Provera (Medroxyprogesterone)

Description

Indications

Medroxyprogesterone is prescribed to treat abnormal menstruation or irregular vaginal bleeding. It is also used to induce a normal menstrual cycle in women who previously had regular periods but have not menstruated for at least six months, and who are not pregnant or going through menopause. Additionally, it can prevent excessive growth of the lining of the uterus and reduce the risk of uterine cancer in patients taking estrogen. Medroxyprogesterone is classified as a progestin and functions by inhibiting the growth of the uterus lining and stimulating hormone production in the uterus.

Uses and Dosage

Follow your doctor’s instructions and take this medication orally as directed. Adhere to the dosing schedule and ask your doctor if you have any concerns or questions. The appropriate dosage will depend on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If taking this medication as part of combination hormone replacement therapy with estrogens, typically take it once daily for the prescribed number of days per month, following your doctor’s instructions.

For the treatment of amenorrhea (stopped menstrual periods) or abnormal uterine bleeding, usually take this drug once daily for 5-10 days during the latter half of the intended menstrual cycle or as instructed by your doctor.

Withdrawal bleeding typically occurs within 3-7 days after stopping the medication.

Inform your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• breasts that are tender or produce a liquid
• changes in menstrual flow
• irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
• acne
• growth of hair on face
• loss of hair on scalp
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• weight gain or loss

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or tenderness in one leg only
• slow or difficult speech
• dizziness or faintness
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• shortness of breath
• coughing up blood
• sudden sharp or crushing chest pain
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• sudden vision changes or loss of vision
• double vision
• blurred vision
• bulging eyes
• missed periods
• depression
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• fever
• hives
• skin rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Caution

If you are considering taking medroxyprogesterone, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies, especially to soybeans or peanuts. Some Canadian brands of this product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues.

Discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication. Inform them about any prior blood clots, bleeding in the brain, liver disease, cancer of the breast or other female organs, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, a missed abortion, family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer), kidney disease, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, asthma, high blood levels of cholesterol/fats, depression, diabetes, or strokes.

This medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness, and alcohol or marijuana use can intensify these effects. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing any activity that requires alertness until you can do so safely.

If you will be undergoing surgery or spending an extended period confined to a chair or bed, such as during a long plane flight, notify your doctor beforehand. You may need to stop taking the medication or take special precautions to reduce your risk of blood clots.

Smoking while taking this medication can increase your risk of strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.

This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin and face (melasma). Sunlight can worsen this effect, limit your exposure to the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors.

This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medication.

Form and Strength

Provera is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Provera tablet:
  • 2.5mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg
• medroxyprogesterone tablet:
  • 2.5mg
  • 5mg
  • 10mg

FAQ

How fast does Provera work after taking it?

Your period should occur 3 to 7 days after starting Provera.

What does Provera do to your body?

Provera regulates menstrual periods by helping to balance the levels of progesterone in the body.

Resources

1. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3547.pdf
2. https://www.goodrx.com/medroxyprogesterone/what-is
3. https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/provera
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6996/provera-oral/details
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682470.html
6. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/provera.html#:~:text=What%20is%20Provera%3F,uterine%20cancer)%20while%20taking%20estrogens