Generic name: medroxyprogesterone (oral) [ med-ROX-ee-proe-JES-ter-one ]
Drug classes: Contraceptives, Hormones / antineoplastics, Progestins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 25, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Provera?

Provera is a form of progesterone (a hormone) that is used to treat conditions such as absent or irregular menstrual periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding.

Provera is also used to decrease the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (a condition that may lead to uterine cancer) while taking estrogens.

Provera may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Provera side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Provera may cause serious side effects. Stop using Provera and call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding;

• confusion, memory problems;

• a breast lump;

• abnormal thyroid hormone levels;

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, dizziness, coughing up blood;

• signs of a blood clot deep in the body--pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg;

• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back;

• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• gallbladder problem--chalky-colored stools, stomach pain after eating, nausea, heartburn, bloating, and severe upper stomach pain that may spread to your back; or

• depression--mood changes, feelings of low self-worth, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, new sleep problems, thoughts about hurting yourself.

Common side effects of Provera may include:

• spotting or breakthrough bleeding;

• changes in your menstrual periods, missed menstrual periods;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• headache, dizziness, feeling nervous or depressed;

• breast pain, tenderness, or discharge;

• stomach discomfort, bloating, nausea, vomiting;

• itching, hives, rash, acne, hair growth, hair loss;

• bruising or swelling of your veins;

• fever, tiredness, drowsiness, sleep problems (insomnia);

• vision changes and difficulty wearing contact lenses; or

• premenstrual type symptoms--bloating, fluid retention, shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection), mood changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Provera should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia. Provera may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Long-term use of medroxyprogesterone may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Provera if you are allergic to it, or if you have or have ever had:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• dementia;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• a history of hormone related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer; or

• liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart problems;

• asthma;

• migraine headaches;

• a thyroid disorder;

• high triglycerides;

• endometriosis (severe pelvic pain) or any type of fibroid;

• low or high levels of calcium in your blood;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• diabetes;

• systemic lupus erythematosus;

• jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills; or

• kidney disease.

Using this medicine can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, if you are overweight, or if you smoke.

Long-term use of medroxyprogesterone may increase your risk of cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

You will need to take a pregnancy test before, during, and after treatment with Provera.

May cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant.Tell your doctor if you become pregnant. Using this medicine during the first 4 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed.

How should I take Provera?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Provera is usually given for only a few days in a row each month.

Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, and have regular pelvic exam, breast exam and mammograms while taking Provera. You will need frequent medical tests.

If you need surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using Provera for a short time. Tell any doctor or surgeon that you are using Provera.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Provera.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related/similar drugs

Premarin, Keytruda, progesterone, pembrolizumab, norethindrone, megestrol, leuprolide, medroxyprogesterone, levonorgestrel, Yaz

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Provera?

Avoid smoking. It can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while using Provera.

What other drugs will affect Provera?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect Provera, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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