Aygestin vs. Provera

Aygestin (norethindrone) and Provera (medroxyprogesterone) are forms of the female hormone progesterone used for birth control (contraception) to prevent pregnancy, and to treat menstrual disorders.

Aygestin is also used to treat endometriosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance, and to prevent endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women who have not undergone a hysterectomy and are receiving conjugated estrogens.

Provera is also used to treat endometrial or renal cancer.

Common side effects of Aygestin include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• bloating,
• stomach cramps,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• mood swings,
• trouble sleeping,
• weight gain/loss,
• increased acne,
• breast pain/swelling/tenderness,
• changes in sexual interest,
• increased hair growth,
• hair loss,
• freckles or darkening of facial skin,
• vaginal itching or discharge,
• skin itching or rash, or
• changes in your menstrual periods.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Aygestin including:

• changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, changes in menstrual flow, no menstrual bleeding),
• depression,
• swelling of the hands or feet,
• frequent/burning/painful urination, or
• yellowing eyes or skin.

Common side effects of Provera include:

• breast tenderness or discharge,
• hives,
• itching,
• skin rash,
• increased acne,
• hair growth,
• loss of scalp hair,
• spotting or break-through bleeding,
• changes in menstrual periods,
• vaginal itching or discharge,
• changes in appetite,
• increased or decreased weight,
• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• bloating,
• fever,
• sleep problems (insomnia), and
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or
• skin color changes.

Provera may increase risk of heart attacks, stroke, breast cancer, blood clots, and pulmonary emboli in postmenopausal women.

The dose of Provera varies depending on the indication.

Aygestin (norethindrone) is a form of progesterone, a female hormone, used for birth control (contraception) to prevent pregnancy. Aygestin is also used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance.

Provera (medroxyprogesterone) is a form of the female hormone progesterone used to treat secondary amenorrhea; abnormal bleeding from the uterus due to hormonal imbalance and not due to fibroids, or cancer; and to prevent endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women who have not undergone a hysterectomy and are receiving conjugated estrogens. Provera is used for contraception and for treating endometrial or renal cancer.

Aygestin may interact with griseofulvin, rifampin, St. John's wort, ketoconazole or itraconazole, barbiturates, or HIV medicines. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. Smoking combined with this medication increases your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. Aygestin must not be used during pregnancy because it may harm a fetus, especially during the first 4 months of pregnancy. This drug passes into breast milk.

Provera inhibits fertility at high doses. Provera may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

The dosage and the duration of treatment with Aygestin is based on the patient's medical condition and response to therapy. Follow doctor's instructions. Withdrawal bleeding usually occurs within three to seven days after discontinuing Aygestin therapy.

The dosage of Provera depends on the condition for which is has been prescribed.