What is Depo-Provera Contraceptive?
Progesterone contraceptives prevent ovulation, the release of an egg by an ovary. The Depo Provera contraceptive can also cause changes to your cervical mucus and uterine lining and make it more difficult for fertilized eggs to adhere to the uterus. Depo Provera contraceptives can be used to avoid pregnancy. The drug is used for pain relief caused by endometriosis. Depo Provera Contraceptives can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Depo-Provera Contraceptive
If you experience difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of lips, face throat or tongue as symptoms of allergy; breathing difficulties; difficulty with exercise; swelling in lips face throat or tongue are signs.
Depo-provera contraceptives can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Menstrual cycles that are longer or heavier than expected;
- Have you experienced lower abdominal discomfort?
- You may experience swelling of your feet, hands, or ankles.
- Pain, bleeding, or changes in the skin where the injection has been given
- Depression's symptoms include difficulty sleeping, fatigue and mood changes.
- Liver problems: upper stomach pains, fatigue, dark urine, or jaundice
- Signs of blood clots include sudden numbness, weakness, or headache; severe chest pain; coughing blood; problems with speech or vision; and swelling in the arm or leg.
Depo Provera contraceptive side effects may include:
- Changes in menstrual cycles;
- Feeling tired or weak
- Stomach pain;
- Feeling nervous
- Sexual drive is reduced.
- Weight gain
- Headache, dizziness;
- You may develop lumps and dimples in the skin at the injection site.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively contact the Food and Drug Administration directly by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 to report.
Similar/related drugs
norethindrone, Provera, levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, Yaz, and Mirena
Warnings
Depo-Provera Contraceptives should not be used if: you suffer from undiagnosed vaginal bleeds; you suffer from liver disease; or you suffer from breast cancer. You also shouldn't use it if you are pregnant or have had blood clots or strokes. When used for long periods, Depo Provera Contraceptive may decrease calcium in the bones. This can lead to bone loss. It is possible that bone loss cannot be reversed. You are more likely to break a bone if you lose calcium, particularly after menopause. Depo Provera contraceptives should not be used for more than two years, unless you are unable to use other contraceptive methods.
Before you take this drug
Before you begin taking this medication, you may be required to take a pregnancy test.
Depo Provera Contraceptives should not be used if:
- Undiagnosed abnormal bleeding in the vaginal area;
- Liver disease
- Breast cancer
- A history of strokes or blood clots.
Depo-provera contraceptives may decrease calcium in the bones. This can lead to bone loss, or osteoporosis, if used for long periods. The loss of bone may not be reversed. If your bones become weak due to calcium loss (especially after menopause), you may have an increased risk of breaking a bone. Do not take this medication for more than two years unless you are unable to use other methods of birth control. Consult your doctor.
If you've ever:
- 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.
If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant shortly after stopping Depo Provera Contraceptive, you should immediately tell your doctor. Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about the risks.
How to take Depo-Provera Contraceptive?
Depo-provera contraceptives can be injected under or into the muscle. This injection is given by a healthcare professional once every three months (between 12 and 14 weeks). While using Depo Provera Contraceptive, you may experience bleeding that is not expected. If the bleeding persists or becomes very heavy, tell your doctor. Depo-provera contraceptives may affect certain medical tests. Inform any physician who treats you about your use of Depo Provera Contraceptives. You will have to visit your doctor regularly while using Depo Provera Contraceptives. You may have to undergo a bone density test if you are using this medication long-term.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you don't receive Depo Provera every three months, it won't work to prevent pregnancy. Get the missed shot as soon as you can if you intend to use 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 had an injection. 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?
The Depo Provera contraceptive does not provide protection against sexually transmissible diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The only way to prevent these diseases is by using a condom.
Interaction with other drug
Some medications should not be taken together. Some medications can reduce your blood level of medroxyprogesterone, making it less effective at preventing pregnancy.
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;
Depo-provera contraceptives may be affected by many drugs not listed here. These include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and other products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
