What is Provera: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Provera overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Provera, Provera

Generic Names:

  • Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

Uses:

  • Treats menstruation problems caused by a hormone imbalance. Prevents overgrowth of the uterine lining in women who are taking estrogen.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent, Contraceptive, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Provera used for?

What form(s) does Provera come in

  • Tablet

What are common Provera doses?

  • Tablet 2.5MG

  • Tablet 5MG

  • Tablet 10MG

Common Provera prescriptions

  • Provera
    1 tablets bottle

  • Provera
    10mg tablet

  • Provera
    2.5mg tablet

  • Provera
    5mg tablet

How to take Provera

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Provera

Provera contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone, if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor, or a history of breast cancer or blood clots.

Provera warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, endometriosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lupus, porphyria, migraines, thyroid problems, or a history of seizures or cancer. Tell your doctor if you smoke.

  • This medicine may increase your risk for the following: Blood clots, which could lead to stroke or heart attackDementia (when used with estrogen in women older than 65)Breast or endometrial cancer (when used with estrogen)

  • Tell any doctor who treats you that you use this medicine. You may need to stop taking it before you have surgery or if you need to be on bedrest.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

  • Yellow skin or eyes

Provera interactions

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, endometriosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lupus, porphyria, migraines, thyroid problems, or a history of seizures or cancer. Tell your doctor if you smoke.

  • This medicine may increase your risk for the following: Blood clots, which could lead to stroke or heart attackDementia (when used with estrogen in women older than 65)Breast or endometrial cancer (when used with estrogen)

  • Tell any doctor who treats you that you use this medicine. You may need to stop taking it before you have surgery or if you need to be on bedrest.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Provera side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Loss of vision, blurred vision

  • Severe or unusual vaginal bleeding

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with speech or walking, pain in your lower leg (calf)

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Breast lump, pain, or tenderness

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Yellow skin or eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Light vaginal bleeding or spotting

  • Mild stomach pain or cramps

  • Depression, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping

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