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Medroxyprogesterone: uses, side effects & brands
Medroxyprogesterone is a progestogen for menstrual disorders and contraception (injection). It belongs to the Women’s health & hormones group. These treat heavy periods, hormonal and reproductive conditions.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Women’s health & hormones |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Contraceptive injection
- Heavy, irregular or absent periods
- Endometriosis
- Protecting the womb lining in hormone replacement therapy (with oestrogen)
Common brand names
- India: Meprate, Deviry
- Worldwide: Provera, Depo-Provera
Common side effects
- Irregular bleeding or spotting, or periods stopping
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Mood changes or breast tenderness
Before taking it — precautions
- Long-term use of the injection can thin the bones — your doctor will review how long to continue
- Fertility can take many months to return after stopping the injection
- Tell your doctor about past blood clots, breast cancer or liver disease
When to see a doctor urgently
- Painful swollen leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness (possible blood clot) (urgent)
- Sudden severe headache or vision changes (urgent)
- Yellow skin or eyes, or severe low mood
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of medroxyprogesterone depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Will my periods stop on the injection?
Often — irregular bleeding is common at first and many women later have no periods. This is expected.
How quickly can I get pregnant after stopping the injection?
It can take many months for fertility to return, so it may not suit you if you want a baby soon.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No — use condoms for that.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.