Provera

What is it?

An hormonal progestogen preparation available as scored tablets in 3 strengths all containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. Orange, containing 2.5mg, marked U64; blue, containing 5mg, marked 286; white, containing 10mg, marked Upjohn 50. Also, High Strength white scored tablets containing 100mg, marked U467; containing 200mg, marked U320; containing 400mg, marked UPJOHN 421.

Medical Uses

Lower strength tablets: abnormal uterine bleeding where there is an absence of ovulation, endometriosis, secondary ammenorrhoea (situation where menstrual periods stop due to underlying physical, psychiatric or environmental factors). High strength tablets: breast cancer in women after menopause, renal cell and endometrial cancer.

Dosage

Abnormal uterine bleeding 2.5 to 10mg each day for 5 to 10 days, beginning on assumed 16th to 21st day of cycle, repeated for 2 or 3 monthly cycles - consult manufacturer's literature. Endoinetriosis, 10mg 3 times each day starting on first day of cycle and continuing for 90 days without a break. Ammenorrhoea, 2.5 to 10mg each day for 5 to 10 days beginning can what is thought to be 16th to 21st day of cycle. Repeat for 3 r nnthly cycles without break - consult manufacturer's literature. Breast cancer, 400 to 800mg each day, renal cell and endomctrial cancer, 200 to 400mg daily.

Special Care

Possibility of pregnancy or genital cancer should be excluded before beginning treatment. Diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, heart or kidney disorders, migraine, history of depresSion.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, cancer of genital tract breast cancer (low dose tablets), liver disease.

Known Side Effects

Gain in weight, abnormal production of breast milk, slight oedema (high dose tablets), breast pain. Gastro-intestinal upset, central nervous system effects, skin and mucous membrane reactions.