Provera tablet, containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, is a prescription medicine used to treat menstrual abnormalities, and secondary amenorrhea, and is also used as a contraceptive. It is a derivative of the female hormone, progesterone and is used in hormone replacement therapies and for the treatment of uterine cancer.
Provera tablet
Provera, a generic medroxyprogesterone acetate tablet, is an FDA-approved medicine belonging to the drug class of Antineoplastics or Progestin. Provera is a scored tablet and works by inhibiting gonadotrophin hormone which thus inhibits follicular maturation and ovulation. The rapidly growing endometrium is converted into secretory endometrium.
Provera tablet is administered orally while aqueous medroxyprogesterone is used parenterally.
- Marketed by:
Pfizer
- Salt:
Medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Drug Class:
Antineoplastic
- Product Form:
Oral tablet
What is the Provera tablet’s strength?
The Provera tablet is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg strengths.
Provera tablet uses
Provera tablet is prescribed for a number of conditions including;
- Abnormal uterine bleeding: Provera treats menstrual abnormalities including irregular periods, frequent menstruation, painful periods, and heavy bleeding.
- Secondary amenorrhea: Hormonal imbalance resulting in absence of menstruation without pregnancy is also treated by Provera tablet.
- Reduce menopause symptoms: Progestin derivative, Provera tablet, when combined with estrogen in hormone replacement therapy prevents the symptoms of menopause such as depression and hot flashes.
- Endometriosis: Hormonal irregularities may result in tissue growth similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus. Provera is used in the treatment of mild to moderate endometriosis.
- Renal carcinoma: Provera corrects the hormonal irregularities and imparts an inhibitory effect on the proliferating cells, thus used in the treatment of cancer.
What is the price of the Provera tablet in Pakistan?
The price of Provera tablets in Pakistan ranges between 80-96 PKR / tablet. The price may vary depending on the strength and manufacturer of the tablet.
How to take Provera tablet?
- Take the tablet as and when recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take the tablet with water before or after meals.
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose of the medicine.
- Consult a gynecologist after completing the recommended regime.
- Avoid withdrawing the medicine on your own or taking medicine longer than the prescribed time.
- Take medicine at the same time every day to get the maximum effect.
Dosage of Provera tablet
Take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor for the medical condition being treated. The dose depends on the medical condition intended to be treated using Provera.
- Amenorrhea – The usual dose of Provera tablet for the diagnosis of secondary amenorrhea is up to 10mg per day for 3-7 days.
- Endometriosis – For endometriosis, 30mg per day for 90 consecutive days, beginning on the first day of the menstrual cycle is usually prescribed.
What are the side effects of the Provera tablet?
Possible side effects associated with the use of Provera tablet include;
- Immune system disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Nutritive disorders
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Visual impairments
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Vascular issues
- Ance, rash, hair growth
Contact the best gynecologist immediately if any of these conditions appear to avoid serious life-threatening complications.
Interactions of Provera with other medicines
Inform the doctor about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines that you are taking before using the Provera tablet as significant drug interactions can cause adverse effects.
Provera tablet can interact with drugs including;
- Antiepileptics like phenytoin
- Drugs affecting the liver metabolism
- Rifampin
- Ketoconazole
It is recommended to discuss with the doctor if you have recently taken any vaccination, or hormone therapy, or have any underlying medical condition such as breast cancer.
Warnings and precautions associated with Provera use
The precautions and warnings involving the use of Provera tablets include;
- Discontinue the medicine if you feel severe headaches, cough up blood, experience difficulty in coordination, or faintness.
- The tablet is not recommended for patients with liver damage, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or hypertension.
- The laboratory tests including glucose tolerance tests, estrogen levels, and progesterone levels may be affected following the use of the Provera tablet.
- Avoid using the medicine in patients at risk of developing blood clots, or thrombosis.
- Patients with a history of depression should be monitored carefully following the use of the Provera tablet.
- The medicine may result in weight gain, hence careful monitoring is required in obese patients.
Is it safe to use Provera tablets during pregnancy?
Provera tablets are strictly contraindicated in pregnancy and are placed in pregnancy category X (contraindicated).
The use of progesterone derivative in pregnant women results in fetal abnormalities and miscarriage.
The tablet is excreted in breast milk but little evidence is present indicating the risk in breastfeeding infants.
What are the effects of Provera overdose?
Acute and chronic toxicity of Provera can lead to various complications including;
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
Consult the gynecologist immediately if any of the overdosage symptoms occur to prevent any life-threatening event.
Missed Provera dose
Take the medicine according to the prescribed dosing schedule. However, if you miss a dose, it is recommended to take the dose as soon as you remember. In case, the time of the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and take the upcoming dose as per the schedule.
What are the available alternatives to the Provera tablet in Pakistan?
Medicines with generic medroxyprogesterone can be used as an alternative to Provera. They include;
- Curretab
- Amen
- Cyscrin
How to store a Provera tablet?
- Store the tablet in a cool place
- Store the medicine in a dry place and away from sunlight
- Keep the medicines out of the reach of the children
FAQs
1. Is Provera a birth control?
Provera tablet can prevent pregnancy but it is not used as a contraceptive as they can not inhibit ovulation for a long time. It is recommended to use other birth control methods despite being on Provera for any medical condition.
2. Can you use Provera for PCOS?
Provera tablet is used to regulate menstrual abnormalities and can induce periods delayed due to ovarian cysts. However, it does not treat the underlying cause of PCOS.
3. How do you feel after taking the Provera tablet?
Provera tablets can make you feel drowsy and induce symptoms such as breast tenderness, weight gain, change in vaginal discharge, or mood swings.
Disclaimer: The content published on Marham.pk is for informational or educational purposes only, produced from FDA-approved literature, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using a prescription or over-the-counter drug, or any other treatment option.