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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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This information is about a hormonal therapy| called medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is also often called Provera®. It is used to treat some types of cancer and may also be used to treat some symptoms|.
Throughout this information we refer to medroxyprogesterone acetate by its more commonly used name, Provera. It should ideally be read with our general information about your type of cancer|.
Provera is a hormonal therapy used to treat some cancers. It is a drug that's similar to the female hormone progesterone. You will see your doctor regularly while you have this treatment so they can monitor its effects.
Hormones are substances produced naturally in the body. They act as chemical messengers and help control the activity of cells and organs.
The way Provera works is not yet fully understood, but it's thought that it interferes with the action of the female hormone oestrogen.
Many cancers rely on sex hormones such as oestrogen to grow. The cancer cells have proteins called receptors that sex hormones attach to.
When oestrogen comes into contact with the receptors, it fits into them and stimulates the cancer cells to divide so that the tumour grows.
Provera disrupts this process in some way. It may be that it prevents the cancer cells from maintaining the receptors, or it may have a more direct way of destroying cancer cells that has not yet been identified.
Provera is a tablet. The tablets are available in three different strengths: 100mg, 200mg and 400mg.
They are commonly taken once a day but can be prescribed in smaller doses to be taken at regular intervals. When a single daily dose is prescribed, it should be taken at approximately the same time each day. When it is prescribed in divided doses (to be taken more than once per day) the doses should be evenly spaced.
Provera is used to treat breast cancer| that has come back after treatment with other hormonal therapies. It can also be used to treat womb|, prostate| and kidney| cancers that have come back after treatment or have spread.
Provera may be given to people who have lost weight due to cancer, as it can help stimulate appetite.
It can also be prescribed to reduce hot flushes in women during the menopause (change of life), and in men who have hot flushes| as a result of treatment for prostate cancer.
Your doctor will discuss with you the length of treatment that they feel is appropriate for your situation. Provera is often given for several months or years. Treatment may continue as long as it is controlling the cancer.
Each person's reaction to any medicine is different. Some women have very few side effects while others may experience more.
The side effects described here will not affect everyone. We have outlined the most common side effects but haven't included those that are rare and therefore unlikely to affect you.
Very rarely, if the side effects are severe, you may have to stop taking the drug. If this happens, a different hormonal therapy may be prescribed.
If you notice any effects that are not listed here, discuss them with your doctor or nurse.
You may have some of the following side effects, to varying degrees:
The most commonly reported side effect is an increase in appetite, causing some people to put on weight|. Dieting may help control this, but you should consult your doctor or dietitian before making any changes to your diet|.
For people who have experienced weight loss as a result of their cancer, an increased appetite can be a beneficial effect.
Occasionally people feel sick| of have indigestion| for the first few weeks of taking Provera, but this often disappears. If it occurs it can usually be effectively treated, so let your doctor know. It may help to take the tablets with food or milk.
Some people experience mild ankle swelling caused by fluid retention|. This is not harmful but can be uncomfortable.
Occasionally women may have some light vaginal bleeding (spotting) while having treatment with Provera. Let your doctor know if this happens to you.
When you stop taking the drug you are likely to have some bleeding from the vagina, which is similar to a period.
These are very rare but can be uncomfortable. Tell your doctor if you have muscle cramps, as treatment can be prescribed to relieve them.
These are rare but may include itchy skin|, nettle rash or a more general skin rash.
Women's breasts may feel tender and, very rarely, may produce small amounts of milk. This is not harmful, but let your doctor know if it occurs.
Rarely, Provera can cause nervousness, sleeplessness|, drowsiness, tiredness|, dizziness, low moods and headaches. Tell your doctor if these are a problem.
Always let your doctor or nurse know about any side effects you have. There are usually ways in which they can be controlled or improved.
Like most drugs, Provera should not be taken during pregnancy. Even though women may find that their periods stop while taking Provera, it is still possible to get pregnant. Reliable contraception must be used during treatment.
People with diabetes will need to monitor their blood sugar more closely and may need to adjust their anti-diabetic medication while having Provera. Contact your doctor if you have any problems controlling your diabetes.
People who have a history of blood clots should discuss this with their doctor before taking Provera. Rarely, it increases the risk of getting a clot.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources, including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.