Medroxyprogesterone

Generic name: medroxyprogesterone (oral) [ me-DROX-ee-proe-JES-ter-one ]
Brand name: Provera
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 2.5 mg; 5 mg)
Drug classes:Contraceptives, Hormones / antineoplastics, Progestins

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on May 17, 2022.

What is medroxyprogesterone?

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are used to treat abnormal menstrual bleeding, absent or irregular menstrual periods (amenorrhea) and to prevent thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) in postmenopausal women who are taking estrogen hormone replacement therapy. Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin hormone.

Warnings

You should not use medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, a history of stroke or blood clot, or abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.

Medroxyprogesterone should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia. This medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Long-term use of medroxyprogesterone may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone, or if you have:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;