What is this medication for?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate belongs to the class of medication known as progestogens. Progesterones are female hormones that help to regulate the menstrual cycle during a woman's childbearing years. It is used for the prevention of pregnancy when regular birth control pills do not provide adequate protection.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Depo-Provera® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Birth control: The usual dose is 150 mg injected into a muscle by a health care professional every three months. Treatment with this medication usually starts within the first five days after the onset of a normal menstrual period or within the first five days after delivery if not breast-feeding or within six weeks after delivery if breast-feeding. Intervals between injections must not exceed 13 weeks. If an injection is not received within 13 weeks, a pregnancy test should be done before any further treatment with medroxyprogesterone. This medication is usually given as an injection every 3 to 4 months.
Endometriosis: This medication is given as an injection (into the muscle or under the skin) once every 3 to 4 months by the doctor.
For use as a contraceptive or for endometriosis, if the injection is given within the first five days after the onset of a normal menstrual period, it is effective from the day of injection. However, if it is given later during the menstrual cycle, it may not be effective for the first three to four weeks after the injection. A non-hormonal "back up" method of birth control, such as latex condoms with spermicidal foam or jelly, should be used during this time. Treatment with this medication for longer than two years is not recommended.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This preparation is not to be used intravenously (injected into a vein).
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.