Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera must be taken every 3 months (13 weeks), on schedule. Although the birth-control effects of the drug generally take time to wear off, there is still a possibility of becoming pregnant right away if you miss your scheduled injection.

• If you miss a dose...
  If you allow more than 13 weeks to elapse before your next injection, your doctor will do a test to make sure you are not pregnant before giving you another injection.

• Storage instructions...
  Depo-Provera is always given at a doctor's office or clinic, never at home.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Depo-Provera.

By far, the most common side effect of Depo-Provera is unpredictable menstrual bleeding. In fact, most women have some change in their menstrual pattern. For example, when first taking Depo-Provera, it is common to have spotting between menstrual periods, or an increase or decrease in the amount of bleeding when menstrual periods occur. With continued use, many women stop having their menstrual periods altogether.

By 12 months (or four injections), 55 percent of women report not having periods, and by 24 months, 68 percent no longer have periods. Going without a menstrual period is not an indication that something is wrong, however.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain or discomfort, dizziness, headache, nervousness, unpredictable menstrual bleeding, weakness or fatigue, weight gain or loss

Why should Depo-Provera not be prescribed?

You should not use Depo-Provera if you know or suspect you are pregnant, or if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed by a doctor.

Also avoid Depo-Provera if you know or suspect you have breast cancer, or if you have liver disease.

Do not use this method of birth control if you have thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein with development of a blood clot), or have ever had any blood-clotting disorders, such as a stroke, or disease of the blood vessels in the brain.