Depo-Provera Injection

Depo-Provera Injection is administered only by or under the supervision of doctor. It should be taken as your doctor advice. Your doctor will decide how much you need to take and for how much time. You should take this injection for as long as it is prescribed for you.

The most common side effects of this medicine include headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, nervousness, weight gain, and breast tenderness. If any of these bothers you, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. It may also cause irregular menstrual cycle, spotting or your menstrual bleeds to stop altogether. Inform your doctor if you get heavy or prolonged bleeding.

Before taking this medicine, you must let your doctor know if you ever had any problems like history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, liver, or bleeding problems. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. You must not take it if you are pregnant.

Treatment of Abnormal uterine bleeding
Treatment of Endometriosis

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Depo-Provera Injection is a progestin (female hormone). It works by preventing an egg from developing fully and being released from the ovaries during your menstrual cycle. It also alters the lining of your womb and thickens the mucus at the entrance of the womb, making it more difficult for the sperm to enter. This prevents pregnancy.

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Depo-Provera Injection is used for preventing pregnancy (contraception).

To avoid the risk of becoming pregnant you must take the injection once after every 12 weeks.

It is usually given into the muscle of the buttock or upper arm.

The injection cannot be reversed once it has been given and its effects last for at least 12 weeks.

Fertility does return once the injections are stopped, but the time varies for each woman.

It may cause irregular bleeding, spotting or your menstrual bleeds to stop altogether. Inform your doctor if you get heavy or prolonged bleeding.

Long term use can cause a loss of bone mineral density and increase the risk of weak bones and osteoporosis.

Do not take Depo-Provera Injection if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, liver problems, or bleeding problems.

Q. What is Depo-Provera Injection used for?

Depo-Provera Injection is a birth control method for women. It is made up of a hormone similar to progesterone, which is naturally produced in the body. It helps to prevent the development and release of egg from the ovaries during menstrual cycle thus prevents pregnancy.

Q. When and how to take Depo-Provera Injection ?

The first dose is usually given within 5 days of starting of your period. It is given as an injection into the muscle of the arm or buttocks, either by a doctor or nurse. A single dose of this injection is effective for 12 weeks. Therefore, after every 12 weeks you need to take this injection to avoid pregnancy.

Q. Does Depo-Provera Injection provide 100% protection from pregnancy?

No, Depo-Provera Injection is only 97% effective, which means 3 out of 100 women using Depo-Provera Injection may get pregnant. However, if you are taking every dose on time then the medicine can be more than 99% effective.

Q. Can I become pregnant after I stop using Depo-Provera Injection?

Yes, your fertility returns to normal after a few months of stopping Depo-Provera Injection (on average three months, but it may take up to 1 year). However, if you are planning to get pregnant soon, avoid taking Depo-Provera Injection unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.

Q. What are the side effects of using Depo-Provera Injection?

The side effects associated with Depo-Provera Injection include irregular menstrual periods or no periods at all, weight gain, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, acne and breast tenderness. Do not worry, as most of these side effects are temporary. However, if these side effects persist, consult your doctor.

Q. When does Depo-Provera Injection start working?

Depo-Provera Injection starts working immediately if given within the first 5 days of beginning of your periods. But, if you receive the dose at another time of your menstrual cycle then it may take about 7 to 10 days to show effectiveness. Therefore, during these days, you must use some other contraceptive method such as condoms to avoid pregnancy.

Q. What are the advantages of using Depo-Provera Injection?

Depo-Provera Injection is almost 100% effective and has many advantages. A single dose works for at least 12 weeks. During that time, you do not need to take daily oral contraceptive pills. It does not interfere with sexual intercourse. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) by 80%. It may also be helpful in relieving painful periods.

Q. What if I am late for my injection?

Depo-Provera Injection injections should be given every 12 weeks. If you wait longer than 13 weeks between injections, you may need to take a pregnancy test before your next injection. You should opt for other methods of contraception, like condoms, for 14 days after having the late injection.

In Treatment of Abnormal uterine bleeding

Depo-Provera Injection is a synthetic progestin that replicates the effect of a natural female hormone called progesterone. It slows the growth of the lining of the womb before menstruation, which reduces the bleeding during menstruation. If heavy periods become such a problem that they interfere with your everyday life, then try taking things a little easier on those days. Some women find that relaxation techniques or yoga help them feel more relaxed and reduce stress. Getting a lot of exercise can also help.

In Treatment of Endometriosis

Depo-Provera Injection contains progesterone, a female hormone that is important in the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. It is used to cause menstrual periods in women who have not reached menopause but are not having periods due to a lack of natural progesterone in the body. You should use the medicine as prescribed for it to be effective. Avoid any stress and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Improving weight and nutrition may be recommended in females with eating disorders or malnutrition to get the maximum benefit from Depo-Provera Injection.show moreshow less

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Nervousness

Irregular menstrual cycle

Dizziness

Weakness

Abdominal pain

Headache

Breast tenderness

Weight gain

Alcohol:CAUTION

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Depo-Provera Injection. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:UNSAFE

Depo-Provera Injection is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor’s advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Depo-Provera Injection is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.Nonhormonal contraceptives are preferred in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum

Driving:UNSAFE

Depo-Provera Injection may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Depo-Provera Injection in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:UNSAFE

Depo-Provera Injection is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 850-54.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate. Pfizer: Puurs, Belgium: 2018. view

Drugs.com. Medroxprogestrone. view

Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr . 2004;80:S189-S198. view