| Brand Name: |
Provera |
| Generic Name: |
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate |
| Form: |
Tablets |
| Manufacturer: |
Pfizer |
What is Provera?
Provera containing the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate is a form of progestin, a female hormone used to treat various disorders of the menstrual cycle. The medication can be used to treat conditions such as painful, heavy and irregular periods or abnormal uterine bleeding. It can also be used to bring on a normal menstrual cycle in women who menstruated normally in the past but have not menstruated for at least 6 months and who are not pregnant or undergoing menopause. Some women may also use it to treat endometriosis, a condition where tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body.
How is Provera used?
Provera is usually taken orally once per day or as directed by a doctor. The medication can be taken with or without food but should be taken with a glass of water. Contact a doctor for the correct dosage, start date, treatment cycle and length of treatment as it will depend on the patient’s condition and their response to the therapy. The tablets should be taken whole and not broken, chewed, crushed or split prior to swallowing.
Adverse effects
Patients using Provera may encounter unwanted side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
- Acne
- Hair loss
Contact a doctor immediately should side effects persist or encounter more severe side effects such as:
- Mental or mood changes
- Breast lumps
- Vision problems
- Jaundice
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Chest pain
Warnings
Immediately proceed to your nearest emergency department if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms usually associated with such a reaction include difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest tightness, swelling, skin rashes, and hives.
Provera is not always suitable for all patients. Always consult your health care provider prior to using this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, using any other medication (prescription or non-prescription), using any herbal products or supplements, or if you have any allergies or other health problems.
The correct dosage and prescription commonly depend on the patient and the condition being treated. Do not adjust your dosage without the approval of your health care provider. This product is only for use as prescribed and instructed. |
