Provera vs Medroxyprogesterone: are they the same?
Provera is a commercial brand whose active ingredient is exactly Medroxyprogesterone. This page explains what that means in practice: where they differ (brand, manufacturer, price, available strengths), why they are clinically equivalent, and when the brand or an authorised generic is the better choice.
Are they the same?
Yes — Provera contains Medroxyprogesterone as its active ingredient. Talking about "Provera" in clinical terms is the same as talking about Medroxyprogesterone at the dose strengths 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg. The differences from the authorised generic are brand, manufacturer (Pfizer), excipients, tablet appearance and price — not the active molecule itself.
When Provera is used
Provera est autorisé dans l'aménorrhée, les saignements utérins anormaux d'origine hormonale et la prévention de l'hyperplasie endométriale chez la femme ménopausée recevant un estrogène.
Mechanisms compared
Because they share the same active ingredient, the mechanism is identical: L'acétate de médroxyprogestérone se lie aux récepteurs de la progestérone et exerce de puissants effets progestatifs : épaississement de la glaire cervicale, inhibition de l'ovulation, amincissement de l'endomètre et réd…
Brand or generic — which to choose?
For most patients, authorised generics of Medroxyprogesterone are clinically equivalent substitutes for Provera and typically cost substantially less. The practical differences are manufacturer, excipients (rarely matters except in specific sensitivities), tablet appearance and price. The brand is preferred by some patients for personal reasons or insurance coverage; the generic is the default when cost matters.
Questions fréquentes
Is Provera the same as Medroxyprogesterone? ▾
Clinically yes — Provera is the brand and Medroxyprogesterone is its active ingredient. At equivalent doses (2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg) they produce the same effect. The difference is brand, manufacturer (Pfizer) and price.
Is generic Medroxyprogesterone as effective as Provera? ▾
Yes. Authorised generics of Medroxyprogesterone must demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand. The active substance is the same; average effect is the same. Price is usually substantially lower.
Why does Provera cost more than generic Medroxyprogesterone? ▾
The price difference reflects originator development costs, brand recognition and competition among generic manufacturers. The molecule is identical; the cost is not.
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