Addyi vs Provera: side-by-side comparison
Addyi (Flibanserin) and Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Addyi | Provera |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Flibanserin | Medroxyprogesterone |
| Manufacturer | Sprout Pharmaceuticals | Pfizer |
| Class | Women's Sexual Health | Women's Sexual Health |
| Strengths | 100mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Addyi and Provera both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Flibanserin vs Medroxyprogesterone — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Flibanserin vs Medroxyprogesterone), strengths (100mg vs 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg), forms (tablet vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Addyi: Sexual desire is modulated by complex central nervous system pathways involving serotonin (generally inhibitory) and dopamine and norepinephrine (generally excitatory). Provera: Medroxyprogesterone acetate binds progesterone receptors and produces strong progestational effects: thickening cervical mucus, inhibiting ovulation, thinning the endometrium and reducing endometrial proliferation in HRT…
When Addyi is preferred
Addyi is indicated for the treatment of acquired, generalised hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
When Provera is preferred
Provera is approved for amenorrhoea, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, and prevention of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen.
Frequently asked questions
Is Addyi or Provera better? ▾
There is no single answer. Addyi and Provera both belong to the Women's Sexual Health class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Addyi to Provera? ▾
Switching within the Women's Sexual Health class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Addyi and Provera have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Women's Sexual Health class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
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The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.