Brand Name
Provera
Common Name
medroxyprogesterone acetate
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00030945 | PROVERA 100MG TABLETS |
| 00729973 | PROVERA 10MG TABLETS |
| 00708917 | PROVERA 2.5MG TABLETS |
| 00030937 | PROVERA 5MG TABLETS |
| 02010933 | PROVERA PAK 10MG TABLETS |
| 02010739 | PROVERA PAK 5MG TABLETS |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Medroxyprogesterone belongs to the group of medicines 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. Medroxyprogesterone is a progesterone
that is derived from soybeans. 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 for the treatment of endometrial cancer and breast cancer.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the
ones 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.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of medroxyprogesterone varies widely and depends
on the condition being treated and the response to treatment. For example,
a typical dose for hormone replacement therapy ranges from 2.5 mg to 10 mg
daily, whereas a typical dose for treatment of breast cancer is 400 mg
daily, and a typical dose for endometrial cancer treatment is 200 mg to
400 mg daily.
For hormone replacement therapy, tablets are taken either on a daily basis,
or a cyclic basis (i.e., specific days of the month). For controlling 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.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body
weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If the dose or schedule
of medication that has been prescribed for you is different from those listed
here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting
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 resume your
normal schedule. Do not double doses.
Medroxyprogesterone should be stored in a dry place at room temperature and
out of direct light.
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 this medication come in?
Provera
2.5 mg
Each circular, orange tablet, embossed with "U 64" on one side and scored on the other contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Yellow No. 6, lactose and sucrose. Gluten-free.
5 mg
Each circular, blue tablet, embossed "U 286" on one side and scored on the other contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 2, lactose and sucrose. Gluten-free.
10 mg
Each circular, white tablet, embossed "Upjohn 50" on one side and scored on the other contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose and sucrose. Gluten-free.
100 mg
Each circular, white tablet embossed "U 467" on one side and scored on the other contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose and sucrose. Gluten-free.
Provera-Pak
5 mg
Each circular, blue tablet embossed "U 286" on one side and scored on the other contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 2, lactose and sucrose.
10 mg
Each circular, white tablet embossed "Upjohn 50" on one side and scored on the other contains medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose and sucrose.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Medroxyprogesterone should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to medroxyprogesterone or any ingredients in this medication
- has certain blood clotting disorders or a history of these disorders (thrombophlebitis,
thromboembolic disorders, cerebral apoplexy)
- has undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- has undiagnosed urinary tract bleeding
- has undiagnosed breast disease
- is pregnant
Did you find what you were looking for on our website? Please let us know.
