What is Depo-Provera?
Depo Provera, also known as progesterone, is a type of female hormone that prevents ovulation. Medroxyprogesterone can also cause changes to your cervical mucus or uterine lining.Fertilized eggs find it more challenging to attach themselves to the uterus due to this obstruction. The intramuscular (shot) injection of Depo Provera CI can be used to stop pregnancy as a contraceptive. Depo Provera is not effective against HIV (AIDS) or other STDs.
Warnings
Do not take Depo Provera, even if it is prescribed to you, if any of the following conditions exist: vaginal bleeding that hasn't been diagnosed, liver diseases, cancerous breast tissue, or you are pregnant. Medroxyprogesterone may decrease calcium in the bones. This can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis when used for long periods. It is possible that bone loss cannot be reversed. If you lose calcium, your bones may become weaker. This is especially true after menopause. Depo Provera CI should not be used for more than two years, unless you are unable to use other methods of birth control. Depo Provera does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Use of a condom is the only effective means of protecting against these diseases.
Before you take this drug
Depo Provera may require a pregnancy test to be negative before it is started.
Depo Provera should not be used if:
- Undiagnosed abnormal bleeding in the vaginal area;
- Liver disease
- Breast cancer
- A history of strokes or blood clots.
Medroxyprogesterone may decrease calcium in the bones.Bone loss or osteoporosis could occur as a result.It is possible that bone loss cannot be reversed. If you lose calcium, your bones may become weaker. This is especially true after menopause. Do not take Depo Provera for more than two years unless you are unable to use other methods of birth control. Consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Depo Provera will be safe for you:
- Light or irregular periods
- Risk factors for osteoporosis include low bone mineral density (BMD), a history of the disease in your family, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
- A breast lump or abnormal mammogram; bleeding in your nipples
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Breast cancer in you or your family members
- Diabetes;
- Depression or eating disorders
- Seizures;
- Asthma;
- Migraine headaches
Do not stop taking Depo Provera CI until you have spoken to your doctor. Depo Provera may cause problems if breast-feeding is attempted.Whenever in doubt about any risks involved, always consult your physician first.
Similar/related drugs
Norethindrone, Provera, Levonorgestrel, Medroxyprogesterone, Yaz, and Mirena
How to take Depo-Provera?
Inject Depo Provera CI into the muscle. Depo Provera CI is given by a healthcare professional once every three months (13 weeks). Depo Provera CI can cause bleeding that is not expected. If this bleeding persists or becomes very heavy, tell your doctor. Certain medical tests can be affected by Depo Provera. Inform any doctors who treat you that Depo Provera CI is being used. You will have to visit your doctor regularly while using Depo Provera CI. You may have to undergo a bone density test if you are using this medication long-term.
Details on dosage
Adult dose of Depo Provera:
Intramuscular injection:
150 mg every three months (13 weeks) on the deltoid or gluteal muscle.
The usual pediatric dose of Depo Provera contraception is:
Children and adolescents who are postmenstrual:
Intramuscular injection:
150 mg every three months (13 weeks) on the deltoid or gluteal muscle.
Comments:
First injection:
Make sure the patient was not pregnant when the first shot was given.
The first injection is only to be administered during the initial 5 days of menstruation, or within the first five postpartum days if the mother does not nurse. If she breastfeeds, the injection can also be administered at week six postpartum.
Changing from another method of contraception:
IM Injection: The first dose should be administered the next day, after taking the last contraceptive tablet. Or, at least, the following day, when the last inactive tablet is taken.
Before administering any drug, it is important to exclude pregnancy if the interval between injections exceeds 13 weeks.
Efficacy depends on adherence to the dose schedule.
Depo Provera should only be used long-term if the risk-benefit ratio of BMD loss is considered. This includes the effect on adolescents' peak bone mass as well as the BMD decrease that happens during pregnancy or lactation.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you don't receive Depo Provera CI every three months, it won't be as effective at preventing pregnancy. Get the missed Depo Provera CI injection as quickly as you can if you intend to continue with this medication. You can use a contraceptive that is not hormonal (such as diaphragms or condoms with spermicide). Before you can receive an injection, you may have to take a pregnancy test and find out if it is negative. You may become pregnant if it has been more than 14 weeks since you last received Depo Provera CI. You are more likely to become pregnant if you delay your injections.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Depo Provera CI does not provide protection against HIV or AIDS. The only way to prevent these diseases is by using a condom.
Side effects of Depo-Provera
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Depo Provera: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
If you experience:
- Menstrual cycles that are longer or heavier than usual;
- You may experience pain in your lower abdomen.
- You may experience swelling of your feet, hands, ankles, or face.
- Pain, bleeding, or changes in the skin where the injection has been given
- Symptoms of depression include sleep problems, fatigue, and mood changes.
- Jaundice Yellowing of the skin and eyes;
- The symptoms of blood clots include sudden weakness or numbness, severe head pain, and chest pain. Other signs are sudden coughing, blood in the cough, or vision problems.
Depo Provera may cause side effects such as:
- Changes in menstrual cycles;
- Feeling tired or weak
- Stomach pain;
- Feeling nervous
- Sexual drive is reduced.
- Weight gain
- Headache, dizziness;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medicines at the same time. Some medications can reduce your medroxyprogesterone levels and lessen their effectiveness in preventing pregnancies.
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- John's wort;
- Sleep medicine;
- Seizure medicine;
- Medicine to treat infection
- Hiv/aids medications;
- Bosentan;
- Modafinil;
The list of drugs that interact with medroxyprogesterone is incomplete. Many other medications may also cause an interaction. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
