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Depo-Provera (contraceptive injection)

Depo-Provera is a well-known brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injection that contains the hormone progestin. Depo-Provera is given as an injection every three months. Depo-Provera typically suppresses ovulation, keeping your ovaries from releasing an egg. It also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching the egg.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is also available in a lower dosage. This version is called Depo-SubQ Provera 104. While Depo-Provera is injected deep into the muscle, Depo-SubQ Provera 104 is injected just beneath the skin.

Depo-Provera and Depo-SubQ Provera 104 have similar benefits and risks. To use Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera 104, you’ll need to visit your doctor or other health care provider.

Depo-Provera is used to prevent pregnancy and manage medical conditions related to your menstrual cycle. Your health care provider might recommend Depo-Provera if:

Among various benefits, Depo-Provera:

Depo-Provera isn’t appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider might discourage use of Depo-Provera if you have:

In addition, tell your health care provider if you have diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of heart disease or stroke, and unexplained vaginal bleeding.

In a year of typical use, an estimated 6 out of 100 people using Depo-Provera will get pregnant. But the risk of pregnancy is much lower if you return every three months for your injection.

Depo-SubQ Provera 104 was highly effective in initial studies. However, it’s a newer medication, so current research may not reflect pregnancy rates in typical use.

Among the things to consider about Depo-Provera are:

Other side effects of Depo-Provera usually decrease or stop within the first few months. They might include:

Consult your health care provider as soon as possible if you have:

Many experts believe progestin-only contraceptive methods, such as Depo-Provera, carry significantly lower risks of these types of complications than do contraceptive methods that contain both estrogen and progestin.

You’ll need a prescription for Depo-Provera from your health care provider, who will likely review your medical history and possibly check your blood pressure before prescribing the drug.

Talk to your health care provider about all your medications, including nonprescription and herbal products. If you want to give yourself Depo-Provera injections at home, ask your health care provider if that’s an option.

To use Depo-Provera:

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