What are Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Provera) side effects?

Some of the common side effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate are listed below. Tell your doctor if these adverse effects are severe or do not go away over time. 

• Breast tenderness or breast discharge (fluid leakage from the breasts)
• Irregular or unusual vaginal bleeding or breakthrough bleeding
• Changes in menstrual flow (lighter or heavier periods)
• Loss of hair on the scalp
• Hair growth on the face
• Acne
• Sleep difficulties
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Nausea, upset stomach

Rarely medroxyprogesterone acetate can cause more serious adverse reactions. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as:

• Pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness in one leg (signs of a blood clot)
• Dizziness, fainting
• Slow or difficult speech
• Weakness, numbness in an arm or leg
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden sharp chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Sudden severe headache
• Vision changes like double vision or blurred vision 
• Bulging eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Fast pounding heartbeat
• Missed periods
• Skin rash, hives, itching 
• Fever, confusion
• Stomach discomfort
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Depression

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate. Contact your doctor for advice about side effects if you have severe symptoms or if your symptoms do not improve over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Overdose: In case of a known or suspected overdose, immediately call your doctor or the local poison control center. If the person can’t be awakened, has had a seizure, or has trouble breathing, call 911. Signs and symptoms of a medroxyprogesterone overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, and withdrawal bleeding in women.

NOTE: Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a prescription drug that is the property of the respective owners and is intended only by them. Never share your prescription medication with others or use someone else’s medroxyprogesterone.

Source: FDA