —abnormal hair growth
  • Hair loss
  • Swelling
  • Deepening of the voice
  • Flushing
  • Sweating
  • Vaginal dryness
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists

Common names are:

  • Gonadorelin
  • Histrelin
  • Nafarelin

GnRH is a hormone found in the body. GnRH agonists are a version of these hormones. They can shrink fibroids. They may be given as an injection, nasal spray, or implants. They are often given before fibroid surgery.

Problems may be:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings
  • Pelvic pain
  • Bone loss
  • Fibroids that return
    • Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators

    Selective progesterone receptor modulators are given to ease symptoms and slow fibroid growth.

    Problems may be:

  • Headache
  • Menstrual cycle changes
  • Belly pain
  • Nausea
  • Painful menstrual periods
  • Tiredness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Acne
    • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

    Common names are:

    • Indomethacin
    • Naproxen
    • Celecoxib

    These medicines may be given to ease pain and reduce menstrual flow.

    Problems may be:

    • Stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding
    • Allergic reactions
    • Kidney damage
    • Liver damage
    Narcotics

    Common names are:

    • Codeine
    • Pentazocine
    • Morphine
    • Meperidine
    • Fentanyl
    • Hydromorphone
    • Methadone
    • Oxycodone

    Narcotics may be given to treat severe pain.

    Problems may be:

    • Lightheadedness
    • Sleepiness
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Constipation
    • Allergic reactions
    • Abuse or addiction
    • Coma or death

    Over the Counter Medications

    Pain Relief

    Common names are:

    • Aspirin
    • Ibuprofen
    • Naproxen
    • Piroxicam
    • Sulindac

    Problems may be:

    • Stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding
    • Allergic reactions
    • Kidney damage
    • Liver damage
    Acetaminophen

    Problems may be:

    • Allergic reaction
    • Liver damage

    References

    Uterine fibroids. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids. Accessed May 9, 2022.

    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. Accessed May 9, 2022.

    Uterine leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/uterine-leiomyoma. Accessed May 9, 2022.

    Revision Information