medroxyprogesterone
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.
What is Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)?
What is Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) used for?
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
How Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) works
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) is a progestin. It's a lab-made version of the natural hormone progesterone. It regulates menstrual periods by helping to balance the levels of progesterone in the body.
When taken together with estrogen-containing medications, medroxyprogesterone (Provera) helps protect the uterus from the effects of estrogen in postmenopausal women. It helps control the growth of the uterine lining to lower the risk of endometrial cancer.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)?
Common Side Effects
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Heavier or lighter periods
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
Other Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in weight
- Rash
Serious Side Effects
- Unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness; pain that spreads along to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: sudden trouble talking or walking; numbness on one side of your body or face; shortness of breath; sudden, severe headaches
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): swelling, pain, muscle tightness, leg cramp
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
- Unusual changes to the breast: lumps, pain, swelling, changes in appearance
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Changes in uterine bleeding (increased amounts of menstrual bleeding occurring at regular monthly periods
heavier uterine bleeding between regular monthly periods
lighter uterine bleeding between menstrual periods
or stopping of menstrual periods
Incidence not known
for patients taking Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection
decrease in height
difficulty swallowing
fast heartbeat
hives, itching, puffiness, or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
pain in back, ribs, arms, or legs
pain or swelling in arms or legs without any injury
shortness of breath
skin rash
tightness in chest
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Abdominal pain or cramping
dizziness
mild headache
mood changes
nervousness
pain or irritation at the injection site
swelling of face, ankles, or feet
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Less common
breast pain or tenderness
brown spots on exposed skin, possibly long-lasting
loss or gain of body, facial, or scalp hair
loss of sexual desire
trouble in sleeping
Not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for each of these medicines, but they have been reported for at least one of them. All of the progestins are similar, so any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.
After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time, check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:
Delayed return to fertility
stopping of menstrual periods
unusual menstrual bleeding (continuing)
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Medroxyprogesterone (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
Pharmacist tips for Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
Take medroxyprogesterone (Provera) as directed by your healthcare provider. Your dosing schedule can be different depending on what you’re using the medication for.
You can take medroxyprogesterone (Provera) with or without food. Nausea is a possible side effect. So if this happens to you, try taking the medication with a small meal to help.
If you're taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) to regulate your menstrual periods, your period should start about 3 to 7 days after your last dose. If your period doesn't start within a week of stopping the medication, let your provider know.
If you're taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) with an estrogen medication after menopause, it's recommended to take this combination therapy for the shortest amount of time needed. There are many serious risks linked to this combination treatment. Follow up with your provider regularly to talk about how long you need treatment.
Let your provider know if you experience unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding, lumps in your breast, changes to your vision, or severe headaches after starting medroxyprogesterone (Provera). These aren't typical side effects of medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and could be a sign of more serious problems.
If you've been sexually active and you miss your period or have other signs of pregnancy while taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera), take a pregnancy test or call your provider. This medication shouldn't be used during pregnancy because it can potentially cause harm to unborn babies.
Frequently asked questions about Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
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What are the risks and warnings for Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)?
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Blood clots and their complications (heart attack, stroke)
Risk factors: Taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) with estrogens | Personal or family history of blood clots | High blood pressure | Diabetes | High cholesterol | Tobacco use | People who identify as obese | Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
When medroxyprogesterone (Provera) is taken together with estrogen medications, there's a higher risk of blood clots. Blood clots can be very dangerous and lead to a potentially life-threatening heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs). There are several conditions that can raise this risk even further, including smoking tobacco and having a history of blood clots. Be sure to discuss all your medical conditions with your provider before starting medroxyprogesterone (Provera). Call 911 if you have pain in your legs, arms, or chest; sudden, severe headaches; trouble breathing; or sudden changes in your speech or vision.
Breast cancer
Risk factors: Personal or family history of breast cancer | Using estrogen and medroxyprogesterone (Provera) together
There's a higher risk of developing breast cancer when you take medroxyprogesterone (Provera) along with estrogen medications. Your risk might get higher the longer you take this combination therapy. Remember to get your annual breast exams (mammograms) and regularly check your breasts for any unusual changes (e.g., lumps, swelling, changes in appearance).
Dementia
Risk factors: Age over 65 | Taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) with estrogens
In studies, postmenopausal people 65 years or older who took medroxyprogesterone (Provera) with estrogen medications had a higher risk of developing dementia. Talk to your provider if this risk concerns you.
Uterine and ovarian cancer
Risk factors: Taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) with estrogens
The addition of medroxyprogesterone (Provera) helps lower the risk of uterine cancer in postmenopausal people who are taking estrogen therapy. This is because medroxyprogesterone (Provera) balances the effects of estrogen on the uterine lining. While the risk is lower with medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and estrogen combination treatment, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of uterine cancer. Let your provider know right away if you experience any vaginal bleeding during treatment.
Estrogen and medroxyprogesterone (Provera) combination treatment might raise the risk of ovarian cancer. Watch for symptoms of ovarian cancer, including pelvic, stomach, or back pain. Tell your provider right away if these symptoms happen.
Vision problems
Risk factors: Taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) with estrogens
Taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and estrogen medications together can cause eye problems. Call your provider right away or get medical help if you experience a sudden loss of vision, double vision, or if your eye seems to be bulging out from its normal position.
Higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Risk factors: Taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) with estrogens
Your blood pressure might go up during combination treatment with estrogen and medroxyprogesterone (Provera). Your provider might ask you to check your blood pressure regularly at home. Let your provider know if you notice that your blood pressure is consistently higher than usual during treatment.
Combination estrogen and medroxyprogesterone (Provera) treatment can also raise your blood cholesterol levels, especially if you have high cholesterol already. This can sometimes lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Tell your provider if you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.
Swelling (fluid buildup)
Risk factors: Heart failure | Kidney problems
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) might contribute to fluid buildup in the body that can happen when taken with estrogen medications. This fluid buildup can lead to swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. It's more likely to happen if you have kidney problems or heart failure, and it might worsen these conditions. If you have problems with fluid buildup or swelling, tell your provider before you start using medroxyprogesterone (Provera). Call your provider or get medical help if you notice unexplainable swelling, quick weight gain (more than 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week), or sudden trouble breathing.
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
Lack of menstrual periods: The typical dose is 5 mg or 10 mg by mouth once a day for 5 to 10 days.
Irregular periods: Start taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) on day 16 or day 21 of your menstrual cycle. The typical dose is 5 mg or 10 mg by mouth once a day for 5 to 10 days. If needed, you can repeat treatment every menstrual cycle.
Uterus protection: The typical dose is 5 mg or 10 mg by mouth once a day for 12 to 14 days in a row each month. Begin taking medroxyprogesterone (Provera) either on day 1 or day 16 of each cycle of your estrogen medication.
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) Reviews
GoodRx has partnered with PatientsLikeMe to provide reviews on the different aspects of Medroxyprogesterone (Provera).
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 8 people taking this medication
3.5
Effectiveness by condition:
uterine fibroids4 reviews
2.8
polycystic ovary syndrome2 reviews
2.5
endometriosis1 reviews
3.8
transsexualism1 reviews
5.0
Severity of side effects
Based on 18 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Nausea and vomiting
12%
Blood clot
6%
Crying easily
6%
Decreased sex drive (libido)
6%
Depressed mood
6%
Reasons people stopped taking Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
Based on 35 people who have taken this medication
Doctor's advice
38%
Course of treatment ended
29%
Side effects too severe
18%
Did not seem to work
9%
Change in health plan coverage
3%
Expense
3%
Other
3%
How long people take Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)
Based on 25 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Interactions between Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Boceprevir
- Tranexamic Acid
Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amobarbital
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Amprenavir
- Apalutamide
- Aprepitant
- Aprobarbital
- Armodafinil
- Artemether
- Bacampicillin
- Betamethasone
- Bexarotene
- Bosentan
- Brigatinib
- Butabarbital
- Butalbital
- Carbamazepine
- Carbenicillin
- Cefaclor
- Cefadroxil
- Cefdinir
- Cefditoren
- Cefixime
- Cefpodoxime
- Cefprozil
- Ceftazidime
- Ceftibuten
- Cefuroxime
- Cenobamate
- Ceritinib
- Clavulanic Acid
- Clobazam
- Cloxacillin
- Colesevelam
- Cyclacillin
- Cyclosporine
- Dabrafenib
- Darunavir
- Dexamethasone
- Dicloxacillin
- Doxycycline
- Efavirenz
- Elagolix
- Elvitegravir
- Encorafenib
- Enzalutamide
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Eterobarb
- Etravirine
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosaprepitant
- Fosphenytoin
- Griseofulvin
- Guar Gum
- Heptabarbital
- Hexobarbital
- Isotretinoin
- Ivosidenib
- Lesinurad
- Lixisenatide
- Lorlatinib
- Lumacaftor
- Mephobarbital
- Methohexital
- Minocycline
- Mitotane
- Modafinil
- Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Mycophenolic Acid
- Nafcillin
- Nelfinavir
- Nevirapine
- Octreotide
- Oxacillin
- Oxcarbazepine
- Oxytetracycline
- Penicillin G
- Penicillin G Procaine
- Penicillin V
- Pentobarbital
- Phenobarbital
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenytoin
- Pitolisant
- Prednisone
- Primidone
- Red Clover
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Ritonavir
- Rufinamide
- Secobarbital
- St John's Wort
- Sugammadex
- Sultamicillin
- Tazemetostat
- Telaprevir
- Tetracycline
- Theophylline
- Thiopental
- Ticarcillin
- Tigecycline
- Tizanidine
- Topiramate
- Troglitazone
- Ulipristal
How much does Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) cost?
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) contraindications
Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
Currently have or have had breast cancer
Currently have a tumor that's estrogen- or progesterone-dependent
Currently have or have had blood clots
Currently have or have had a stroke or heart attack
Liver problems
Currently pregnant
What are alternatives to Medroxyprogesterone (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
Lack of menstrual periods due to hormone imbalance
Abnormal bleeding from the uterus due to hormone imbalance
What is the latest news about Medroxyprogesterone (Provera)?
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) images
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Cancer Society. (2018). What is ovarian cancer?
American Cancer Society. (2022). What is endometrial cancer?
American Heart Association. (2023). Managing heart failure symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Eugia US LLC. (2023). PROGESTERONE injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Kim, J. J., et al. (2010). Role of progesterone in endometrial cancer. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine.
Pharmacia and Upjohn Company. (2021). PROVERA- medroxyprogesterone acetate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Your and Your Hormones. (2021). Progesterone. Society for Endocrinology.
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