Medroxyprogesterone (Injection)

Medroxyprogesterone (me-DROKS-ee-proe-JES-te-rone)

Used to prevent pregnancy. This medicine is a contraceptive (birth control).

Brand Name(s):

Depo-Provera Contraceptive, Depo-Provera
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have had blood clots, liver disease, vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor, or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovary.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle in your upper arm or buttocks.
• You will need receive this medicine every 3 months (13 weeks). Be sure to keep all appointments with your doctor to receive your injections.
• If you plan to start this medicine after having a baby, you should receive your first shot within 5 days after your baby is born. If you plan to breastfeed your new baby, you must wait 6 weeks to receive your first shot.

If a dose is missed:

• You must have this shot every 13 weeks to prevent pregnancy. If you do not get another shot after 13 weeks, talk with your doctor. You may need to use another form of birth control and wait until your next menstrual period before starting the shots again.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking aminoglutethimide (Cytadren®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, kidney disease, high cholesterol, or blood clots.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. The medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Taking large doses of this medicine over long periods of time may increase your risk of some kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
• This medicine may decrease bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis (thin or weak bones). Talk with your doctor about taking calcium supplements and getting enough calcium in your diet.
• If you plan to have children later after you have received this medicine, it may take up to year or longer before you will be able to become pregnant.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, pain in your chest or leg (calf)
• Severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, slurred speech
• Shortness of breath, coughing up blood
• Sudden change in your vision
• Severe stomach pain, especially on one side
• Vaginal bleeding that lasts a long time

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Acne or changes in hair growth
• Breast tenderness
• Missed or irregular menstrual periods
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Tired feeling or depressed mood , weight changes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.