Depo-Provera ratings & reviews

Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a derivative of progesterone, as its active ingredient. This drug is an injectable suspension intended for intramuscular administration and is available in vials containing 150 mg/mL. It includes sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment among its inactive ingredients.

How should I use this medication?

Depo-Provera CI contraceptive injection is given into a muscle. Depo-subQ Provera 104 injection is given under the skin. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting. The injection is usually given during the first 5 days after the start of a menstrual period or 6 weeks after delivery of a baby.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. The sheet may change often.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. These injections have been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. You must get an injection once every 3 months. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medication?

This injection is only given by a care team. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Increase in blood pressure
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• New or worsening migraines or headaches
• Seizures
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Dark patches of the skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Nausea
• Weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Asthma
• Blood clots
• Breast cancer or family history of breast cancer
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Eating disorder (anorexia nervosa)
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• HIV infection or AIDS
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Migraine headaches
• Osteoporosis, weak bones
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Tobacco use
• Vaginal bleeding
• An unusual or allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Antibiotics or medications for infections, especially rifampin and griseofulvin
• Antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Aprepitant
• Armodafinil
• Bexarotene
• Bosentan
• Medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, topiramate
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular health checks while on this medication.

Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You may need to use another form of contraception, such as a condom, when you first start taking this medication. This is called backup contraception. This helps prevent pregnancy until your medication has had time to reach its full effect. Talk to your care team. They can help you find the option that works best for you. They can also tell you how long you may need backup contraception.

This medication can decrease the amount of calcium in your bones. This weakens your bones and increases the risk of fractures. The risk increases the longer you take this medication. This effect is not reversible. Do not take this medication for more than 2 years unless you are not able to use other forms of contraception. Your care team can help you find the option that works best for you. They can also help you maintain your bone health.

This medication may change your menstrual cycle pattern. You may have irregular menstrual cycles or spotting, an increase or decrease in bleeding, or no bleeding at all. You may skip periods or your periods may stop. This is normal. If you think you may be pregnant, talk to your care team.

Talk to your care team if you plan to get pregnant within the next year. The effect of this medication may last a long time after you get your last injection.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

Use of this birth control injection may cause you to lose calcium in your bone, which may cause weak bones (osteoporosis) later in life. The risk of weak bones increases if you use this method of birth control for more than 2 years. Your bones may not recover their strength completely. It is recommended that you do not use this type of birth control for more than 2 years.