What is provera used for
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Uses of Provera: Contraception and Cancer Treatment
Provera as a Contraceptive
Depo-Provera for Long-Term Birth Control
Provera, particularly in its form known as Depo-Provera, is widely used as a long-term contraceptive. Depo-Provera is administered intramuscularly at a dose of 150 mg/mL every three months. This method has been in use in the United States for over a decade and is known for its high efficacy in preventing pregnancy .
Lower-Dose Subcutaneous Formulation
A newer, lower-dose formulation of Depo-Provera (104 mg/0.65 mL) has been developed for subcutaneous injection. This formulation aims to increase convenience and ease of administration while maintaining its contraceptive efficacy. Studies have shown that this lower-dose version effectively suppresses ovulation for more than 13 weeks, regardless of body mass index or race. The median time for return to ovulation after discontinuation is approximately 30 weeks, with a 97.4% cumulative rate of return to ovulation within 12 months .
Provera in Cancer Treatment
Effects on Uterine Cancer Cell Lines
Provera is also used in the treatment of uterine cancers, particularly in chemotherapy regimens. Its role, however, remains somewhat controversial. Provera is known to have antiproliferative properties, which means it can inhibit cell growth by arresting cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. This characteristic can interfere with the cytotoxic mechanisms of chemotherapy drugs .
Selective Efficacy in Progesterone-Receptor Positive Cells
Research indicates that Provera selectively affects progesterone-receptor (PR)-positive uterine cancer cell lines. It has been shown to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy in drug-resistant PR-positive cell lines by significantly lowering the IC50 values, which are the concentrations required for 50% growth inhibition. This improvement was not observed in drug-sensitive cell lines, suggesting that Provera's benefits are most pronounced in resistant cell lines with progesterone receptors .
Conclusion
Provera serves dual purposes in medical treatments. As Depo-Provera, it is a highly effective long-term contraceptive, available in both intramuscular and subcutaneous formulations. In the realm of oncology, Provera shows promise in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy for progesterone-receptor positive uterine cancer cell lines, particularly those that are drug-resistant. These diverse applications highlight Provera's significant role in both reproductive health and cancer treatment.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic