Provera
Medroxyprogesterone
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Provera
Provera is a progestin hormone and it acts by altering the lining of the uterus.
Therapeutic Uses of Provera
Provera is used for treatment of certain uterine problems like abnormal bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia etc. and also in treatment of certain menstrual problems. It can also be used in other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Provera
Take Provera as directed by your doctor or take it by mouth with food or without food. Take it once a day but doses not more than 24 hours apart and you should take it at the same time every day. If you have any other question about Provera you should consult your doctor or other health care provider.
If You Miss a Dose of Provera
If you miss a dose of Provera, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
How to Store Provera
Provera should be stored at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F or 20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a tightly closed container. Keep Provera out of the reach of children.
More Information About Provera
Provera is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share Provera with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Provera
Do not take Provera if you have any medical problem listed below and consult your doctor or other health care provider right away:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Provera.
- If you are women and you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
- If you have vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, or if you have a history of blood clots, bleeding in the brain (cerebral stroke), liver problems, breast cancer or genital cancer.
Important notes on Provera:
- Provera may cause drowsiness and dizziness. These drowsiness and dizziness may be worse if you take it with alcohol or with certain medicines. Use Provera with caution. Do not drive or perform other unsafe tasks that need constant attention and monitoring, until you know how you react to Provera.
- Provera may cause dark skin patches on your face due to sensitivity to sunlight. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing while going out to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths.
- In diabetes patients Provera may affect your blood sugar level. You should check blood sugar levels regularly. Ask your doctor if you need to change (increase) the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Provera should not be used in chidren as safety and effectiveness of Provera in children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: Do not use Provera if you are pregnant. If you think you are pregnant, consult your doctor right away. Provera is found in breast milk and if you are breast feeding or will be breast feeding while you are using Provera, consult your doctor or other health care provider to discuss the risks to your baby due to Provera.
Possible Adverse Effects of Provera
Consult your doctor if you experience any common and less serious side effect and if they become bothersome or persistent. The following are the common side effects of Provera:
- Acne, nausea, headache, dizziness, changes in menstrual flow (including breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or missed periods), drowsiness, fever, hot flashes, nervousness, skin rash, sleeplessness, stomach pain, generalized weakness, weight gain or loss.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects of Provera. The following are the serious side effects of Provera:
- Severe allergic reaction (symptoms of allergic reaction are skin rash, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain, depression, lumps in the breast; partial or complete loss of vision or changes in vision; shortness of breath; slurred speech; sudden loss of coordination, severe headache, swelling of fingers, swelling of ankles; tenderness, pain, or swelling of the calf; generalized weakness, numbness, or pain in the arms or legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes.