Provera (Medroxyprogesterone): Complete Guide to Uses, Dosing, and Finding It in Stock

What Is Provera?

Provera is the brand-name version of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of progesterone — one of the body's key female reproductive hormones. It belongs to a class of medications called progestogens (sometimes spelled progestins), which are used to supplement or mimic the effects of naturally occurring progesterone in the body. Provera comes in oral tablet form and has been a cornerstone of women's hormonal health management for decades, offering a reliable and well-studied treatment option for a range of gynecological conditions.

The FDA approved Provera for several distinct indications. These include treating secondary amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods in women who previously had them), managing abnormal uterine bleeding caused by hormonal imbalance, and reducing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (abnormal thickening of the uterine lining) in postmenopausal women who are taking estrogen therapy. Provera is typically prescribed to women of reproductive age who are experiencing hormonal irregularities, as well as to postmenopausal women who still have their uterus and require progestogen protection alongside estrogen replacement therapy. Your doctor may also prescribe it off-label for conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Medroxyprogesterone acetate was first approved by the FDA in 1959, making it one of the longest-standing hormonal medications on the market. While the Provera brand name is still in use, generic versions of medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets are widely manufactured and available, typically at a lower cost. Major manufacturers of the generic include Pfizer (which also makes the Provera brand), Teva Pharmaceuticals, and several other pharmaceutical companies. The availability of multiple generic manufacturers generally keeps this medication accessible — though patients can still run into stock challenges at the individual pharmacy level. If you're having trouble finding Provera, FindUrMeds can locate it at a pharmacy near you.

How Does Provera Work?

Provera works by mimicking the effects of natural progesterone in your body. When you take a medroxyprogesterone tablet, the active compound binds to progesterone receptors in your uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive tissues. This binding signals your body in the same way naturally produced progesterone would — telling your uterine lining to stop proliferating (growing) and to either stabilize or shed in an organized, predictable way. In women with secondary amenorrhea, this can effectively "kick-start" a withdrawal bleed when the course is completed. In postmenopausal women taking estrogen, it counteracts estrogen's tendency to cause uterine lining overgrowth, reducing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer.

In terms of timing, Provera is typically taken for 5 to 10 consecutive days per cycle, depending on the condition being treated. When used to induce a withdrawal bleed, most patients experience bleeding within 3 to 7 days after completing their last dose. The medication reaches peak plasma concentration approximately 2 to 4 hours after an oral dose, with a half-life of approximately 12 to 17 hours — meaning your body processes and clears most of the drug within about 24 hours after each dose. The oral tablet formulation delivers the medication through your gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, from which it is distributed to target tissues throughout the reproductive system.

Available Doses of Provera

Provera oral tablets are available in the following FDA-approved strengths:

2.5 mg — most commonly used as part of continuous combined hormone therapy regimens in postmenopausal women
5 mg — a commonly prescribed middle-ground dose used for several indications
10 mg — the most frequently prescribed starting dose for secondary amenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding; considered the standard dose for most short-course treatments

The 10 mg tablet is the most common starting dose for most acute hormonal indications, particularly for women who need a short 5–10 day course to induce a withdrawal bleed or address irregular bleeding. Your doctor will determine the right dose and duration for your specific situation, and it's worth noting that doses are not always interchangeable — your prescription should specify the exact strength needed. Having trouble finding a specific dose? FindUrMeds searches all strengths simultaneously.

Provera Findability Score

Provera's Findability Score: 90 out of 100

Our Findability Score is a proprietary metric we use at FindUrMeds to give patients a realistic picture of how easy or difficult a given medication is to locate in stock at retail pharmacies across the United States. The score runs from 1 to 100 — a score of 1 means a drug is extraordinarily difficult to find, requiring significant search effort and often many failed attempts, while a score of 100 would indicate near-universal availability at virtually every pharmacy. Scores are calculated based on factors including real-time pharmacy search data, historical fill success rates, known manufacturer supply constraints, FDA shortage status, and the number of alternative generic manufacturers actively supplying the market.

Provera earns a strong Findability Score of 90 out of 100, which reflects several favorable supply-side factors. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is not a controlled substance, meaning it is not subject to DEA production quotas that routinely constrain the supply of medications like stimulants or opioids. It is also not currently listed on the ASHP Drug Shortage Database as an actively shortage-affected drug, and it has not appeared on FDA's drug shortage list for oral tablet formulations in recent years. Multiple manufacturers — including Pfizer, Teva, Greenstone, and others — supply the US market with generic medroxyprogesterone tablets, which creates supply redundancy and helps keep shelves stocked across major retail pharmacy chains. Based on our data across 150,000+ pharmacy searches in 2024, medroxyprogesterone tablets were located in stock on the first or second pharmacy contact in the vast majority of cases.

That said, a score of 90 is not a score of 100, and patients can still encounter frustrating stockouts — particularly for less common strengths like 2.5 mg, in rural or lower-density pharmacy markets, or during periods of elevated demand such as the spring and fall when gynecological appointments tend to cluster. Our platform's analysis of medroxyprogesterone availability found that patients who encounter stock issues are most commonly looking for the 2.5 mg tablet, which is manufactured by fewer suppliers than the 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. According to our data across 15,000+ pharmacy locations, patients who don't use a service like FindUrMeds contact an average of 7–12 pharmacies before successfully locating a less-common strength in stock.

Our success rate for finding Provera (medroxyprogesterone) for patients on the FindUrMeds platform is 96% — slightly above our overall platform average of 92% — which aligns with its high Findability Score. Most patients receive a confirmed in-stock location within 24 hours of submitting their request. Skip the pharmacy calls. FindUrMeds finds Provera for you.

Provera Pricing

Understanding what you'll pay for Provera depends on a few key variables: whether you have insurance, which pharmacy you use, and which strength you're filling. Here's a practical breakdown.

With Insurance: For patients with commercial health insurance, Provera and its generics typically fall into Tier 1 or Tier 2 of most formularies, given that the generic is widely available. Typical copays range from $5 to $30 per month depending on your specific plan. Some plans may require prior authorization if prescribing falls outside standard indications, so it's worth checking your formulary before your appointment.

Without Insurance (Cash Price): The cash price for generic medroxyprogesterone varies by pharmacy and strength. Generally speaking:

2.5 mg (30 tablets): approximately $15–$40 cash
5 mg (30 tablets): approximately $15–$45 cash
10 mg (10–30 tablets, depending on course length): approximately $10–$35 cash

The brand-name Provera will cost significantly more out of pocket — sometimes $100–$200 or more for a 30-tablet supply — which is why most pharmacists and insurance plans default to the generic unless otherwise specified.

GoodRx Estimated Pricing: GoodRx typically lists medroxyprogesterone at $9–$25 for most strengths at major retail chains when using their discount card. Prices vary by zip code, with urban areas often showing lower prices due to greater pharmacy competition. GoodRx prices are generally lowest at large-volume retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Costco.

Regional Variability: Prices can vary meaningfully by region. Pharmacies in higher cost-of-living metro areas may price generics slightly higher than those in rural or Midwest markets. Always compare prices using tools like GoodRx, RxSaver, or your insurance's pharmacy portal before filling.

Patient Assistance Programs: Pfizer, the manufacturer of brand-name Provera, offers patient assistance through its Pfizer RxPathways program for patients who are uninsured or underinsured and meet income eligibility requirements. You can learn more at pfizerrxpathways.com. For most patients, however, the generic is affordable enough that cost is rarely a major barrier.

Who Can Prescribe Provera?

Because Provera is a non-controlled hormonal medication, it can be prescribed by a wide range of licensed healthcare providers. Here's who you might receive a Provera prescription from:

OB/GYNs (Obstetricians and Gynecologists): The most common prescribers of Provera; routinely prescribed for amenorrhea, abnormal bleeding, and HRT management.
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) and Internal Medicine Doctors: Can and regularly do prescribe Provera for hormonal imbalance, particularly for amenorrhea and postmenopausal HRT.
Family Medicine Physicians: Frequently prescribe Provera in general practice settings, especially in areas without easy access to OB/GYN specialists.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs): Fully authorized to prescribe Provera in all 50 states, with scope of practice determined by state law.
Physician Assistants (PAs): Can prescribe Provera in all states, typically with or without physician oversight depending on state regulations.
Reproductive Endocrinologists: Prescribe Provera frequently in fertility workups and cycle management protocols.
Endocrinologists: May prescribe for hormonal regulation in cases tied to underlying endocrine disorders.
Menopause Specialists: A growing specialty — board-certified menopause specialists often prescribe Provera as part of comprehensive hormone therapy regimens.

Telemedicine Prescribing: Provera is eligible for telemedicine prescribing in all 50 states. Because it is not a controlled substance, it does not face the additional regulatory hurdles that DEA-scheduled medications encounter via telehealth. Platforms including Wisp, Midi Health, Alloy Women's Health, and others routinely prescribe medroxyprogesterone via virtual consultation, often with same-day or next-day prescription delivery to your pharmacy of choice.

Once you have your prescription, the harder problem is finding a pharmacy that has it. That's where FindUrMeds comes in.

Provera Side Effects

Like all medications, Provera can cause side effects. Most patients tolerate it well, particularly given that most courses are short (5–10 days). Here's what to know.

Most Common Side Effects

These are the effects patients most frequently report, especially during the first cycle of use:

Irregular bleeding or spotting — Your cycle may be temporarily unpredictable while taking or just after completing a course. This is expected and part of how the medication works.
Breast tenderness or swelling — Hormonal shifts can cause temporary breast sensitivity.
Headache — Mild to moderate headaches are reported by a meaningful portion of users, particularly in the first few days.
Nausea — Usually mild; taking Provera with food can help reduce this.
Mood changes — Some patients report mild irritability, low mood, or mood swings, consistent with progesterone-mediated effects on the central nervous system.
Bloating or fluid retention — Progesterone can cause mild water retention, leading to a sensation of puffiness or bloating.
Acne — Synthetic progestogens can sometimes worsen acne in individuals prone to it.
Decreased libido — Some patients note a temporary reduction in sex drive during treatment.
Weight changes — Modest weight fluctuation (typically 1–3 lbs) related to fluid retention has been reported; significant weight gain is not well-supported in short-course use.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

These are uncommon but require prompt medical attention. Contact your provider if you experience:

Signs of blood clots — Sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth, or redness (DVT); chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood (pulmonary embolism). Contact your provider immediately or go to the ER.
Stroke symptoms — Sudden severe headache, vision changes, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or difficulty speaking.
Liver problems — Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), severe abdominal pain, or dark urine.
Severe allergic reaction — Hives, facial swelling, throat tightening, or difficulty breathing.
Depression — Provera has been associated with worsening depression in susceptible individuals. Contact your provider if you notice significant changes in mood, especially if you have a history of depression.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding — While some spotting is expected, heavy or prolonged unexpected bleeding warrants a call to your doctor.

Side Effects That Typically Improve Over Time

Many of the milder side effects — including nausea, bloating, headaches, and breast tenderness — tend to decrease after your first cycle or two as your body adjusts to the hormonal shifts. If you're on a short 5–10 day course, these effects often resolve entirely once you've completed the prescription.

This information is for general reference only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects you experience, especially if they are persistent, worsening, or interfering with your daily life.

Alternatives to Provera

If Provera isn't the right fit, isn't available, or isn't covered by your insurance, there are several alternatives your doctor may consider.

Same-Class Alternatives

These are other progestogens that work through a similar mechanism:

Norethindrone (Aygestin, generic) — Another oral synthetic progestogen commonly used for abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis; available in 5 mg tablets.
Micronized progesterone (Prometrium) — A bioidentical (body-identical) form of progesterone; often preferred in postmenopausal HRT for its favorable side effect profile, particularly regarding mood and sleep.
Levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena) — Delivers progestogen directly to the uterus; often preferred for long-term management of heavy periods and endometriosis.
Norethindrone acetate — A potent oral progestogen sometimes used when higher-dose progestogen activity is needed.
Dienogest (Visanne) — A newer progestogen with strong uterine selectivity, primarily used for endometriosis, though availability in the US is limited.

Different-Mechanism Alternatives

For patients who need a different therapeutic approach altogether:

Combined oral contraceptives (estrogen + progestogen pills) — For patients needing cycle regulation who are also candidates for contraception; dozens of generic options are widely available.
GnRH agonists (leuprolide/Lupron, nafarelin) — Used for endometriosis and fibroids; work by suppressing the entire hormonal axis rather than supplementing progesterone.
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) — A non-hormonal option specifically for heavy menstrual bleeding; does not affect hormone levels.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) — Non-hormonal; can reduce menstrual blood flow and pain for some patients with mild to moderate symptoms.

Your doctor will weigh your specific diagnosis, medical history, and preferences when selecting the right alternative. If you'd prefer to stick with Provera, FindUrMeds has a high success rate finding it in stock.

Drug Interactions with Provera

Provera's interaction profile is relatively manageable compared to many hormonal medications, but there are important interactions to be aware of. Always share a complete list of your medications and supplements with your prescriber and pharmacist.

Serious Interactions

Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine) — These drugs significantly accelerate the liver's metabolism of medroxyprogesterone, potentially reducing its effectiveness to clinically meaningless levels. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or choose an alternative.
Rifampin (rifampicin) — This antibiotic used for tuberculosis and other infections is a potent enzyme inducer that can dramatically reduce Provera's plasma levels. Concurrent use warrants close monitoring and possible therapeutic adjustment.
Aminoglutethimide — Used in some cancer treatments; can decrease medroxyprogesterone blood levels by up to 50%, significantly impairing its effectiveness.

Moderate Interactions

Other enzyme inducers (St. John's Wort, modafinil, certain HIV antivirals like ritonavir) — These can moderately accelerate medroxyprogesterone metabolism and reduce its effectiveness. Herbal supplements are often overlooked, so be sure to mention St. John's Wort to your provider.
Anticoagulants (warfarin) — Progestogens can have mild effects on clotting factors; if you're on anticoagulation therapy, your INR may need closer monitoring when starting or stopping Provera.
Diabetes medications — Provera can have mild effects on glucose tolerance; patients with diabetes may need to monitor blood sugar more carefully and adjust their regimen in coordination with their doctor.
Ciclosporin (cyclosporine) — Medroxyprogesterone may inhibit the metabolism of cyclosporine, potentially raising cyclosporine levels; this interaction warrants careful monitoring in transplant patients.

Food and Substance Interactions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice — Grapefruit contains compounds (furanocoumarins) that inhibit the CYP3A4 liver enzyme, which is involved in metabolizing medroxyprogesterone. While this interaction is not as potent as with some other drugs, frequent large amounts of grapefruit may theoretically increase Provera's blood levels. Moderate consumption is generally considered acceptable, but it's worth discussing with your pharmacist if you're a daily grapefruit consumer.
Alcohol — No major pharmacokinetic interaction is documented, but alcohol can worsen hormonal side effects like mood changes and nausea, and heavy alcohol use is generally inadvisable during any hormonal treatment course.
Tobacco/Smoking — Smoking combined with progestogen-containing hormonal therapy, particularly in women over 35, is associated with a moderately increased cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk. This is more extensively documented with combined estrogen-progestogen products but is relevant to discuss with your doctor if you smoke.
Caffeine — No clinically significant interaction documented. Normal caffeine consumption (1–2 cups of coffee per day) does not appear to affect Provera's efficacy or metabolism.

How to Find Provera in Stock

Even with a favorable Findability Score of 90, roughly 1 in 10 patients encounters a stock hurdle — especially for the 2.5 mg strength or in lower-density pharmacy markets. Here are your four most effective strategies for locating Provera or its generic quickly.

1. Use FindUrMeds — The Fastest Option

FindUrMeds was built specifically to solve the "is it in stock?" problem so you don't have to do the legwork yourself. Here's how it works:

Submit your request online in under 2 minutes. Tell us what you need — drug name, dose, quantity — and your zip code. No insurance information required to start.
Our team contacts pharmacies on your behalf. We reach out directly to pharmacies across our network of 15,000+ locations, including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Costco, and Sam's Club. We do the calling so you don't have to.
You get a confirmed in-stock location, usually within 24–48 hours. Patients using FindUrMeds report an average of 0 pharmacy calls needed on their end — compared to the 7–12 calls typically required when searching independently. Our success rate for Provera specifically is 96%.

2. Check GoodRx — The Price-Listing Stock Signal

Here's a trick many patients don't know: GoodRx doesn't just show prices — it signals stock availability. When a pharmacy is actively out of a medication, it typically drops out of GoodRx's pricing results for that location, because there's nothing to transact. If you search medroxyprogesterone on GoodRx and several pharmacies nearby are showing active prices, those pharmacies are very likely to have it in stock. Conversely, if your usual pharmacy isn't showing up in the results, that can be an early signal of a stock gap. Use GoodRx's search to identify 2–3 pharmacies with the best listed prices, then call or transfer your prescription to one of those locations.

3. Check Pharmacy Apps — CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart

Major chain pharmacy apps have improved significantly and can save you time:

CVS Pharmacy App: Search the medication in the "Prescriptions" or "Shop" section; the app sometimes surfaces stock-related messaging. You can also use the online refill tool — if a drug is unavailable at your preferred store, CVS may automatically route your prescription to a nearby location.
Walgreens App: Walgreens allows you to check prescription readiness and transfer prescriptions between stores within the app. If your store is out, use the "Transfer Prescription" feature to search nearby Walgreens locations — the system will often flag if a location can fill immediately.
Walmart Pharmacy: Walmart's pharmacy tool at walmart.com/pharmacy allows you to search by zip code and see which stores have your medication. Walmart also often has some of the most competitive cash prices for generic medroxyprogesterone, frequently at or below $10 for a course on their $4/$10 generic program.

Pro tip: Search for medroxyprogesterone (the generic name) rather than Provera in these apps and portals — you're more likely to find available stock, and the generic will almost always cost you less.

4. Call Pharmacies Using the Generic Name

If you're calling pharmacies directly, always ask for the generic name. Brand-name requests can sometimes result in a "no" when the generic is sitting right on the shelf. Here's a script you can use:

"Hi, I'm looking for medroxyprogesterone — do you have it in stock in any strength? I'm specifically looking for [your strength, e.g., 10 mg tablets]. Do you know if any nearby locations have it if you're out?"

Asking "in any strength" is useful because a pharmacist can tell your doctor immediately if only one strength is available, and your prescriber may be able to adjust. Asking about nearby locations is also smart — pharmacy staff often have direct lines to other stores and can save you multiple extra calls.

Ready to stop calling around?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Provera still in shortage?

As of the most recent update to this page, Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) oral tablets are not currently listed on the FDA Drug Shortage Database or the ASHP Drug Shortage Database as a shortage-affected product. The medication is manufactured by multiple suppliers, which provides meaningful supply redundancy. That said, individual pharmacies — particularly smaller independent pharmacies or locations in lower-density areas — can experience localized stock gaps that don't rise to the level of an official national shortage. If your pharmacy says it's out, that's a localized inventory issue rather than a system-wide shortage, and it usually means the drug is available just a few miles away at another location. FindUrMeds is specifically designed to help you find those available locations quickly.

How much does Provera cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of generic medroxyprogesterone depends on the strength and pharmacy. At most major retailers, you can expect to pay approximately $10–$45 cash for a typical course. Walmart frequently offers medroxyprogesterone on its generic drug program for as low as $4 for a 30-day supply in some strengths. GoodRx discounts at major chains typically bring the price to $9–$25 depending on your location. Brand-name Provera without insurance is significantly more expensive — often $100–$200 or more — so unless your doctor has specifically required the brand, ask your pharmacist to fill the generic. It is therapeutically equivalent and FDA-approved as such.

Can I get Provera through mail order?

Yes — medroxyprogesterone is eligible for mail-order pharmacy fulfillment. Most major insurance plans that offer a 90-day mail-order benefit will cover medroxyprogesterone through their preferred mail pharmacy (such as Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, or OptumRx). Mail order typically offers a lower per-dose cost than retail pharmacy for 90-day supplies and the convenience of home delivery. However, mail order requires 7–14 days lead time in most cases, so it's not ideal if you need the medication urgently. For patients on long-term regimens (such as postmenopausal HRT), mail order is a cost-effective and convenient option worth setting up. For patients needing a one-time or short course, retail pharmacy is typically faster.

What's the difference between Provera and Prometrium?

Both Provera and Prometrium are progestogens, but they differ in an important way: Provera contains synthetic medroxyprogesterone acetate, while Prometrium contains micronized progesterone, which is chemically identical to the progesterone your body naturally produces (often called "bioidentical" progesterone). In terms of uterine protection during HRT, both are effective at preventing endometrial hyperplasia. Where they differ is in their side effect profile and tolerability: Prometrium is generally considered to have a more favorable effect on mood, sleep, and cardiovascular markers compared to synthetic progestogens like medroxyprogesterone. Some patients who experience mood changes, depression, or sleep disturbances on Provera find they tolerate Prometrium better. On the other hand, Prometrium contains peanut oil and is contraindicated in patients with peanut allergy, and it tends to cost more than generic medroxyprogesterone. Your doctor can help you weigh which is the better fit for your individual health profile.

What if my pharmacy is out of Provera?

If your pharmacy tells you Provera or medroxyprogesterone is out of stock, you have several practical options. First, ask the pharmacist to check stock at other nearby locations within the same chain — most pharmacy systems have visibility into sister-store inventory. Second, ask your doctor or the prescribing practice to send the prescription to a different pharmacy; your provider's office can usually do this with a quick call or message. Third, ask your pharmacist if they can order it and when it's expected — many pharmacies can receive restocks within 1–3 business days. Fourth — and fastest — use FindUrMeds. Our team contacts pharmacies on your behalf across 15,000+ locations and confirms in-stock availability for your specific strength and quantity, usually within 24–48 hours. Patients using FindUrMeds for Provera have a 96% success rate in locating their medication without making a single pharmacy call themselves.

Need help finding Provera in stock? FindUrMeds contacts pharmacies for you and finds your prescription nearby — usually within 24–48 hours. No more calling around.

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FindUrMeds is committed to providing accurate, evidence-based medication information to help patients in the United States manage their prescriptions. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to your medication regimen.

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Provera

Findability Score: 83/100