medroxyprogesterone (injectable)

Brand name(s):

medroxyPROGESTERone, Depo-Provera, Depo-Provera Contraceptive, Depo-SubQ Provera 104

What is the most important information I should know about medroxyprogesterone?

This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone, or if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver disease, or a history of a stroke or blood clot. Medroxyprogesterone may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) especially when used over long periods of time. Bone loss may not be reversible. Do not use this medication for longer than 2 years. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of bone loss.

Medroxyprogesterone will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

What is medroxyprogesterone?

Medroxyprogesterone is a form of progesterone, a female hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Medroxyprogesterone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to reduce pain cause by endometriosis.

Medroxyprogesterone is also used to ease pain and other symptoms in women with metastatic uterine or kidney cancer. This medication is not a cure for these conditions.

Medroxyprogesterone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using medroxyprogesterone?

This medication may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) especially when used over long periods of time. Bone loss may not be reversible. Do not use this medication for longer than 2 years. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of bone loss. Medroxyprogesterone can cause birth defects. Do not use if this medication you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone, or if you have:

abnormal vaginal bleeding;
breast cancer;
liver disease; or
a history of a stroke or blood clot.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use medroxyprogesterone.

congestive heart failure;
diabetes;
seizures or epilepsy; or
a history of depression.

Medroxyprogesterone passes into breast milk, but it is not known whether this could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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