Medroxyprogesterone (
Provera®,
Depo-Provera®,
depo-subQ Provera 104®) is a prescription hormone medication. It is sometimes called medroxyprogesterone acetate, or MPA. It is a synthetic form of progesterone, a hormone that is naturally made by the body.
Medroxyprogesterone is available in several forms, including:
- A tablet (Provera)
- An intramuscular injection (Depo-Provera)
- A subcutaneous injection (depo-subQ Provera 104).
The tablet form is used to treat irregular vaginal bleeding and restore menstrual periods in women who have not had a period in several months. It can also be used as part of
hormone replacement therapy (
HRT) in certain women.
Injectable forms of medroxyprogesterone are used as long-acting birth control. They are given once every three months.
Medroxyprogesterone subcutaneous injection is also used to relieve the pain from endometriosis. The intramuscular injection is approved to relieve symptoms of advanced endometrial cancer and
kidney cancer.
Most people are able to use medroxyprogesterone without any problems, but side effects are possible and may include
headaches, breast pain, and weight gain.
(For more information about medroxyprogesterone acetate, including how it works, other potential side effects, and dosing guidelines, click Medroxyprogesterone.)
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