Provera

What is Provera?

Provera tablets contain a medicine called medroxyprogesterone acetate, which belongs to a class of drugs known as progestogens; these are similar in nature to the natural female hormone, progesterone. It can be taken by adults over the age of 18.

You must have a prescription to buy Provera tablets.

What is Provera used to treat?

Provera has several different functions, but it is widely prescribed to prevent women from starting their period.

Women should not delay their period on a permanent basis, but if you are going on holiday or are getting married, you may wish to stop your period from arriving on an inopportune day.

Aside from delaying periods, Provera is also prescribed to treat:

• Painful periods
• Heavy periods
• Irregular periods
• Endometriosis
• No periods

Why is Provera recommended for period delay?

Provera has been found to be a highly effective medication for delaying periods. It can sometimes be used in combination with other medicines, and be given as an injection, but the tablet is sufficient in most cases for delaying your period. 

How do Provera tablets delay periods?

Provera contains the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is a synthetic form of the female hormone progesterone. Each month, a woman's progesterone levels drop, which triggers the uterus to shed the lining, making women experience a period. Provera works by keeping the progesterone levels high, therefore delaying a period.

Provera tablets are designed to be taken for one-off events. They should not be used to permanently prevent your period from occurring.

Provera must be taken 3 days before your period is due to start, it will not delay your period if it has already started.

Who can take Provera?

Provera may not be suitable for everyone to use. You should inform your doctor before taking this medication if you have any of the below conditions:

• You have epilepsy
• You suffer from migraine headaches
• You have any heart problems
• You have diabetes
• You suffer from depression or have a history of depression
• You have any liver problems
• You have gallstones
• You have any hearing problems
• You have asthma
• You have high blood pressure
• You have systemic lupus erythematosus
• You have just had an operation or are due to have one
• You have an intolerance to some sugars
• You have breast cancer or have had it in the past
• You have porphyria
• You have or have had blood clots forming in your veins or arteries
• You are allergic to medroxyprogesterone acetate, any of the ingredients contained in Provera, or any other hormone medicines

This list may not be exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of reasons why Provera may not be suitable for you to take.

Can you buy Provera tablets over the counter?

Provera tablets are not for sale over the counter. You must have a prescription to purchase this medication.

Can you buy Provera online in the UK?

You can buy Provera online from Medicine Direct. Provera tablets are only available on prescription, so before we can sell you this medication, we must first ask you to complete a confidential online consultation. This involves answering a questionnaire about your condition and medical history, which will be assessed by a certified prescriber to make sure Provera is safe for you to take.

Provera Alternatives

Norethisterone is a medicine that is used to delay periods and is another commonly prescribed medication that is available to buy from our online pharmacy.

Utovlan is the branded version of Norethisterone, which is also available to buy from Medicine Direct after an online consultation.