Frequently Asked Questions
What is Provera?
Provera is a synthetic progestogen that helps delay your period for up to 17 days. It works by keeping your hormone levels high, which prevents menstruation until you stop taking the tablets, allowing hormone levels to drop. This is commonly used by women who want to postpone their period for events like holidays or special occasions. When taken three times a day, starting three days before your period is due, Provera effectively stops all period symptoms, including bleeding, until the course ends. Most women will get their period about three days after stopping Provera.
Who is Provera for?
Provera is suitable for women who don’t use hormonal contraception or cannot use norethisterone due to an increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism, VTE). Risk factors for VTE include being overweight, smoking, having a family history of blood clots, limited mobility, or recent surgery. Provera should be used only for one-time period delays, not as a regular method of preventing periods. If you experience heavy or painful periods, speak to your doctor for other treatment options.
How does Provera work?
Provera is a synthetic version of progesterone. It keeps progesterone levels high during your cycle, which prevents menstrual bleeding. Once you stop taking the tablets, progesterone levels drop, triggering the start of your period. Although Provera is not officially licensed for period delay, it has been proven safe and effective through clinical trials.
Choosing Between Provera and Utovlan
Both Provera and Utovlan are effective in delaying periods. However, Utovlan can increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women who smoke, are overweight, or are over 35. For these women, Provera may be a safer choice. If you are under 35 and have used Utovlan without side effects, it may still be prescribed for you.
What is the Provera Dosage?
Provera is taken orally, and the dosage depends on how long you want to delay your period. Start taking Provera three days before your period is due. Take 10 mg three times a day. Your period should begin about three days after your last tablet. Note that once your period starts, Provera will not stop further bleeding.
What are the ingredients in Provera?
Provera Tablets contain the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate. Other ingredients include lactose monohydrate, sucrose, maize starch, liquid paraffin, talc, calcium stearate, and purified water.
What are the side effects of Provera?
Like all medications, Provera can cause side effects, although they are not common. Some possible side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Spotting or unusual vaginal bleeding
- Sleep difficulties
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Rash
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
In rare cases, Provera can cause severe allergic reactions. If you experience facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or other severe symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
Who should not take Provera?
Provera is not suitable for all women. Do not take Provera if you:
- Have a history of breast cancer
- Have or have had blood clots (venous or arterial)
- Have liver problems
Consult your doctor before using Provera if you have conditions like epilepsy, migraines, asthma, heart or kidney issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or if you’ve had recent surgery.
Can I take Provera with other medications?
Provera may not work as well if taken with certain medications. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Provera if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies.
Can I take Provera if I am pregnant?
Provera is not suitable during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take Provera. Additionally, Provera is not a contraceptive, so use another form of contraception while taking it.
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