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Medroxyprogesterone
Medroxyprogesterone is a prescription drug used for a number of different reasons, such as the treatment of irregular vaginal bleeding and the prevention of pregnancy. It comes in the form of a tablet and two types of injections. The drug works by replacing a certain hormone within the body. Breast tenderness, headache, and weight gain are some of the commonly reported side effects.
Medroxyprogesterone is a prescription hormone medication. 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®).
In oral form (tablet form), medroxyprogesterone is used to treat irregular vaginal bleeding and to restore regular menstrual periods in women who have not had a period for several months. It is also used in combination with estrogen in postmenopausal women who have a uterus (have not had a hysterectomy). It is added to estrogen therapy to reduce the risk of cancer of the uterus.
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.
Medroxyprogesterone is sometimes called medroxyprogesterone acetate, or MPA. The intramuscular injection is sometimes referred to as the "birth control shot."
(Click What Is Medroxyprogesterone Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD