What is Provera (medroxyprogesterone)?
Medroxyprogesterone is a female hormone, usually called "progesterone". It is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation.
Medroxyprogesterone is used to treat conditions such as irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding and lack of menstruation.
Progesterone or progesterone-like drugs have been used to prevent miscarriage in the first few months of pregnancy. No adequate evidence is available to show that they are effective for this purpose. Furthermore, most cases of early miscarriage are due to causes which could not be helped by these drugs.
These drugs have been used as a test for pregnancy but such use is not longer considered safe because of possible damage to a developing baby. Also, more rapid methods for testing for pregnancy are now available.
The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) found that postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older who were treated with oral conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate had an increased risk of developing dementia. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women or to women using estrogen only therapy.
Medroxyprogesterone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take Provera (medroxyprogesterone)?
Take medroxyprogesterone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take medroxyprogesterone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Try to take your doses at the same time each day. Medroxyprogesterone is usually taken for a certain number of days each month according to your body's natural cycle.
Store medroxyprogesterone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose?
A medroxyprogesterone overdose is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.
Symptoms of a medroxyprogesterone overdose include nausea, vomiting, fluid retention (swelling of the hands and feet), breast discomfort, and vaginal bleeding.
What should I avoid while taking Provera (medroxyprogesterone)?
Avoid smoking while taking medroxyprogesterone. Smoking greatly increases the risk of blood clot formation.
Avoid excessive salt intake. Too much salt may cause fluid retention and discomfort.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Medroxyprogesterone may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Provera (medroxyprogesterone) side effects
Stop taking medroxyprogesterone and seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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shortness of breath or pain in your chest;
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a sudden severe headache;
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visual changes;
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a painful, red, swollen leg;
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numbness or tingling in an arm or leg;
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prolonged, heavy, vaginal bleeding;
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stomach or side pain; or
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yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take medroxyprogesterone and talk to your doctor if you experience
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changes in appetite or weight,
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swelling of your hands or feet,
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changes in your menstrual cycle,
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depression,
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acne,
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an increase in body or facial hair or hair loss,
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tenderness of the breasts,
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nausea,
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headache or insomnia,
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changes in your voice, or
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areas of darker skin.
What other drugs will affect Provera (medroxyprogesterone)?
Before taking medroxyprogesterone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
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insulin or an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), and tolbutamide (Orinase);
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bromocriptine (Parlodel);
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aminoglutethimide (Cytadren);
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phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal); or
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chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promazine (Sparine), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluoperazine (Stelazine).
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