Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic form of the female sex hormone progesterone. Though available as a tablet or injection, each dosage form is used for different problems. Most women will take medroxyprogesterone tablets because they’re not getting periods, they have uterine bleeding, or they are taking conjugated estrogens as hormone replacement. Doses are taken daily for only a few days at a time.
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Medroxyprogesterone overview
BRAND NAMES:
Provera
Generic Names:
Medroxyprogesterone acetate
Uses:
Treats absence of menstruation and uterine bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance, prevents overgrowth of the uterine lining in postmenopausal women taking conjugated estrogens, and prevents pregnancy (injections).
Therapeutic Classes:
Progestogen, progestogen-only contraceptive
Forms:
Tablet, injection
How it’s taken:
By mouth, injection
What is Medroxyprogesterone used for?
Medroxyprogesterone tablets treat secondary amenorrhea (lack of periods) and uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance. Medroxyprogesterone is also prescribed to prevent abnormal thickening of the uterine wall (endometrial hyperplasia) in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus who are taking conjugated estrogens.
Medroxyprogesterone injections are used as a hormonal contraceptive. These injections provide three months of pregnancy protection, but they are only used when other birth control methods aren’t adequate. Medroxyprogesterone contraception cannot safely be used for longer than two years.
What form(s) does Medroxyprogesterone come in
Tablet
2.5 mg
5 mg
10 mg
Injection
150 mg/mL
What are common Medroxyprogesterone doses?
For secondary amenorrhea: 5–10 mg tablet taken once daily for five to 10 days
For abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance in the absence of an organic cause: 5–10 mg tablet taken once daily for five to 10 days starting on day 16 or day 21 of the menstrual cycle
To prevent endometrial hyperplasia in women taking daily doses of conjugated estrogens: 5–10 mg tablet taken once daily for 12–14 consecutive days starting on day one or day 16 of the menstrual cycle
To prevent pregnancy: 150 mg intramuscular injection every three months
Common Medroxyprogesterone prescriptions
medroxyPROGESTERone Acetate
1ml of 150mg/ml syringemedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate
10mg tabletmedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate
2.5mg tabletmedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate
5mg tabletmedroxyPROGESTERone Acetate
1ml of 150mg/ml vial
How to take Medroxyprogesterone
Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.
Medroxyprogesterone is often taken only on specific days of the menstrual cycle.
Be clear on when to start and stop doses.
Use a dose schedule or smartphone app to help you remember when to start and stop.
Read and follow the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine.
Tablets can be taken with or without food.
Swallow tablets whole with a drink of water.
Women who cannot swallow the tablets can place them under the tongue to dissolve.
A healthcare professional will administer medroxyprogesterone injections.
Store medroxyprogesterone tablets at room temperature (68°F to 77°F).
What to do if you miss a dose of Medroxyprogesterone
Ask the prescriber how to manage missed doses.
The prescriber or clinic may have specific rules about when a missed dose can be taken.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Medroxyprogesterone contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you are pregnant or have:
Past allergic reactions to medroxyprogesterone
Abnormal genital bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor
Active blood clot problems such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
A history of blood clot problems (including heart attack or stroke)
Breast cancer or an abnormal reading on a mammogram
A history of breast cancer or other hormone-dependent cancers
Liver problems or a history of liver problems
Medroxyprogesterone warnings
Tell all healthcare professionals providing treatment that you are taking medroxyprogesterone.
Medroxyprogesterone may need to be discontinued several days before surgery or certain medical tests.
Prolonged bed rest or convalescence may also require discontinuation.
Before starting medroxyprogesterone, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
Kidney problems
Liver problems
Heart problems
High blood pressure
Asthma
Diabetes
Seizures
Migraines
Endometriosis
Parathyroid problems
High calcium
Lupus
Eating disorders
A family history of osteoporosis
Irregular or light periods
Depression or a history of depression
Tell the prescriber if you smoke or drink alcohol.
This medicine can cause serious side effects, including:
Loss of bone density
Blood clots, stroke, heart attack, retinal blood clots, or similar problems
Increased risk of breast cancer
Ectopic pregnancy
Liver problems
Bleeding problems
Seizures
Osteoporosis
Fluid retention
Depression
Dementia (when used with estrogen in women older than 65)
Long-term use (more than two years) of medroxyprogesterone could cause irreversible bone loss and bone weakening.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Be cautious about driving or operating machinery.
When used for contraception, medroxyprogesterone does not protect women from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Medroxyprogesterone interactions
Before starting medroxyprogesterone, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all the medications regularly used, particularly:
HIV/AIDS medications
Drugs that treat seizures
Antibiotics
Steroids
Bosentan, griseofulvin, St. John’s wort
Tell other healthcare professionals about taking medroxyprogesterone before they prescribe new medications.
Medroxyprogesterone side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect:
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Breast lumps
Sudden severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, problems with walking, speech, or eyesight, weakness, numbness in an arm or leg
Severe chest pain, dizziness, faintness, vomiting
Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood
Sudden partial or complete blindness
Severe calf pain, calf swelling
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Severe pain in the lower abdomen
New or worsening depression
Pain, pus, or bleeding at the injection site (injections)
Allergic reaction: Hives, swelling in the face, mouth, tongue, or neck, difficulty breathing
Less serious side effects
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
Weight gain
Stomach pain
Headache
Weakness
Tiredness
Nervousness
Dizziness
Bloating
Sources:
Medroxyprogesterone, StatPearls
Medroxyprogesterone acetate injection extended-release suspension prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Provera drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Provera medroxyprogesterone acetate tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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