Last reviewed · How we verify
Medroxyprogesterone 17-Acetate
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic progestin that suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and inhibits ovulation by acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic progestin that suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone and inhibits ovulation by acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Used for Contraception (intramuscular injection), Hormone replacement therapy, Abnormal uterine bleeding.
At a glance
| Generic name | Medroxyprogesterone 17-Acetate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Provera, Cycrin, depo-subQ 104 |
| Sponsor | Women's Health Care Clinic, Torrance, California |
| Drug class | Progestin |
| Target | Progesterone receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Women's Health / Contraception / Hormone Replacement |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
As a progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, suppressing the release of GnRH and subsequently FSH and LH, which prevents ovulation. It also alters the endometrium and cervical mucus to create an inhospitable environment for sperm and implantation. The drug is commonly used as a long-acting reversible contraceptive and for hormone replacement therapy.
Approved indications
- Contraception (long-acting reversible contraceptive)
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Endometriosis
Common side effects
- Irregular bleeding or amenorrhea
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Delayed return to fertility
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)
- 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)
- Counseling Among Gender Diverse Adolescents Who Use Depot Medroxyprogesterone (PHASE4)
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 |
|---|---|
| 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: