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Provera |
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What is Provera and why is it prescribed? Provera is derived from the female hormone progesterone. You may be given Provera if your menstrual periods have stopped or a female hormone imbalance is causing your uterus to bleed abnormally. Provera is also prescribed to prevent abnormal growth of the uterine lining in women taking estrogen replacement therapy. Other forms of Provera, such as Depo-Provera, are used as a contraceptive injection and prescribed in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Some doctors prescribe Provera to treat endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, premenstrual tension, sexual aggressive behavior in men, and sleep apnea. You should never take Provera during the first 4 months of pregnancy. During this formative period, even a few days of treatment with Provera might put your unborn baby at increased risk for birth defects. If you take Provera and later discover that you were pregnant when you took it, discuss this with your doctor right away. How should you take Provera? Follow your doctors directions for taking Provera. Provera may be taken with or between meals. Do not change from one brand to another without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Provera at room temperature. Are there any Provera side effects? Provera side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Provera side effects may include acne, anaphylaxis, blood clot in a vein, lungs, or brain, breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness or sudden or excessive flow of milk, cervical erosion or changes in secretions, depression, excessive growth of hair, fever, fluid retention, hair loss, headache, hives, insomnia, itching, lack of menstruation, menstrual flow changes, spotting, nausea, rash, skin discoloration, sleepiness, weight gain or loss, and yellowed eyes and skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Provera? If Provera is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Provera with aminoglutethimide (Cytadren). Are there any special warnings about Provera? Before you start to take Provera, your doctor will give you a complete physical exam, including examination of your breasts and pelvic organs. You should also have a cervical smear. Provera may cause some degree of fluid retention. If you have a medical condition that could be made worse by fluid retention, such as epilepsy, migraine, asthma, or a heart or kidney problem, make sure your doctor knows about it. Provera may mask the onset of menopause. In other words, while taking Provera you may continue to experience regular menstrual bleeding even if your menopause has started. Provera may make you depressed, especially if you have suffered from depression in the past. If you become seriously depressed, tell your doctor; you should probably stop taking Provera. If you are diabetic, Provera could make your diabetes worse; your doctor will want to watch you closely while you are taking this drug. There is some concern that Provera, like birth control pills, may increase your risk for a blood clot in a vein. If you experience any symptoms that might suggest the onset of such a condition, pain with swelling, warmth, and redness in a leg vein, coughing or shortness of breath, vision problems, migraine, or weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, see your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor right away if you lose some or all of your vision or you start seeing double. You may have to stop taking Provera. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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