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.
Depo-Provera Injection
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Depo-Provera Injection is used for contraception (preventing pregcy). It helps to prevent development and release of egg from the ovaries during menstrual cycle thus prevents pregcy.
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.
03Uses
Treatment of Abnormal uterine bleeding
Treatment of Endometriosis
04How To Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
05How It Works
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.
06Benefits
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
07Side Effects
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
08Safety Information
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.
09Drug Tips
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.
References
Sources and references
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
