Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Provera Used For?
Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic hormone similar to the natural hormone progesterone that your ovaries produce during the second half of your monthly cycle.
Primary Uses
Provera treats endometriosis (tissue growing outside the uterus causing pain and bleeding), secondary amenorrhoea (lack of periods not due to pregnancy), abnormal uterine bleeding, certain types of cancer including breast, kidney and endometrial cancer, and menopausal symptoms when combined with estrogen in women with an intact uterus.
How It Works
For endometriosis, Provera helps stop the growth of tissue outside the uterus. For menstrual problems, it helps re-establish regular cycles. When used with estrogen for menopause, it protects the uterine lining while estrogen relieves menopausal symptoms.
How to Take Provera
Your doctor will determine your specific dose based on your condition. Provera should be used at the lowest effective dose and may be taken daily or in cycles with breaks between.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water at about the same time each day. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly and continue taking until told to stop. Your doctor will prescribe for the shortest duration necessary.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose as this may increase your chance of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- dizziness
- increased heart rate
- mood or mental state changes
- sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
- skin conditions (hives, itching, rash, acne)
- changes to menstrual periods or vaginal secretions
- breast tenderness
- changes in sex drive
- weight and appetite changes
- fluid retention
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- backache, leg cramps, muscle spasms
- hair loss or increased hairiness
- constipation or diarrhea
- dry mouth, increased thirst
- frequent urination
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- swollen or tender veins
- painful swelling in arms or legs
- severe headaches or changes to speech or vision
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- swelling of face, lips, tongue with breathing difficulty
- hand tremors or cramps
- confusion or memory loss
- lumps or changes in breasts or armpits
- breast skin irritation or dimpling
- weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- seizures
- hearing loss
Important Warnings
Provera has several important contraindications and warnings that you should discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Provera
Do not use if you’re allergic to medroxyprogesterone acetate, have had stroke or blood clots, have severe liver disease, unusual vaginal bleeding not diagnosed by a doctor, nipple bleeding or discharge, breast cancer (unless prescribed for it), suspected breast cancer or undiagnosed breast lumps, missed miscarriage, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or are pregnant.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart or kidney problems, migraine, brain/spinal cord tumors, unusual vaginal bleeding, genital or breast cancer, epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, depression, bone disease or family history of osteoporosis, vision problems, or fluid retention issues.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Provera if pregnant or suspect pregnancy. It may affect your developing baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Vision Changes: Tell your doctor immediately if you have sudden partial or complete loss of vision, double vision, or migraine – you may need to stop taking the medicine.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with how Provera works, requiring dose adjustments or different medications.
- aminoglutethine (used for breast cancer treatment) – may reduce Provera’s effectiveness
Alcohol & Driving
Provera may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely, and you should discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. There is no specific information on how Provera and alcohol may interact.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Provera affects you. The medication may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or affect vision in some people.
Storage
Keep Provera in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Store tablets in their original pack until time to take them. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – don’t store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children and dispose of expired medicine at any pharmacy.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Provera, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Continue taking Provera for as long as your doctor tells you. Your doctor will prescribe it for the shortest duration necessary to effectively treat your condition and will monitor your progress regularly.
The medication should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. The source doesn’t specify whether it needs to be taken with or without food, so follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, long-term use of Provera may decrease calcium in your bones, potentially increasing your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Your doctor may need to evaluate your bone mineral density if you’re taking Provera for prolonged periods.
Yes, visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. You should also regularly check your breasts for lumps and have professional breast examinations and mammograms as recommended by your doctor.
Do not change your dose or stop taking Provera without first checking with your doctor. Always discuss with your doctor any problems or difficulties during or after taking Provera.
Tell all doctors, dentists, and pharmacists that you’re taking Provera. Also inform them if you’re starting any new medicines or having laboratory tests, as Provera may interfere with some test results.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.