Prescription Required
Description
Provera is an oral pill made up of a progestin called medroxyprogesterone, a form of the female hormone called progesterone. We carry this medication in both the brand choice and generic alternative in 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg.
Provera has several different uses for females 16 and older. It is used in women who haven’t yet experience menopause and are not pregnant to treat abnormal bleeding from the uterus and to restore menstrual periods in women with amenorrhea (absences of menstrual cycle for multiple months on end). Provera may also be used in a combination of hormone replacement therapy with estrogens to help reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats as well as preventing overgrowth in the lining of the uterus. Additionally, it may be used while taking estrogens to help reduce the risk of uterus cancer.
Provera is a form of a natural hormone in females called progesterone. It is thought that these conditions are caused due to a lack of this hormone. Provera is effective at treating these conditions by restoring the level of hormones in the body.
Directions
You should only take this medication the way that you have been directed to by your doctor. It is important to follow his or her directions to achieve the full effect of the medication and to avoid adverse interactions. Directions given by your doctor can commonly be found on the prescription label. If you are unsure on how to take this medication, call your health care professionals.
Usually, this medication is given for only a few days in a row each month and may be started on a certain day of menstrual cycle, depending on the reason for the prescription. Have regular physical exams done while also self-examining yourself for any breast lumps during the time of treatment with Provera. Sometimes Provera can cause inaccurate test results during some laboratory tests; ensure you tell all your health care professionals which drugs you are currently taking.
Store at room temperature in a low risk area of moisture and heat.
Cautions
Do not use Provera (medroxyprogesterone)
Do not use Provera if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease, a history of blood clots or stroke, or if you have ever had cancer (past or current). If you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone you will also need to find an alternate medication to use as this drug contains medroxyprogesterone.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
Some medical conditions do not interact with medroxyprogesterone due to the chance of an adverse interaction; special precautions or dose adjustments may be needed in order for you to safely take Provera if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, recent stroke or heart attack; high blood pressure; high cholesterol or triglycerides; low levels of calcium in your blood; severe pelvic pain; recent miscarriage or abortion; epilepsy; asthma; migraine headaches; a thyroid disorder; kidney disease, diabetes; or lupus.
Risks
This drug may increase your risk of developing a condition that can result in uterine cancer. To help lower your risk for this condition, your doctor may recommend a progestin for you to take during the time of treatment with medroxyprogesterone. If you notice vaginal bleeding – tell your doctor right away.
You should not breast feed an infant while using this drug as medroxyprogesterone can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. Tell your doctor if you are currently breast feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication as protection against heart disease, breast cancer, or dementia. This drug will not prevent these conditions, and may actually increase the risk of them occurring in post-menopausal women.
Long term use of estrogens or progestins may result in increased risk of heart attack, blood clot, or stroke.
Consult your doctor about your specific risks and benefits of taking this medication, especially those who are overweight or smoke. Every 3-6 months your doctor should check your progress to determine if you still need to be taking Provera.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Provera (medroxyprogesterone) may include:
spotting or breakthrough bleeding; changes in your menstrual periods; vaginal itching or discharge; breast tenderness or discharge; or headache, dizziness, feeling nervous or depressed.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Provera (medroxyprogesterone) may include:
vaginal bleeding if you have already gone through menopause; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; a breast lump; symptoms of depression (sleep problems, dizziness, mood changes, headache); or fever.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
a blood clot in the lung: chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
a blood clot in your leg: pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or
heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.
FAQs
What is the average dose for an adult with amenorrhea?
The average dose for an adult with amenorrhea is 5mg or 10mg daily for 5 to 10 days.
How old do you have to be able to use Provera safely?
To use Provera, you must be at least 16 years old.
What are some drugs that interact with medroxyprogesterone?
Some major drug interactions with Provera include acitretin, amprenavir, encorafenib, etretinate, griseofulvin, dabrafenib, bosentan, and brigatinib.
This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with medroxyprogesterone (Provera). For a full list of drugs that interact with medroxyprogesterone; consult your doctor or a health care professional.
What should I avoid while using this medication?
While being treated with Provera, you should avoid smoking cigarettes. Smoking on this medication will increase your risk for blood clots even more. This drug already increases the chance of blood clots, even in non-smokers.
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