Ships from the UK with tracking.

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) tablets supply the body with the female hormone progestin and see a range of uses in pre- and post-menopausal women; in some circumstances it may be used to help treat certain conditions in men. It is often used in combination with other medications, most commonly estrogen.

Note that this medication is known to cause birth defects and passes through breast milk. Do not take Provera if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Provera Therapy

Provera sees the widest range of use in pre-menopausal women. The medication is a highly effective contraceptive when given via depot-injection; this procedure is done in a doctor's office. In tablet form Provera is useful in:

• Promoting regular periods in women experiencing irregular periods
• Restoring regular periods in cases of amenorrhea (absent periods)
• Reducing pain in dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• Stopping abnormal uterine bleeding
• Reducing risk of endometrial hyperplasia (tissue growing outside the uterus)

In the above conditions, treatment typically consists of taking 5 to 10 mg per day for 5 to 10 days during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Withdrawal bleeding may occur 3 to 7 days after treatment stops.

In post-menopausal women who have a uterus, Provera may be used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when an estrogen is being taken; taking both an estrogen and a progestin like Provera is called combination therapy. Women who have a uterus have a significantly higher incidence of cancer if taking estrogen without also taking progestin. If the uterus has been removed a progestin is not necessary. A doctor should be consulted for use of Provera in HRT; dosage is dependent on the amount of estrogen being taken as well as other factors.

Provera does see some other, less common uses as well, such as combating some types of hormone-dependent cancer. In men it is sometimes used to help inhibit sexual urges.

The medication can be taken with or without food. In all uses, effects are best if it's taken at the same time each day. Missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered. Provera should be stored at room temperature and not exposed to sunlight or moisture.

Precautions & Side Effects

Provera can cause complications in individuals with certain medical conditions. Discuss risks with a doctor before starting treatment if there is a history of:

• Miscarriage
• High blood pressure
• Mental illness
• Fluid retention
• Gallbladder or pancreas ailments
• Seizures
• Liver or kidney impairment
• Stroke
• Heart problems
• Vision problems
• Diabetes
• Blood clots
• Cancer, especially breast cancer, including family history

Patients who smoke or who are significantly overweight are at increased risk of experiencing serious complications such as blood clots and stroke. This risk increases with age.

Provera may interact with other medications, which may reduce the effectiveness of one or more of the medications involved. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.

Some people do experience side effects from Provera. Usually these symptoms are mild and often transient. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Spotting
• Bloating
• Acne
• Tender breasts
• Cramps
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nervousness
• Lightheadedness

The above side effects are not cause for concern unless they become severe enough to be disruptive. If they do, check with a doctor.

As mentioned above, this medication is known to cause birth defects if taken while pregnant.

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) is a birth control method for women that involves injecting the medication every three to four months. Women who use Depo-Provera correctly are 99% protected from pregnancy, though the medication does not protect from sexually-transmitted diseases at all; some patients will want to use condoms as well.

Less commonly this product is used as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to treat certain types of cancer, and to help treat abnormal uterine bleeding. With the exception of cancer and birth control, most patients use this product in tablet form, which can be found here.

Note that there are two types of injectable Depo-Provera, which some patients might find a little confusing:

• Depo-Provera is the classic version of this medication, and what is sold on this page. It is injected intramuscularly, or into a muscle.
• Depo-SubQ Provera 104 is a lighter-dose version of the medication. It is injected subcutaneously, or into tissue right below the skin.

The product on this page is Depo-Provera, injected intramuscularly. Both medications offer similar benefits and have similar risks.

Depo-Provera should be stored at room temperature. It does not need to be refrigerated.

Preventing Pregnancy

Depo-Provera's most widespread use is as a birth control agent. All it takes is one shot every 12 weeks, or three months. This method of birth control is convenient and discreet; no need to remember to take tablets every day or packages of pills laying around. Of course, patients will need to remember to inject the medication every three months.

The medication prevents ovulation and increases the thickness of cervical mucous. Combined these effects make it very difficult for sperm to pass the cervix and, if a few do, they won't find an egg to fertilize. Used as directed, it is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. In practice, since many women don't get the next injection right on time, it's closer to 94% effective.

Depo-Provera injections are usually administered in a health care setting by a doctor or nurse. Those who wish to use Depo-Provera at home must be sure it's injected intramuscularly; common sites include the thigh, hip, and buttocks. Thighs and buttocks are most common for self-administration; another person may be needed to inject it into the hip. Those who aren't sure about intramuscular injections should have it demonstrated by a doctor or do some research before attempting it.

Before the injection hands should be thoroughly washed and dried and all materials needed should be gathered:

• Medication and syringe
• Alcohol pads
• Bandages

Disinfect the site with an alcohol pad, and after the injection use pressure and a bandage to stop any bleeding and prevent infection.

Administration may vary to some extent in patients who are significantly overweight or underweight. In the majority of otherwise healthy patients:

• Administer 150 mg (1 mL) intramuscularly.
• Vials or pre-filled syringes should be shaken vigorously right before use.
• Repeat treatment every 12 to 13 weeks for as long as pregnancy is undesirable.

If pregnancy does become desirable, it should be possible three to four months after the last injection. In some cases it may take up to two years. There's no evidence suggesting that the longer the shot is used the longer it will take to get pregnant after stopping.

Treating Cancer

In cancer, Depo-Provera is usually used to treat endometrial cancer, which starts in the lining of the uterus and is most common in post-menopausal women, or renal cell carcinoma, which starts in the lining of small tubes in the kidneys and is relatively common in elderly men.

Treatment in both cases is similar:

• Administer 400 mg to 1000 mg intramuscularly.
• Repeat weekly for as long as a doctor recommends.

Other medications are usually given along with Depo-Provera; it's rare that Depo-Provera will be the only, or even the primary, treatment. However it can help significantly in stabilizing the disease, buying time for other medications to work or until the patient can undergo surgery.

Potential Complications

Depo-Provera can cause bone loss and it should be used with caution in individuals who have osteoporosis.

This product does nothing to prevent acquiring or spreading STDs.

Side effects are typically mild, though some may grow worse with continued use of the medication. Side effects include:

• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Nervousness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Appetite changes
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Hair loss
• Growth of facial and body hair (in both genders)
• Loss of bone density

Menstrual changes are the most common side effect by far; many women have spotting or irregular periods. About half of women stop having periods altogether. This will reverse when treatment ends.