Progestin
Medroxyprogesterone in Switzerland: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Medroxyprogesterone in Switzerland under Swissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in CHF. Medroxyprogesterone belongs to the Progestin class.
- Regulator
- Swissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products)
- Currency
- CHF
About Medroxyprogesterone
MPA is approved for amenorrhoea, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, prevention of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen, and prevention of pregnancy (depot formulation). Switzerland classifies medicines into categories A and B (prescription-only), C (sold under pharmacist supervision), D (over-the-counter at pharmacies and Drogerien) and E (general retail). Health insurance (Krankenversicherung) covers most prescription costs subject to a deductible (Franchise) and co-payment.
Mechanism and action
MPA binds progesterone receptors and produces strong progestational effects: thickening cervical mucus, inhibiting ovulation, thinning the endometrium and reducing hot flashes.
Brands and generics in Switzerland
In Switzerland, Medroxyprogesterone is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Swiss Apotheken/pharmacies are densely distributed with strict licensing; pharmacist counselling is integral to dispensing. Drogerien (drugstores) are unique to the Swiss system and sell category D and E medications without a pharmacist on staff. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local Swissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products) equivalence rules, and the price difference in CHF is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Swiss online prescription dispensing is regulated by cantonal law, with Swissmedic-licensed services offering tele-prescribing. Cross-border importation for personal use is restricted to small quantities and excludes some controlled substances. For Medroxyprogesterone specifically, the legal online options in Switzerland depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under Swissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products).
Frequently asked questions
Is Medroxyprogesterone available in Switzerland? ▾
Yes — Medroxyprogesterone and its brands are available in Switzerland through pharmacies authorised by Swissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products), in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Medroxyprogesterone in Switzerland? ▾
Switzerland classifies medicines into categories A and B (prescription-only), C (sold under pharmacist supervision), D (over-the-counter at pharmacies and Drogerien) and E (general retail). Health insurance (Krankenversicherung) covers most prescription costs subject to a deductible (Franchise) and co-payment. The exact status of Medroxyprogesterone (Rx or OTC) is determined by Swissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products); most active ingredients in the Progestin class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Medroxyprogesterone cost in Switzerland? ▾
The price in CHF depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Medroxyprogesterone in Switzerland
Medroxyprogesterone in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.