Depo-Provera Injection
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Pfizer Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Medroxyprogesterone acetate (150mg/ml) |
| Storage | Store below 25°C |
| Chemical Class | Gluco/Mineralocorticoids, Progestogins Derivatives |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | GYNAECOLOGICAL |
| Action Class | Progestins (First generation) |
| User Rating | 4.2 |
| User Reviews | 667 |
FAQ
What are the advantages of using Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera 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.
Does Depo-Provera provide 100% protection from pregnancy?
No, Depo-Provera is only 97% effective, which means 3 out of 100 women using Depo-Provera may get pregnant. However, if you are taking every dose on time then the medicine can be more than 99% effective.
When and how to take Depo-Provera ?
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.
When does Depo-Provera start working?
Depo-Provera 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.
What if I am late for my injection?
Depo-Provera 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.
What is Depo-Provera used for?
Depo-Provera 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.
What are the side effects of using Depo-Provera?
The side effects associated with Depo-Provera 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.
Can I become pregnant after I stop using Depo-Provera?
Yes, your fertility returns to normal after a few months of stopping Depo-Provera (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 unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.
What if you forget to take Depo-Provera?
if you missed a dose of Depo-Provera, consult your doctor.
Depo-Provera Injection Reviews
Depo-Provera is used for contraception (preventing pregnancy). It helps to prevent development and release of egg from the ovaries during menstrual cycle thus prevents pregnancy.
Depo-Provera 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.
How Depo-Provera Injection Works
Depo-Provera 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.
How to Use Depo-Provera Injection
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
Benefits of Depo-Provera Injection
- In Treatment of Endometriosis: Depo-Provera 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.
- In Treatment of Abnormal uterine bleeding: Depo-Provera 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.
Uses of Depo-Provera Injection
- Treatment of Endometriosis
- Treatment of Abnormal uterine bleeding
Depo-Provera Injection Side Effects
Safety Tips
Liver
UNSAFE
Depo-Provera is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Depo-Provera 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.
Kidney
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Depo-Provera in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Depo-Provera is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.Nonhormonal contraceptives are preferred in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum
Driving
UNSAFE
Depo-Provera may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Depo-Provera. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- Fertility does return once the injections are stopped, but the time varies for each woman.
- The injection cannot be reversed once it has been given and its effects last for at least 12 weeks.
- Depo-Provera is used for preventing pregnancy (contraception).
- It may cause irregular bleeding, spotting or your menstrual bleeds to stop altogether. Inform your doctor if you get heavy or prolonged bleeding.
- 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.
- Do not take Depo-Provera if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, liver problems, or bleeding problems.
- Long term use can cause a loss of bone mineral density and increase the risk of weak bones and osteoporosis.
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.
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198.
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate injectable suspension [Drug Label]. Kalamazoo, MI: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company; 2022.
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate. Pfizer: Puurs, Belgium: 2018.