Medroxyprogesterone Acetate



Depo-Provera®; Depo-Provera® Contraceptive; depo-subQ provera 104™; Provera®







Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

(me DROKS ee proe JES te rone AS e tate)

U.S. Brand Names
Depo-Provera®; Depo-Provera® Contraceptive; depo-subQ provera 104™; Provera®
Canadian Brand Names
Alti-MPA; Apo-Medroxy®; Depo-Prevera®; Depo-Provera®; Gen-Medroxy; Novo-Medrone; Provera®; Provera-Pak
Pharmacologic Category
Contraceptive; Progestin
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine during the first 4 months of pregnancy. Progestins may cause birth defects. Contact healthcare provider if you think you may be pregnant. This medicine does not prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases. Women taking this medicine for birth control may lose bone. Bone loss is greater the longer the medicine is used. It is not known what the risk will be to bones when used in teenage and young adult women.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to medroxyprogesterone acetate or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Blood clots, liver disease, stroke, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent pregnancy.
  • This medicine is used to prevent endometrial changes in postmenopausal females receiving estrogens therapy.
  • This medicine is used to prevent pain caused by endometriosis.
  • This medicine is used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance.
  • This medicine is used to treat endometrial, breast, or kidney cancer.
  • This medicine is used to treat females who do not have a menstrual cycle.
How does it work?
  • Progestins are produced by the body and are used for development of milk-producing glands and maintenance of the menstrual cycle.
  • Medroxyprogesterone acetate prevents egg development and ovulation which protects against pregnancy.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or vein. depo-subQ provera 104™ is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Take tablet with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Follow diet and exercise plan as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Avoid cigarette smoking.
  • If you have breast or any genital cancer, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have any circulation problems, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Weight gain.
  • Weakened bones with long-term use.
  • Headache.
  • Increased appetite.
  • Change in color of stool to green.
  • Swelling.
  • For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.
  • Bone density test.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling or pain of leg or arm.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store tablets at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • The shot will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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