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Overview: Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin hormone. The tablets are used to treat certain menstrual problems or prevent thickening of the uterine lining in postmenopausal women taking estrogen. The injection is used to prevent pregnancy or relieve pain from endometriosis. Common side effects include menstrual changes, nausea, and weight gain. Before using medroxyprogesterone, tell your health care provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, vision changes, or trouble speaking.

Uses

What is medroxyprogesterone used for?

Medroxyprogesterone is commonly used for the following conditions.

These uses may vary depending on the specific medroxyprogesterone product prescribed.

Medroxyprogesterone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does medroxyprogesterone work (mechanism of action)?

Medroxyprogesterone is a progestin hormone that helps balance the effect of estrogen in the body. This can have an impact on the lining of the uterus so it grows and sheds properly and does not become too thick. Some medroxyprogesterone products prevent pregnancy by stopping the growth and release of an egg from your ovaries and by thickening the mucus in your cervix to block sperm from reaching the uterus.

How is medroxyprogesterone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Provera

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg oral tablets

Medroxyprogesterone is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store medroxyprogesterone?

Oral Tablets. Medroxyprogesterone tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Store in a cool, dry place.

Injection. Medroxyprogesterone injections are usually given by a health care provider during an in-office visit. If you will store medroxyprogesterone injections at home, medroxyprogesterone injections should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. When storing the medroxyprogesterone vials, make sure to keep them in an upright position. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of medroxyprogesterone?

The most common side effects of medroxyprogesterone are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the specific medroxyprogesterone product or the condition being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Menstrual changes (see below) 
  • Nausea, stomach pain or discomfort, or bloating
  • Weight gain
  • Dizziness 
  • Weakness
  • Headaches, including migraine headaches
  • Tiredness
  • Nervousness
  • Decrease in sex drive 
  • Breast pain or tenderness 
  • Vaginal discharge or yeast infections
  • Acne
  • Hair loss
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site

There may be other side effects of medroxyprogesterone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of medroxyprogesterone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of medroxyprogesterone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Medroxyprogesterone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Weak Bones. Using medroxyprogesterone may cause your bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily. Tell your health care provider if you break a bone, and get a bone mineral density test if one is ordered for you.

Blood Clots. Medroxyprogesterone may cause a blood clot in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), in the back of your eye (retinal vein occlusion), or in your legs or arms (deep venous thrombosis). Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of a blood clot.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes
  • Double vision

Menstrual Changes. Medroxyprogesterone can cause your periods to become irregular, longer, and heavier. It can also cause frequent spotting or light bleeding between periods. For some people, periods will stop after using medroxyprogesterone for a while. Call your health care provider right away if bleeding remains heavier than usual or increases after it has been light or absent for a while.

Breast Cancer. You may be at a higher risk for breast cancer if you use medroxyprogesterone. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New lump in your breast or armpit
  • Changes in the size, shape, texture, or temperature of your breast
  • Nipple changes

Pregnancy Problems. If you get pregnant while using medroxyprogesterone, it can increase the risk of you having a pregnancy that is not in the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). As the fertilized egg grows, it can burst (rupture) and make it hard for you to get pregnant in the future or lead to life-threatening bleeding. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Upset stomach or vomiting
  • Sharp belly cramps 
  • Pain on one side of your body
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum
  • Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms

Depression. Medroxyprogesterone may cause changes in mood, including depression. Call your health care provider right away if you have new or increased depression or other unusual changes in mood or behavior. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking medroxyprogesterone. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Injection Site Reactions. Injectable medroxyprogesterone can cause lumps, skin dimpling, or pain at the site of the injection. Rotating where medroxyprogesterone is injected may decrease your risk for these things. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms at the injection site.

  • Persistent pain
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Skin is hot 
  • Pus

Seizures. Some people who have taken medroxyprogesterone have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking medroxyprogesterone and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use medroxyprogesterone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take medroxyprogesterone.

  • Depo-Provera
  • Depo-SubQ Provera
  • Medroxyprogesterone
  • Provera
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific medroxyprogesterone products they stock.

Blood Clots. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used if you have or had blood clots, including a stroke, heart attack, blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Medroxyprogesterone can increase the risk of having a blood clot that could be dangerous, even fatal.

Cancer. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used if you have, think you have, or had breast cancer or have or suspect a tumor or cancer that is sensitive to progesterone or estrogen. These conditions could worsen if you use medroxyprogesterone.

Liver Problems. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is working well enough to use this medicine.

Unusual Vaginal Bleeding. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used if you have bleeding from the uterus or vagina that is not part of the menstrual cycle or is abnormal.

Pregnancy. Do not use medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details

What should I know about medroxyprogesterone before using it?

Do not take medroxyprogesterone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share medroxyprogesterone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep medroxyprogesterone out of the reach of children.

Medroxyprogesterone does not protect you from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Medroxyprogesterone tablets are not usually taken every day. Depending on why you are taking it, your health care provider may have you take it for a limited number of days during the month. Consider using a calendar or an app to help you remember when to take it next.

Injectable medroxyprogesterone products are injected just under the skin or deep into the muscle every three months (every 12-14 weeks), depending on the product. Consider using a calendar or an app to help you remember when your next injection is. Expect your appointment to start medroxyprogesterone injection to be at a specific time of your menstrual period or within a certain time after having a baby. This helps to ensure you are not pregnant at the time of injection.

People who are 18 and younger may be at a greater risk of some side effects from injectable medroxyprogesterone. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your health care provider. They will use these appointments to check your blood pressure and other health care markers while using medroxyprogesterone. 

You should perform monthly self-breast exams and have regular pelvic exams (female exam), breast exams (done by a health care provider), and mammograms (X-ray to look closely at breast tissue) before taking medroxyprogesterone and during treatment with it. Follow your health care provider’s recommendations for these.

What should I tell my health care provider before using medroxyprogesterone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if medroxyprogesterone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bone disease, including osteoporosis or a strong family history of osteoporosis
  • Eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa
  • Breast problems, including fibroids, lumps, abnormal mammograms, or bleeding from nipples
  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Kidney, liver, heart, or thyroid problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Migraine
  • Asthma
  • Seizures
  • Diabetes or a family history of diabetes
  • Depression 
  • Irregular, light, or heavy periods

Smoking or Alcohol Use. Smoking and regular alcohol use can increase your risk of getting weak bones. Smoking can also increase your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Tell your health care provider if you smoke or drink alcohol before starting medroxyprogesterone.

Contact Lenses. Medroxyprogesterone may make it hard to wear contact lenses. Tell your health care provider if you have a sensitivity or intolerance to wearing them while using medroxyprogesterone.

Uterine Fibroids. If you have benign tumors (fibroids) in your uterus, medroxyprogesterone may cause them to get bigger. Some fibroids are small and cause no symptoms, while others may grow and cause problems. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Heavy, long, painful periods
  • Pain in the lower belly or back
  • Painful sex
  • Peeing often 
  • Discomfort in the rectum

Upcoming Surgery or Bed Rest. You may be at an increased risk for some side effects of medroxyprogesterone if you do not move around normally for an extended period of time. Tell your health care provider if you have any upcoming surgeries or need to be on bed rest. Your health care provider can tell you if or when you need to stop taking medroxyprogesterone.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Medroxyprogesterone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using medroxyprogesterone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Medroxyprogesterone should not be used during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using medroxyprogesterone, contact your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. Medroxyprogesterone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use medroxyprogesterone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does medroxyprogesterone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between medroxyprogesterone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect medroxyprogesterone, but heavy drinking can weaken your bones and increase your risk of heart disease. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does medroxyprogesterone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using medroxyprogesterone.

  • A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • Bosentan (Tracleer), which is a medicine used to treat a condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Griseofulvin (Fulvicin P/G, Gris-PEG, and others), which is a medicine used for certain fungal infections
  • Felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar XR, Trileptal), or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which are medicines used to control seizures 
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Topiramate (Qudexy XR, Topamax, Trokendi XR), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or prevent migraine
  • A medicine for HIV or AIDS
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of medroxyprogesterone and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with medroxyprogesterone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much medroxyprogesterone?

If you or someone else has used too much medroxyprogesterone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of medroxyprogesterone?

Oral Tablets. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss a dose and are not sure what to do, call your health care provider.

Injection. Medroxyprogesterone injection may not work as it should to prevent pregnancy if you miss a shot or wait longer than 14 weeks between shots. If you miss an appointment, call your health care provider right away to reschedule. Ask your health care provider if and for how long you should use backup birth control (such as a condom).

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