Drug Interaction Report

Medroxyprogesterone Injection and Red Clover: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Medroxyprogesterone Injection and Red Clover interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Medroxyprogesterone Injection

Depo-Provera Depo-Provera® depo-subQ provera depo-subQ provera 104® Provera
+

Red Clover

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
LinkedIn
Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 103 documented Medroxyprogesterone Injection interactions, 86 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Altered contraceptive effectiveness or increased side effects

Interaction Deep Dive

Red clover isoflavones have affinity for estradiol-alpha and -beta receptors and may act as both agonists and antagonists12. Red clover may enhance the estrogenic effects of hormonal contraceptives 34.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Red clover extract may act as an estrogen agonist or antagonist, and may have antiprogestin effects

Common questions

Can I take Medroxyprogesterone Injection and Red Clover together?

Altered contraceptive effectiveness or increased side effects Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Medroxyprogesterone Injection and Red Clover interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Medroxyprogesterone Injection or Red Clover need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (4)

  1. Nelsen J, Barrette E, Tsouronix C, et al: Red clover (Trifolium pratense) monograph: A clinical decision support tool. J Herbal Pharmacotherapy 2002; 2(3):49-72. PubMed
  2. Zava DT, Dollbaum CM, & Blen M: Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices. PSEBM 1998; 217(3):369-378. DOI
  3. Kowalak JP & Mills EJKowalak JP & Mills EJ: Professional Guide to Complementary and Alternative Therapies, Springhouse Co, Springhouse, PA, 2001.
  4. Newall C, Anderson L, & Phillipson JNewall C, Anderson L, & Phillipson J: Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals, The Pharmaceutical Press, London, England, 1996.
Was this write-up helpful?
Medroxyprogesterone Injection

Keep reading about Medroxyprogesterone Injection

All Medroxyprogesterone Injection interactions (103) Medroxyprogesterone Injection drug information
Also serious with: Yellow Fever Vaccine Measles Virus Vaccine, Live Fezolinetant Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
Red Clover

Keep reading about Red Clover

All Red Clover interactions (15)
Also serious with: Levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System Medroxyprogesterone

Check another combination

Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.

Coming soon

The instant two-drug checker is on its way.

In the meantime, browse the directory below to look up any drug and see its documented interactions.

Still have questions about this combination?

Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.

Ask the pharmacist
This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.