What is Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) used for?

Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) is an injectable hormone used as a contraceptive treatment for women. The solution operates by adjusting hormone levels in the body to prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries to prohibit fertilization. The injection is a long term treatment and will last for several weeks to preclude the need for daily administration. This action may also be useful for preventing overgrowth of the uterine lining in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen hormone replacement therapy.

Each package contains one pre-filled syringe and sterilized needle.

How should I use Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)?

Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) should always be used according to your physician's instructions to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. One injection of the prescribed amount of medication is usually administered once every twelve weeks, but the correct amount and frequency of application will depend on your health condition. These injections are normally performed by your physician or another trained health care professional, but you may be required to administer the medication yourself in some cases. If you are required to administer the injection make sure you are trained in the correct procedure. Sterilize the needle and the injection area, determine the correct amount to be injected, and slowly inject the medicine into a vein or muscle. Always observe the medication prior to each use to make sure it is not cloudy or discolored as this may indicate contamination.

What are the side effects of Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate)?

Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) may cause side effects in some patients such as:

• Upset stomach or nausea
• Unusual weight changes
• Mild skin rash or irritation
• Tenderness, pain, or discharge from the breast area
• Disturbed menstrual periods
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Vaginal irritation or discharge

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are chest pain, irregular heartbeats, difficulty breathing, fever, flu symptoms, unusual swelling, coughing, numbness, faintness, a lump in the breast, depression, or jaundice. Tell your physician as soon as you experience any unusual or worrying symptoms to make sure the necessary changes are made to your dosage or application frequency to prevent more health problems from occurring.

Please Note

Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) should not be used by men or by women who are pregnant, suspected to be pregnant, attempting to conceive, breastfeeding, who have a history of abnormal vaginal bleeding, porphyrias, or who have had a blood clot in the lungs. Also inform your physician if you have a history of migraines, gallbladder disease, liver cancer, cervical cancer, a history of breast cancer, history of blood clots, prolonged immobilization, jaundice, cardiac conditions, diabetes, or reduced liver or kidney function. These conditions may require special adjustments to your regimen to prevent more health problems from occurring.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.