Last reviewed · How we verify
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone)
Depo-Provera works by binding to the progesterone receptor in the body, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy.
Depo-Provera, also known as medroxyprogesterone, is a progestin medication originally developed by Pharmacia and Upjohn and currently owned by Pfizer. It targets the progesterone receptor and is used to treat a range of conditions including atrophic vaginitis, contraception, and endometrial hyperplasia. Depo-Provera is a small molecule medication that has been FDA-approved since 1959 and is available as a generic medication from multiple manufacturers. It has a bioavailability of 15% and is off-patent, meaning it is no longer protected by patents. Key safety considerations include potential side effects such as weight gain and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.
At a glance
| Generic name | medroxyprogesterone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Depo-Provera, medroxyprogesterone acetate, MPA, Provera, Provera Dosepak |
| Sponsor | Pfizer |
| Drug class | Progestin |
| Target | Progesterone receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | discontinued |
| First approval | 1959 |
Mechanism of action
Depo-subQ provera 104 inhibits the secretion of gonadotropins, which primarily prevents follicular maturation and ovulation and causes thickening of cervical mucus. These actions contribute to its contraceptive effect.Suppression of serum estradiol concentrations is likely to be responsible for the therapeutic effect on endometriosis-associated pain.
Approved indications
- Atrophic vaginitis
- Contraception
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Endometrial Hyperplasia Prevention
- Endometrial carcinoma
- Endometriosis
- Menopausal flushing
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis
- Prevention of premature ovulation during controlled ovarian stimulation
- Secondary malignant neoplasm of kidney
- Secondary physiologic amenorrhea
Common side effects
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Breast tenderness
- Thromboembolic disorders
- Nausea
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Sensitivity reactions
- Acne
- Alopecia
- Hirsutism
- Neuro-ocular lesions
- Mental depression
- Insomnia
Drug interactions
- atazanavir
- darunavir
- fosamprenavir
- nelfinavir
- rifabutin
- rifampicin
- rifapentine
- rufinamide
- saquinavir
- tipranavir
Key clinical trials
- SHAPE-ENDO: Multimodal Pre-Surgical Optimization in Patients With Obesity and Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer
- Doxycycline and Progestin Therapy for Chronic Endometritis(CE) in Patients With Recurrent Reproductive Failure(RRF) (NA)
- Effect of Twin Hearts Meditation and Mandala Coloring on Exam Anxiety in Nursing Students (NA)
- Refining Fertility-sparing Treatment in Endometrial Carcinoma Based on Molecular Classification (PHASE2,PHASE3)
- Mirena for the Treatment of Nonatypical Endometrial Hyperplasia for 6 Months (PHASE3)
- A Study of MK-5684 in People With Certain Solid Tumors (MK-5684-015/OMAHA-015) (PHASE2)
- Clinical and Biomarker Effects of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Females With Sickle Cell Disease (PHASE4)
- Intrauterine Stent Placement Following Hysteroscopic Septum Resection (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Depo-Provera CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Depo-Provera updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Pfizer portfolio CI