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Aygestin vs. Provera

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera) are both progestins used to treat menstrual issues, but they have some key differences. Norethindrone acetate is used to treat absent menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and endometriosis, while medroxyprogesterone is used for absent or irregular periods and to protect the uterus from damage in postmenopausal women taking estrogen replacement therapy. Both medications are available in generic form. Norethindrone acetate is typically taken once daily every day, while medroxyprogesterone is also taken daily but only for a certain number of days each month. Both medications can cause side effects like breakthrough bleeding and headaches, but medroxyprogesterone has additional risks when taken with estrogen replacement therapy, such as a higher chance of blood clots and breast cancer.

Norethindrone acetate

(Aygestin)

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Medroxyprogesterone

(Provera)

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Summary for Aygestin

Prescription only

Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is a progestin, a man-made version of the hormone progesterone. It's used to balance out hormone levels to treat absent menstrual bleeding (periods) and abnormal vaginal bleeding in adults. Norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) can also help with endometriosis. The dosage can differ depending on what condition you have, but norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) is usually taken by mouth once a day. Side effects include breakthrough bleeding and headaches. Brand name Aygestin has been discontinued and norethindrone acetate is only available as a generic.

Indications for Aygestin

Pros and Cons for Aygestin

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Helps to regulate your period from hormonal imbalances
  • Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

Cons

  • Not recommended if you have liver problems
  • Can cause breakthrough bleeding and other bothersome side effects
  • Not for those who have reached menopause

Common Side Effects for Aygestin

  • Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
  • Change in menstrual flow
  • Lack of periods
  • Headache or migraine
  • Breast enlargement
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps or bloating
  • Patches of darkened skin (melasma or chloasma)
  • Acne
  • Hair loss
  • Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes (jaundice)
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Changes in vision

Warnings for Aygestin

  • Risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
  • Abnormal changes in vision
  • Fluid build-up (edema)
  • Depression
  • Changes in blood sugar and cholesterol levels
  • Harm to unborn baby

Summary for Provera

Prescription only

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) can help make your menstrual cycles more regular. It also helps protect the uterus from harm in people who've gone through menopause and are taking estrogen replacement medications. When taken with estrogen therapy, it has some serious risks that you should consider if you need treatment for a long time.

Indications for Provera

  • Lack of menstrual periods due to hormone imbalance
  • Irregular periods due to hormone imbalance
  • Protection of the uterus in postmenopausal women who are taking estrogen medications

Pros and Cons for Provera

Pros

  • Taken once a day
  • Helps protect the uterus from damage if taking estrogen medications after menopause
  • A good alternative to progesterone (Prometrium) if you have a peanut allergy

Cons

  • Need to remember to take on certain days of the month
  • Can have spotting or breakthrough bleeding, even if you've gone through menopause
  • Shouldn't be used in people with liver problems

Common Side Effects for Provera

  • Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
  • Heavier or lighter periods
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea

Warnings for Provera

  • When taken with estrogen medications:
  • Blood clots and their complications (heart attack, stroke)
  • Breast cancer
  • Dementia
  • Uterine and ovarian cancer
  • Vision problems
  • Higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Swelling (fluid buildup)

Prices with our coupons for Aygestin vs. Provera

Price Card Drug Icon
Norethindrone Acetate30 tablets / 5mg
$17.36$97.42
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Price Card Drug Icon
Medroxyprogesterone10 tablets / 10mg
$8.41$17.51
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