What is Depo-subQ provera?
Depo-subQ Provera contains progesterone, a female hormone that prevents the release of eggs from an ovary. Depo-subQ provera can also cause changes to your cervical mucus, uterine lining, and other tissues.Fertilized eggs find it increasingly challenging to attach themselves to their mother's uterus and remain viable. This makes their adhesion even harder. Depo-subQ provera can be used to avoid pregnancy. The drug is used for pain relief from endometriosis. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of depo-subQ provera.
Side effects of Depo-subQ provera
If you experience symptoms of allergies such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face throat and tongue then please seek medical help immediately.
Depo-subQ provera may cause serious 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, ankles, or face.
- Pain, swelling, or changes in the skin where the injection has been given
- Depression's symptoms include sleep issues, fatigue and mood shifts.
- Liver problems: upper stomach pains, fatigue, dark urine, or jaundice
- Signs of blood clots include sudden numbness, weakness or headache, chest discomfort, coughing blood, problems with speech or vision, and swelling in the arm or leg.
Some of the common side effects associated with depo-subQ provera 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 immediately if experiencing side effects; alternatively you can report these to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Norethindrone, Depo-Provera, Provera, Levonorgestrel, Medroxyprogesterone, Yaz, and Leuprolide
Warnings
Do not take depo-subQ provera if: you suffer from undiagnosed vaginal bleeds; you have liver disease; or you have breast cancer. You should also avoid it if you are pregnant or have had blood clots or strokes. When used for long periods, depo-subQ provera 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-subQ provera should only be used for 1-2 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-subQ provedra should not be used if:
- Undiagnosed abnormal bleeding in the vaginal area;
- Liver disease
- Breast cancer
- A history of strokes or blood clots.
Depo-subQ Provera may decrease calcium in the bones. Bone loss or osteoporosis could occur.It is possible that bone loss cannot 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 subQ provera, you should tell your doctor immediately. Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication.Consult a medical expert regarding possible risks.
How to take Depo-subQ provera?
Depo-subQ Provera is 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 subQ provera, you may experience bleeding that is not expected. If this bleeding persists or becomes very heavy, tell your doctor. Depo-subQ can interfere with certain tests. Inform any doctors who treat you that you use depo subQ provera. You will have to visit your doctor regularly while using depo subQ provera. 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 subQ 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?
Reach out immediately if a poison emergency arises by dialling 1-800-222-1222, or seeking immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
Depo-subQ Provera does not provide protection against sexually transmissible diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Use of a condom is the only sure way to reduce disease transmission.
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.
Provide information to your doctor regarding all medications you are currently taking, such as:
- John's wort;
- Sleep medicine;
- Seizure medicine;
- Medicine to treat an infection
- Hiv/aids medications;
- Bosentan;
- Modafinil;
The list above is not exhaustive, and other medications may also affect depo subQ provera. These include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins, and other products. This list does not include all interactions with drugs.
