You are using an outdated browser. We suggest you update your browser for a better experience. Click here for update.
Close this notification.
Skip to main content Skip to search

COVID-19: Get the latest updates or take a self-assessment.

Screen for hepatitis B virus in all cancer patients starting systemic treatment. Find out more about hepatitis B virus screening and management.

Drug Formulary
About the Drug Formulary Email Drug Formulary Team

medroxyprogesterone

( med-roxie-pro-JESS-ter-roan )
Other Name(s): Provera® (multiple brands available)
Appearance: tablet In various strengths, shapes and colours
pdf download medroxyprogesterone patient.pdf
pdf download mdroxyprogestrone pour le patient.pdf

Medication Information Sheet
medroxyprogesterone (med-roxie-pro-JESS-ter-roan)
This document provides general information about your medication. It does not replace the advice of your health care professional. Always discuss your therapy with your health care professional and refer to the package insert for more details.

Other Name: Provera® (Pfizer)

Appearance:
tablet

In various strengths, shapes and colours

What is this medication for?
  • For treating breast or endometrial cancer.

What should I do before I have this medication?
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have/had significant medical condition(s), especially if you have / had liver disease, heart problems, eye problems, abnormal vaginal bleeding, diabetes, or any allergies.
  • People who have cancer or leukemia are at a higher risk of developing other cancers/leukemias (usually some years later) or blood clots. Some cancer medications may increase these risks, especially if used for a prolonged period of time. You should discuss any concerns with your doctor.
  • This drug contains a small amount of lactose. If you cannot tolerate lactose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

     

How will this medication affect sex, pregnancy and breastfeeding?
  • Medroxyprogesterone can harm the unborn baby and should not be used by pregnant women.
  • If there is ANY chance that you may become pregnant, you and your partner together must: 

    ► Use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time while receiving this drug. Do not take birth control pills if you have breast cancer. Keep using birth control until at least 6 months after the last dose (general recommendation). Discuss with your healthcare team.

  • Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant
  • Do not breastfeed while using this drug.
  • Effects on Fertility: Unlikely
  • Effects on Fertility: Unlikely
How is this medication given?
  • Swallow whole with a glass of water, with or without food.

  • Take the dose at about the same time each day.

  • If you miss a dose, take it if it is within 12 hours from the missed dose, otherwise skip and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten one.

What else do I need to know while on this medication?

  • This medication can interact with other medications and can result in the treatment not working as well or cause severe side effects.

  • Make sure your health care team knows about all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbals and supplements). Check with your health care team before starting or stopping any of them.

How should I safely store this medication?

  • Keep this medication in the original packaging at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and light. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

  • Do not throw out any unused medications at home. Bring them to your pharmacy to be thrown away safely.

What are the side effects of this medication?

The following side effects are common or severe. You may not have all of the side effects listed, while others not on this list may also occur. Discuss with your doctor if you have any unusual or bothersome symptoms.

Side effects and what to do When to contact doctor?
More Common Side Effects

Headache; mild joint, muscle pain or cramps 

  • Take painkiller(s) as directed, if given to you by your doctor.
  • Otherwise, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) tablets as needed for mild aches and pains. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dose for you.
  • Rest often, but may try light exercise.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Pains or cramps in the belly, bloating

  • Treat constipation or diarrhea.
  • May be due to other causes; check with your doctor or nurse if pain is severe, does not go away or worsens.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Mild swelling in arms and legs; puffiness

  • Keep your feet up when sitting. Eat a low-salt diet.
  • Avoid tight fitting clothing.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Vaginal bleeding and symptoms of having low estrogen levels

  • Vaginal dryness (possibly with discharge or bleeding)
  • Memory loss
  • Emotional effects (depression, for example)
  • Decrease in sexual desire
  • Contact your doctor or nurse if these feelings bother you.

Symptoms of having low testosterone levels

  • Impotence
  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Decrease in sexual desire
  • Bladder infections
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Side effects and what to do When to contact doctor?
Less Common Side Effects, but may be Severe
Blockage of an artery (blood vessel) in your heart, brain, chest, belly, or limbs; this may result in stroke (sudden loss of vision, speech, or the use of your limb(s)) or heart attack (chest pain, shortness of breath), or pain in chest, belly or limb Get emergency medical help right away
Blood clot (limb pain or swelling, hardened vein in limb), may occur in lungs (sudden start of coughing, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood) Get emergency medical help right away

Heart problems
(irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, swelling in legs/ankles/belly, shortness of breath)

 Get emergency medical help right away

Allergic reaction (fever, severe rash, itchiness, swollen face, lip or tongue, chest or throat tightness; may occur during or shortly after the drug is given)

 Get emergency medical help right away

Bone fractures
(long-term effect)

  • Watch for any severe or unusual bone pain, including the back, hips, wrist, or other bone(s).
  • Your doctor may monitor your bone density periodically.
  • To help prevent bone loss, your doctor may tell you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements or other prescription medications to treat osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor before taking these supplements.
  • Get emergency medical help if you experience a bone fracture (severe bone pain, unable to move)
  • Also see Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women* pamphlet.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Eye problems
(blurred vision or other unusual changes with your sight)

 Contact your health care team as soon as possible (office hours)

For more links on how to manage your symptoms go to https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/symptom-management.

The information set out in the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets, and symptom management information (for patients) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended to be used by health professionals and patients for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or side effects of a certain drug, nor should it be used to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition.

A patient should always consult a healthcare provider if he/she has any questions regarding the information set out in the Formulary. The information in the Formulary is not intended to act as or replace medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.

Funding & Reimbursement

Several payment sources exist for cancer drugs in Ontario, depending on the drug, disease indication, and how and where it is delivered.

View Funding & Reimbursement

Symptom Management

Many people living with cancer experience nausea, diarrhea and other symptoms from their treatment or disease.

View Symptom Management

Drug Safety and Administration

Find documents on drug safety and administration for healthcare providers, including calculations and recommendations.

View Drug Safety and Administration