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Provera

(medroxyprogesterone acetate)

In this factsheet:
• How does Provera work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Provera?
• What form(s) does Provera come in?
• Who should NOT take Provera?
• What side effects are possible with Provera?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Provera?
• What other drugs could interact with Provera?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Provera work? What will it do for me?

Medroxyprogesterone belongs to the family of medications known as progesterones. Progesterones are female hormones. They are produced by the body and are necessary along with other hormones for normal female sexual development and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during childbearing years. It reduces the effects of estrogen on tissues such as the endometrium (lining of the uterus) and the breast.

Medroxyprogesterone has a variety of uses. It is used in addition to postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to prevent estrogen from thickening the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). This significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. It is also used to treat irregular menstrual cycles, lack of menstruation, and abnormal menstrual bleeding. Medroxyprogesterone is also used alone or in combination with other cancer medications to treat endometrial cancer and breast cancer.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Provera?

The recommended adult dose of medroxyprogesterone varies widely and depends on the condition being treated and the response to treatment.

For hormone replacement therapy, the dose ranges from 2.5 mg daily to 10 mg daily for several specific days of the month.

To control unusual and heavy bleeding of the uterus, or for treating unusual stopping of menstrual periods, a typical dose of medroxyprogesterone is 5 mg to 10 mg daily for 10 to 14 days per month.

A typical dose to treat breast cancer is 400 mg daily, and a typical dose for endometrial cancer treatment is 200 mg to 400 mg daily.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Unless medroxyprogesterone is being taken as part of breast cancer treatment, this medication should not be taken by women without an intact uterus.

Medroxyprogesterone may be taken with or without food.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of medroxyprogesterone, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication in a dry place at room temperature, out of direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Provera come in?

Tablets

2.5 mg
Each circular orange tablet, marked "U 64" on one side and scored on the other, contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, cornstarch, FD&C Yellow No. 6, lactose monohydrate, mineral oil, sucrose, and talc.

5 mg
Each circular blue tablet marked "U 286" on both sides of a break score and on the other surface with "U" contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 2, lactose monohydrate, mineral oil, sucrose, and talc.

10 mg
Each circular white tablet marked "Upjohn 50" on one side and scored on the other, contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, cornstarch, lactose monohydrate, mineral oil, sucrose, and talc.

100 mg
Each circular white tablet marked "U 467" on one side and scored on the other, contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, cornstarch, lactose, sodium laurylsulfate, sucrose, and talc.

Package

5 mg
Each circular blue tablet, marked "U 286" on both sides of a break score and on the other side marked "U", contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 2, lactose monohydrate, mineral oil, sucrose, and talc.

10 mg
Each circular white tablet, marked "Upjohn 50" on one side and scored on the other, contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium stearate, cornstarch, lactose monohydrate, mineral oil, sucrose, and talc.

Who should NOT take Provera?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to medroxyprogesterone or any ingredients of the medication
• are pregnant
• have certain blood clotting disorders or a history of these disorders (thrombophlebitis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral apoplexy)
• have known or suspected cancer dependent on hormones for growth
• have liver disease
• have loss of vision due to disease of the blood vessels of the eyes
• have or have had breast cancer
• have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

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