Generic name: medroxyprogesterone (injection) [ med-ROX-ee-proe-JES-ter-one ]
Other brand names of medroxyprogesterone (injection) include Depo-Provera Contraceptive, depo-subQ provera
Drug classes: Contraceptives, Hormones / antineoplastics, Progestins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 14, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Depo-Provera Contraceptive?

Depo-Provera Contraceptive is a form of progesterone (a hormone) that is used to prevent pregnancy.

Depo-Provera Contraceptive is also used to relieve pain caused by endometriosis.

Depo-Provera Contraceptive may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Depo-Provera Contraceptive side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once or get emergency medical help if you have severe pain in your lower stomach (especially on only one side). This could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Depo-Provera Contraceptive may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual or very heavy vaginal bleeding;

• seizures;

• pain, bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding where the injection was given;

• vision loss or other eye problems;

• fluid retention--shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection);

• depression--mood changes, feelings of low self-worth, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, new sleep problems, thoughts about hurting yourself;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, slurred speech, problems with balance; or

• signs of a blood clot--chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, dizziness, coughing up blood, pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg.

Common side effects of Depo-Provera Contraceptive may include:

• lumps, dimpling, or pain where injections were given;

• acne, weakness, tiredness, back pain;

• headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain;

• hot flashes, changes in your menstrual periods, vaginal inflammation or thrush;

• swelling, weight gain;

• breast pain and tenderness;

• depression, anxiety, feeling nervous, irritable; or

• pain and burning when you urinate.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Long-term use of medroxyprogesterone may lower calcium levels in your bones, which may cause bone loss that may not be reversible, especially after menopause. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

You should not use Depo-Provera Contraceptive for longer than 2 years unless you cannot use other birth control or treatment options for your condition.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Depo-Provera Contraceptive if you are allergic to it, or if you have or have ever had:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• breast cancer;

• heart problems such as heart attack, stroke, or blood clot in your arms, legs, or lungs; or

• severe liver disease.

Depo-Provera Contraceptive may decrease the calcium stored in your bones, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) when the medicine is used over long periods of time.

You should not use this medicine for longer than 2 years unless you cannot use other birth control or treatment options for your condition.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• risk factors for weak bones (osteoporosis) such as bone disease, alcohol use, regular smoking, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder), a family history of osteoporosis, or the use of certain drugs such as seizure medicine or steroids;

• if you are a teenager;

• light or irregular menstrual periods;

• a breast lump, an abnormal mammogram, or bleeding from your nipples;

• breast cancer (in you or a family member);

• heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• migraine headaches;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• diabetes (in you or a family member);

• depression or mood disorder;

• any other medical condition; or

• kidney disease.

Using Depo-Provera Contraceptive may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

You should not use Depo-Provera Contraceptive if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Certain medicines can make Depo-Provera Contraceptive less effective. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

This medicine should not be given to a girl who has not yet had menstrual periods.

How is Depo-Provera Contraceptive given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Depo-Provera Contraceptive is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection once every 3 months.

Depo-Provera Contraceptive can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Depo-Provera Contraceptive.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests.

You may be given other medications based on your condition. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Depo-Provera Contraceptive.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving Depo-Provera Contraceptive?

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely.

Using Depo-Provera Contraceptive will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS. Ask your doctor how to prevent HIV transmission during sex.

What other drugs will affect Depo-Provera Contraceptive?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Depo-Provera Contraceptive if you regularly use medicine for seizures, tuberculosis, pulmonary hypertension, or HIV/AIDS. Certain medicine can make this medicine less effective as a birth control option.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• St. John's wort;

• sleep medicine;

• griseofulvin;

• modafinil;

• mitotane; or

• an antibiotic such as rifampin.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Depo-Provera Contraceptive. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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