Provera tablets contain Medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, which can be used to delay your period. This option is useful for women who need to postpone their period due to inconvenient timing, helping to reduce stress and allow for a more enjoyable experience. Taken three times a day before your period is due, Provera effectively stops menstrual symptoms, including bleeding, until you finish the course. Your period will typically start within three days after the last tablet. Note that Provera is not a contraceptive, so you should use additional protection, like condoms, to prevent pregnancy. If your period doesn’t start after stopping Provera, consider taking a pregnancy test.
Dr Sarah Thornton MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction
GP, Medical coach
What are Provera 10mg tablets?
Provera tablets contain the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone, and can be used occasionally to delay your period. This option is particularly helpful for women who find their period is due at an inconvenient time, allowing them to avoid stress and enjoy events without the worry of menstruation.
When taken three times a day before your period is due, Provera effectively stops all period symptoms, including bleeding, until the course is completed, with most women experiencing their period around three days after the last tablet. It’s important to note that Provera is not a contraceptive and will not protect against pregnancy, so additional barrier methods like condoms should be used. If unprotected sex occurs while using Provera and your period does not arrive, a pregnancy test is recommended. Provera can also be used to manage heavy, painful, irregular, or absent periods, as well as mild to moderate endometriosis. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
What is the active ingredient in Provera 10mg tablets?
The active substance is medroxyprogesterone acetate. Each tablet contains 10mg medroxyprogesterone acetate.
What are Provera 10mg tablets used for?
Provera is used for several purposes related to menstrual and reproductive health. It can be prescribed to:
Delay periods: Provera can be taken to postpone menstruation for events or occasions where having a period would be inconvenient.
Manage heavy periods: Provera helps reduce excessive menstrual bleeding.
Alleviate painful periods: It is used to relieve discomfort associated with menstruation.
Regulate irregular periods: Provera can help in making menstrual cycles more regular or manage periods that are more frequent than normal.
Treat absence of periods: It is used to induce menstruation in women who have missed periods (amenorrhea).
Treat mild to moderate endometriosis: Provera is used to manage endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it, causing pain and other symptoms.
Always consult with a doctor to ensure Provera is appropriate for your condition.
How do Provera 10mg tablets work?
Provera, a synthetic form of progesterone, works by maintaining artificially high levels of progesterone during your menstrual cycle, which prevents menstrual bleeding. When you stop taking Provera, these progesterone levels drop, triggering your period to start.
It's important to note that using Provera to delay your period is considered an 'off-label' use. This means that while Provera is not specifically licensed for period delay, it is licensed for other medical conditions and has undergone clinical trials. There is strong evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety when used to delay periods. We only provide medical treatments that are registered and approved in the UK, ensuring that even off-label uses like this are based on solid clinical evidence.
How do you take Provera 10mg tablets?
Always take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are unsure about anything, consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.
The dosage will vary depending on the condition being treated, and specific instructions can be found on the label of your medication. Here is some general guidance on typical dosages for certain conditions:
For heavy or irregular bleeding and other menstrual issues: You will usually be prescribed 2.5mg to 10mg of Provera daily for 5 to 10 days, starting 16 to 21 days after your last period began. This treatment is typically repeated for two consecutive cycles. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe estrogen to be taken alongside Provera at doses of 5-10mg for 10 days. After stopping the tablets, you may experience bleeding similar to a period (known as breakthrough bleeding).
For amenorrhea (absence of periods): You will typically take 2.5mg to 10mg of Provera daily for 5 to 10 days, beginning on a day calculated or assumed to be Day 16 to Day 21 of your menstrual cycle. This treatment is usually repeated for three consecutive cycles. Your doctor may also prescribe estrogen to be taken simultaneously with Provera for 10 days. Breakthrough bleeding may occur a few days after stopping the tablets.
For endometriosis (where tissue from your womb is found outside your womb): The usual dosage is 10mg three times a day (30mg total) for three months (90 days), starting on the first day of your period. Irregular spotting or bleeding during treatment is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
If you do not have a period after finishing a course of Provera, consult your doctor to rule out pregnancy.
If You Forget to Take Provera:
Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. Then, continue taking your tablets at the regular scheduled times. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed tablet.
If You Take More Provera Than You Should:
If you accidentally take too many tablets, contact your doctor immediately.
If You Stop Taking Provera:
Do not stop taking Provera or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. It is important to continue taking your medication as prescribed. If you have any further questions about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should not take Provera 10mg tablets?
Provera may not be suitable for all women. Please review the following list to see if any of these conditions apply to you. If you're unsure, consult your doctor.
Do not take Provera if you:
Are allergic to medroxyprogesterone acetate or any similar hormone medications, or to any of the other ingredients in this medicine, please refer to the patient information leaflet.
Are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test before starting treatment or if you miss a period during treatment.
Have or have had breast cancer.
Have or have had blood clots in your veins (venous thrombosis) or arteries (arterial thrombosis).
Have liver problems.
Have porphyria, a condition that affects your body's ability to produce certain enzymes, leading to neurological or skin problems (or both).
Warnings and Precautions Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Provera if you have or have had any of the following conditions, as they may need to determine if Provera is suitable for you:
Epilepsy
Migraine headaches
Asthma
Heart problems
Kidney problems
Diabetes
A meningioma (a typically benign tumor in the tissues covering your brain and spinal cord)
Depression or a history of depression
High blood pressure
Liver problems
Gallstones
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition causing joint pain, skin rashes, and fever
Hearing problems
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) All women have a small risk of developing blood clots in the veins of the legs, lungs, or other parts of the body. This risk is slightly higher when taking hormone medicines like Provera. You are at a greater risk of developing a clot, whether or not you are taking Provera, if you:
Are very overweight
Have had a blood clot in the veins or lungs before
Have relatives who have had blood clots
Are immobile for long periods (e.g., after an operation)
Have a serious injury or have undergone major surgery
Have a history of repeated miscarriage
Inform your doctor if you have recently had surgery or are planning to undergo surgery while taking Provera.
Pregnancy, Breast-feeding, and Fertility
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Provera should not be taken during pregnancy as hormonal medicines can affect the developing baby. Use an alternative method of contraception (e.g., a condom) while taking Provera, as it is not a contraceptive.
Breast-feeding: Wait at least 6 weeks after childbirth before using Provera Tablets, as the medication can be transferred to breast milk. Consult your doctor to determine whether an alternative feeding method is recommended.
Fertility: After stopping treatment with Provera Tablets, some women may experience a delay in becoming pregnant.
Driving and Using Machines Provera has not been shown to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Provera contains lactose monohydrate, sucrose, and sunset yellow (E110):
Lactose monohydrate and sucrose are types of sugar. If you have been informed by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Sunset yellow (E110), found in Provera 2.5 mg Tablets, may cause allergic reactions.
What are the side effects of Provera 10mg tablets?
As with all medications, Provera can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Reasons to Stop Provera Treatment Immediately:
In rare cases, Provera may trigger a severe allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical assistance immediately:
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Feeling faint
Swelling of the face, tongue, hands, or feet
Intense itchy skin rash
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Provera and contact your doctor right away:
Signs of a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which may occur together:
Sudden, severe, sharp chest pain
Coughing up blood
Sudden shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Signs of a blood clot in the brain (stroke):
An unusually severe or prolonged headache
Vision problems
Difficulty speaking
Collapse or fainting
Weakness or numbness in any part of your body
Signs of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT):
Severe pain, tenderness, or swelling in your calf, ankle, or foot
Purple discoloration of the skin on the leg, or redness and warmth in the affected area
Inform your doctor if you experience any other side effects while taking Provera, which may include the following:
Very Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Headache
Nausea
Unexpected or unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Severe allergic reaction (e.g., wheezing, difficulty breathing)
Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Nervousness
Dizziness
Hair loss
Acne
Hives or nettle rash
Itchy skin
Vaginal discharge
Breast pain or tenderness
Fever
Fatigue
Weight gain
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Facial hair growth
Milky discharge from the breast when not pregnant or breastfeeding
Fluid retention (oedema)
Frequency Not Known (cannot be estimated from the available data):
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction)
Swelling in the face or throat, potentially causing difficulty breathing
Delayed egg release, leading to a longer menstrual cycle
Drowsiness
Swelling in the veins due to blood clots
Tenderness or swelling in the calf, ankle, or foot
Rash
Stopping or extending the break between periods
Abnormality of the cervix
Decreased sugar tolerance
Weight loss
Reporting Side Effects: If you experience any side effects, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the MHRA Yellow Card app available on the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects helps provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Do Provera 10mg tablets interact with other medicines?
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medications, including those obtained without a prescription. The effectiveness of Provera may be affected when taken alongside the following medicines:
Aminoglutethimide (used in Cushing’s syndrome)
Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
Medicines for treating convulsions (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine)
Ritonavir and nelfinavir (used to treat HIV and AIDS)
Medications for treating infections (e.g., rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz)
St John’s wort, a herbal remedy for depression
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining Provera with other medications.
Frequently asked questions
What is Provera?
Provera is a synthetic progestogen used to safely delay your period for up to 17 days. It works by maintaining high hormone levels, which prevents menstruation until after you stop taking the tablets, allowing hormone levels to drop. Provera is commonly used by women who need to delay their period for events such as holidays or special occasions. When taken three times daily, starting three days before your period is due, Provera effectively stops all symptoms of your period, including bleeding, until you finish your course. Most women will experience their period around three days after taking the last tablet.
Who is Provera for?
Provera is ideal for women who do not use hormonal contraception or who cannot use norethisterone due to a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or blood clots. Risk factors for VTE include being very overweight, smoking, having a family history of VTE, restricted mobility, or recent surgery. Provera should only be used for one-off period delays and not as a regular method for preventing periods. If you experience very heavy or painful periods, discuss this with your doctor for the most appropriate treatment.
How does Provera work?
Provera is a synthetic form of progesterone that keeps your progesterone levels artificially high during your cycle, preventing menstrual bleeding. Once you stop taking the tablets, these levels drop, triggering your period to start. Please note that using Provera to delay your period is an 'off-label' use, meaning it isn't licensed specifically for this purpose but has been proven effective and safe through clinical trials.
Choosing Between Provera and Utovlan
Both Provera and Utovlan are effective for delaying periods. However, Utovlan may increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women who smoke, are overweight, or are over 35. For these women, Provera might be a safer option. If you are under 35 and have taken Utovlan without side effects, it could still be prescribed for you.
What is the Provera Dosage?
Provera tablets are taken orally, with the dosage depending 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 around three days after your last tablet. Note that once your period has started, 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 with Provera?
As with all medications, there is a small chance of experiencing side effects. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, spotting or unusual vaginal bleeding, sleep difficulties, hair loss, acne, breast tenderness, rash, fever, tiredness, and weight gain. In rare cases, Provera can cause severe allergic reactions. If you develop facial swelling or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Who should not take Provera?
Provera may not be suitable for all women. Do not take Provera if you have a history of breast cancer, venous or arterial blood clots, or liver problems. Consult a doctor before taking Provera if you have epilepsy, migraines, asthma, heart or kidney problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or if you have recently had surgery.
Can I take Provera with other medications?
The effectiveness of Provera may be altered if taken with certain medications. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Provera if you are currently taking or have recently taken any other prescribed or non-prescribed medications, including herbal remedies.
Can I take Provera if I am pregnant?
Do not take Provera if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Provera is not a contraceptive, so use another form of contraception while taking it.
