Drug Name

Provera (Medroxyprogesterone)

Drug Uses

Provera is used for treating certain menstrual problems or uterine problems (e.g., abnormal bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Provera as directed by your doctor.

• Take Provera by mouth with or without food.
• Take Provera at the same time every day, with doses not more than 24 hours apart.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Provera is a progestin hormone. It works by altering the lining of the uterus.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Provera, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

: Store Provera at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Provera out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Provera if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Provera;
• you have vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, or if you have a history of blood clots, bleeding in the brain (e.g., stroke), liver problems, or breast or genital cancer.
• you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• Provera may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Provera with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Provera may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths.
• Diabetes patients - Provera may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Provera should not be used in chidren; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Provera if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Provera is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Provera , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• acne; changes in menstrual flow, including breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or missed periods; dizziness; drowsiness; fever; headache; hot flashes; nausea; nervousness; pain; rash; sleeplessness; stomach pain; weakness; weight gain or loss.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; depression; lumps in the breast or under the armpits; partial or complete loss of vision or changes in vision; shortness of breath; slurred speech; sudden loss of coordination; sudden or severe headache; swelling of fingers or ankles; tenderness, pain, or swelling of the calf; weakness, numbness, or pain in the arms or legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Provera is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.