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Prempro vs. Provera

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

Key takeaways

Prempro (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone) and Provera (medroxyprogesterone) are both used to manage symptoms related to menopause and hormone imbalances, but they have some key differences. Prempro is a combination of estrogen and progestin, while Provera only contains medroxyprogesterone, a type of progestin. Prempro is used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and it also helps prevent bone loss. Provera, on the other hand, is primarily used to regulate menstrual periods and protect the uterus in postmenopausal women taking estrogen. Prempro is taken once daily, whereas Provera's dosing can vary depending on the condition being treated. Prempro is only available as a brand-name medication, while Provera has a generic form, which can be more affordable. Both medications carry serious risks, especially when used long-term, including an increased risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes.

Prempro

 

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Medroxyprogesterone

(Provera)

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Summary for Prempro

Prescription only

Prempro is a combination estrogen/progestin medication that relieves menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It's also used for preventing osteoporosis after menopause. This hormone replacement therapy is an option for people with a uterus. The medication is brand only since there is no generic available. Follow your prescriber's instructions for the correct dose. Prempro is taken by mouth once a day with the same dose each day. Premphase is also taken daily but contains two types of tablets: one with estrogen and one with conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone, taken on different days. Common side effects include breast pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.

Indications for Prempro

Pros and Cons for Prempro

Pros

  • Only need to take once a day by mouth
  • Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
  • Includes a progestin which helps protect your uterus
  • Lowers your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy

Cons

  • Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
  • Has more possible side effects than similar alternatives
  • Not safe if you have liver problems
  • Can't be used if you have a history of breast cancer

Common Side Effects for Prempro

  • Breast pain (up to 36%)
  • Headaches (up to 19%)
  • Stomach pain (up to 17%)
  • Menstrual cramps (up to 13%)
  • Gas (up to 8%)
  • Nausea (up to 8%)
  • Depression (up to 8%)
  • More vaginal discharge than usual (up to 8%)

Warnings for Prempro

  • Risk of blood clot
  • Breast cancer
  • Uterine (endometrial) cancer
  • Dementia
  • Gallbladder and liver problems
  • Changes in calcium levels in the blood
  • Vision problems
  • High triglycerides
  • Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
  • Fluid Retention
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Worsening of other medical conditions

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 Prempro vs. Provera

Price Card Drug Icon
Prempro1 package / 28 tablets of 0.3mg/1.5mg
$98.84$303.04
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Price Card Drug Icon
Medroxyprogesterone10 tablets / 10mg
$11.26$26.43
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