Depo-Provera IM
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (meh-DROX-ee-pro-JESS-tur-own A-seh-tate)
Depo-Provera IM Warning
This medication may cause serious bone loss. The risk of bone loss increases with longer use of this medication. This bone loss may be permanent even after you stop using medroxyprogesterone injection. This medication should not be used for longer than 2 years unless other birth control methods will not work for you. The years of adolescence and early adulthood are important for your body to build healthy bones. Use of this medication may increase the risk of broken bones when you are older. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of this medication and other birth control choices.
Keep all your medical/lab appointments. Your doctor may test your bone density while you are using this medication. Be sure to get enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine whether you need calcium/vitamin D supplements to help keep your bones healthy.
Use of this medication does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea). Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Depo-Provera IM Side Effects
Nausea, stomach cramping/bloating, dizziness, headache, tiredness, breast tenderness, decrease in breast size, acne, hair loss, or irritation/pain at injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your periods may be early or late, shorter or longer, or heavier or lighter than normal. You may also have some spotting between periods, especially during the first several months of use. Your periods may stop completely after you have been receiving this medication for about a year. If this occurs, your periods will normally return after you stop receiving this medication. If you miss a period and have missed an injection, or if more than 13 weeks pass between injections and you think you may be pregnant, see your doctor.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Previous Section
