Provera is the brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate. It's a derivative of the female hormone, progesterone, which functions to prepare the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg, to maintain pregnancy and to promote the growth of breasts. Provera treats abnormal bleeding of the uterus that's caused by an imbalance of hormones and amenorrhea -- the absence of menstruation. It's also used to prevent uterine cancer in post-menopausal women taking estrogen. Provera's side effects range from minor reactions to serious complications.
Menstrual Irregularities
Although Provera treats bleeding conditions, it may make you bleed or spot between menstrual periods. Your menstrual flow may become lighter or heavier. Provera may also stop your periods altogether or cause you to have irregular menstrual cycles. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," more than 5 percent of premarketing clinical trial participants reported experiencing menstrual irregularities.
Gynecological and Urinary Problems
According to the physician's prescribing information, Provera may cause vaginal infections, which are more likely to occur if you are also taking the hormone estrogen. These infections may be bacterial or fungal and may be treated with antibiotics and antifungals, respectively. Provera may potentially cause vaginitis, which is inflammation of the vagina; vaginal discharge; and urinary tract infections. These reactions occurred in 1 to 5 percent of premarketing clinical trial participants.
Mental Changes and Headache
Provera may make you irritable, depressed, nervous or dizzy. It may also trigger a migraine headache. These side effects occurred in more than 5 percent of premarketing clinical trial participants.
Sexual and Dermatological Problems
Provera may affect your sex drive and your ability to enjoy sex. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," 1 to 5 percent of clinical trial participants reported a decrease in their overall sex drive and the inability to reach orgasm during sex. Breast pain, acne, rash and hair loss were also reported by study participants.
Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke and Cancer
Pfizer notes that according to the results of The Women's Health Initiative estrogen plus progestin substudy, a significant increase in risk of heart attack and stroke occurs if you are post-menopausal and taking estrogen in conjunction with Provera. This study lasted 5 1/2 years and included 16,608 post-menopausal women from 50 to 79 years of age. The study also showed an increased risk of invasive breast cancer.
Risk of Blood Clots/Dementia
The Women's Health Initiative Study also showed an increase in the risk of deep vein thrombosis -- a condition involving blood clots in a deep vein -- and pulmonary embolism -- a traveling clot that blocks the lungs -- in post-menopausal women taking medroxyprogesterone and estrogen concurrently. Another substudy, the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study, which included 4532 post-menopausal women 65 years of age or older, showed an increased risk of dementia.
References
- Pfizer: Provera Physician's Prescribing Information
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles Lacy, Lora Armstrong, Morton Goldman, Leonard Lance; 2008
