Provera
In brief
- In our pharmacy, you can buy Provera without a prescription, with delivery in 9–21 days throughout the United Kingdom. Discreet and anonymous packaging.
- Provera is used for menstrual disorders (abnormal uterine bleeding, secondary amenorrhoea), endometrial hyperplasia in women taking oestrogen, and as an injectable contraceptive; it is a synthetic progestogen (medroxyprogesterone acetate) that acts as a progesterone receptor agonist, converting the endometrium to a secretory state, opposing oestrogen effects and at contraceptive doses suppressing ovulation and gonadotropin secretion.
- Usual dosage: oral tablets commonly 5–10 mg daily for 5–10 days for abnormal bleeding or 5–10 mg daily for 12–14 consecutive days/month with oestrogen therapy; tablet strengths include 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg; contraceptive injections are Depo‑Provera 150 mg IM every 3 months or Sayana Press 104 mg SC every 3 months.
- The form of administration is oral tablets and intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (prefilled syringes or vials for IM/SQ use).
- Onset time: oral effects on bleeding may be seen within 24–72 hours; injectable contraception is effective immediately if given in the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle, otherwise additional contraception is needed for 7 days.
- Duration of action: oral dosing requires daily administration for as long as treatment is needed; injectable formulations provide contraceptive protection for approximately 12–13 weeks (about 3 months) per dose.
- Alcohol warning: avoid excessive alcohol—alcohol can worsen side effects such as drowsiness, mood changes and may increase hepatic risk; use alcohol with caution while taking Provera.
- The most common side effect is menstrual irregularities (spotting, breakthrough bleeding or amenorrhoea); other frequent effects include weight gain, headache, breast tenderness and mood changes.
- Would you like to try Provera without a prescription?
Legal status and availability in the UK
Provera is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, Provera is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Basic Provera information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Provera (tablets); generic medroxyprogesterone acetate. Related injectable contraceptives: Depo‑Provera 150 mg/mL and Sayana Press 104 mg
- ATC code: G03DA02
- Forms and dosages: tablets 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Pfizer
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: authorised by the MHRA; prescription-only medicine (POM)
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is commonly prescribed for menstrual problems, as the progestogen in HRT and, in injectable form, for long‑acting contraception.
- How soon will my bleeding change? Spotting or irregular bleeding can begin within the first cycle of tablet use and may stabilise with repeated courses.
- Will I gain weight or get low mood? Weight gain and mood changes are reported side effects; discuss monitoring and prescriber review with a pharmacist or GP.
- How long until fertility returns after Depo‑Provera? Fertility return can be delayed after the last injection and varies between individuals.
- Is the injection painful and what about the site? Injection‑site reactions are common; mild soreness or bruising is expected for a few days.
- What if I miss an oral dose? Take the dose the same day if remembered; do not double up if the next dose is nearly due.
| Common concern | Advice |
|---|---|
| Irregular bleeding | Expect a changing pattern; see the GP for persistent undiagnosed bleeding. |
| Weight/mood changes | Keep a symptom diary and speak to the prescriber if severe. |
| Fertility after Depo‑Provera | Return to fertility may be delayed; discuss family planning options. |
What Provera is — active substance, classification and forms
INN and pharmacological class
The International Nonproprietary Name is medroxyprogesterone acetate. The ATC code is G03DA02 and the drug belongs to the progestogen class. Progestogens are used in hormonal therapy for menstrual disorders, contraception and hormone replacement therapy.
Tablets versus injectables
Tablets and injectables are distinct products with different clinical uses, doses and monitoring needs. Provera tablets are for menstrual control and endometrial protection in HRT, while injectables such as Depo‑Provera (150 mg/mL, intramuscular) and Sayana Press (104 mg, subcutaneous) are established contraceptive options.
- What it is: A progestogen medicine called medroxyprogesterone acetate.
- What it treats: Abnormal uterine bleeding, secondary amenorrhoea, endometrial protection during HRT and, for injectables, contraception.
- Prescription status: Prescription-only medicine (POM).
Indications
Licensed indications (oral and injectable)
For secondary amenorrhoea and abnormal uterine bleeding oral tablets are used with 5 or 10 mg daily for 5–10 days, usually started around day 16 or day 21 of the cycle.
For endometrial protection during oestrogen therapy the tablet regimen is 5 or 10 mg daily for 12–14 consecutive days each month.
Injectable Depo‑Provera and Sayana Press are licensed contraceptives given every three months.
Off‑label and specialist uses
Specialist gynaecology teams use medroxyprogesterone acetate for short‑term endometrial suppression and in some regimens to prevent endometrial hyperplasia when combined with oestrogen. Use in children is not routine and requires specialist dosing and oversight.
When to see a doctor
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or any signs suggesting malignancy.
- A history of thromboembolism, suspected pregnancy or significant liver disease.
- Severe mood changes or new breast lumps.
Dosage forms and strengths
Provera tablets are available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. Pack colour and tablet shape vary between manufacturers.
Injectables are supplied as vials or prefilled syringes: Depo‑Provera 150 mg/mL and Sayana Press 104 mg in 0.65 mL syringes. Many patients receive the injection at a GP practice, sexual health clinic or private clinic.
| Form | Strengths |
|---|---|
| Tablet (oral) | 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg |
| Injection (IM, SC) | 150 mg/mL, 104 mg |
Practical dosing regimens and administration tips
| Indication | Typical dose |
|---|---|
| Abnormal uterine bleeding | 5–10 mg daily for 5–10 days |
| Endometrial protection (HRT) | 5–10 mg daily for 12–14 days per month |
| Contraception (injectable) | 150 mg IM every 3 months or 104 mg SC every 3 months |
Injectable contraception is repeated every 12–13 weeks; if the next injection is late, backup contraception may be needed.
- Tablets may be taken with or without food and doses should not be doubled if missed close to the next dose.
- If an injectable is late, arrange administration as soon as possible and use backup barrier contraception per clinic guidance.
- Injection‑site care: expect mild soreness and avoid vigorous activity on the day of injection.
Missed doses, overdose and storage
Missed oral dose
Take the missed dose as soon as remembered if still the same day. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double up.
Missed injection
Arrange the injection as soon as possible and follow clinic advice about backup contraception, which is commonly recommended if injections are delayed.
Storage and overdose
Tablets should be stored at or below 25–30°C and kept away from children. Injectables should be stored at 15–30°C, protected from light and never frozen.
An overdose can be harmful. It is rare but may cause nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness or drowsiness; seek medical help promptly (NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency) if significant symptoms occur.
Absolute contraindications
Provera must not be used by patients with known hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone acetate or any excipient.
It must also not be used with active or prior thromboembolic disease, suspected or diagnosed breast or genital malignancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, significant liver dysfunction or pregnancy.
See a doctor urgently for a new unilateral breast lump, jaundice, unexplained weight loss or persistent severe headaches, and if pregnancy cannot be ruled out before starting a progestogen regimen.
Common side effects, monitoring and managing adverse effects
Frequent mild/moderate side effects
Expect menstrual irregularities including spotting or amenorrhoea, weight gain, headache, breast tenderness, bloating, nausea and mood changes. Injectables may also cause injection‑site reactions such as soreness or bruising.
Serious adverse events
Suspected thromboembolism, severe or new‑onset depression, significant mood disorder or signs suggesting malignancy require immediate GP review, and the medicine should be stopped if advised by a prescriber.
Long‑term monitoring considerations
Long‑term use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate is associated with bone density concerns, and patients on repeat injections should have regular review, especially beyond two years of continuous use.
Mild side effects can be treated symptomatically; persistent problems warrant prescriber review. Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the Yellow Card scheme.
| Mild/moderate | Serious |
|---|---|
| Spotting, amenorrhoea, weight change, headache, breast tenderness | Thromboembolism, severe depression, suspected malignancy |
Drug interactions and special populations
Enzyme inducers and efficacy implications
Hepatic enzyme inducers such as some antiepileptics and rifampicin may reduce the efficacy of progestogens, and alternative contraception or additional precautions should be considered.
Liver disease, pregnancy and elderly cautions
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is metabolised hepatically, so it should be avoided or specialist advice sought in significant liver impairment. It should not be used in confirmed pregnancy. Elderly patients require caution because of increased thromboembolic and dementia risks and need close monitoring.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding decisions should balance benefits and risks, taking into account that systemic exposure via oral progestogens is generally limited; specialist advice is advised when uncertain.
Alternatives and how to choose between progestogens
Alternatives include norethisterone, drospirenone, micronised progesterone, levonorgestrel and dydrogesterone. The choice depends on indication, side‑effect profile, comorbidities such as cardiovascular risk or bone health, and dosing convenience. For contraception, reliability versus reversibility and the bone density considerations with long‑term injectables should be weighed.
| Alternative | Key pros/cons |
|---|---|
| Norethisterone | Useful for bleeding control; different side‑effect profile from medroxyprogesterone. |
| Micronised progesterone | Often used in HRT with a different tolerability profile; dosing differs. |
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Norwich | England | 9–21 days |
