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Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking medroxyprogesterone tablets - Brand names: Climanor, Provera

Medroxyprogesterone tablets and pregnancy

Do not take medroxyprogesterone tablets while you're pregnant. It can affect the hormone changes that happen naturally during pregnancy.

If you find that you're pregnant while taking medroxyprogesterone, stop taking the tablets and talk to your doctor.

The lower doses (2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets) are unlikely to harm your baby if taken in the first few weeks before you knew you were pregnant.

Medroxyprogesterone tablets and breastfeeding

It's OK to take medroxyprogesterone while breastfeeding.

It's not known how much medroxyprogesterone gets into breast milk when taken as tablets, but it's likely to be a low amount. Your baby will not be able to absorb a lot into their body from the breast milk.

If you need to take high dose medroxyprogesterone tablets for cancer, speak to your specialist who will be able to discuss your options with you.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife as soon as possible.

Medroxyprogesterone tablets and fertility

Medroxyprogesterone tablets may reduce your fertility while you're taking them, but your fertility should return after you stop taking them.

Talk to your doctor if you're taking medroxyprogesterone tablets and you're planning to get pregnant.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:

  • trying to get pregnant
  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding

Page last reviewed: 20 April 2023
Next review due: 20 April 2026