Depo-Provera
Generic Name:
Medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension
Brand Names:
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera Description:
Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection used to prevent pregnancy. The medication contains the hormone progestin and works primarily by preventing ovulation, the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary. Depo-Provera also thickens the cervical mucus, inhibiting the ability of sperm to reach the egg.
Depo-Provera Side Effects:
The side effect most frequently associated with Depo-Provera is a change in menstrual bleeding.
Other side effects may include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Decreased libido
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Nausea
- Change in appetite or weight gain
For more information see our Depo-Provera side effects page.
Depo-Provera Uses:
Depo-Provera is used as a method of birth control. It is an alternative to the more common daily birth control pill and is injected once every three months. Depo-Provera does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases and is not effective in terminating existing pregnancies.
Depo-Provera Interactions:
Other medications or herbs may interact with Depo-Provera or decrease its effectiveness. Discuss any medications, supplements or vitamins with your doctor before taking Depo-Provera.
The use of Aminoglutethimide (Cytadren), an anticancer drug, may significantly reduce the efficacy of Depo-Provera.
Depo-Provera Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Depo-Provera is a 150 mg injection administered by a health care provider once every three months, generally in the upper arm. The first injection must be administered within the first five days of the patient’s normal menstrual cycle in order to ensure effectiveness and guarantee the patient is not already pregnant.
The patient must return every three months to receive an injection of Depo-Provera in order to guarantee the best possible efficacy rate of the medication.
Missing a Dose of Depo-Provera
If you do not receive an injection in 13 weeks, the use of a back-up birth control method is recommended until the next shot is administered.
Depo-Provera Overdose
Because Depo-Provera is administered by a health professional, unintentional overdose is unlikely.
Depo-Provera FDA Approval:
September 23, 1960
Depo-Provera Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Depo-Provera carries a black box warning informing consumers of the risk of significant bone mineral loss. Long-term use of Depo-Provera may cause severe loss of bone calcium, increasing the risk of bone breaks and osteoporosis. Your doctor may recommend an alternative method of birth control if Depo-Provera is used for more than two years.
Sources:
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/Scripts/cder/DrugsatFDA/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Overview&DrugName=DEPO-PROVERA&CFID=31357117&CFTOKEN=466dadd5b2eebe41-4C087C49-1143-D1C5-FBAC9DA3DAA1690E
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm154784.htm
- http://www.depoprovera.com/
- http://media.pfizer.com/files/products/ppi_depo_provera_contraceptive.pdf
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depo-provera/MY00995
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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