Depo-Provera

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Depo-Provera is not given to pregnant women. If an unexpected pregnancy occurs 1 to 2 months after a Depo-Provera injection, the baby is more likely to have a low birth weight or other health problems; birth defects are possible if you use the drug during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Children born to women who were taking Depo-Provera show no signs of poor health or development. Because Depo-Provera does not prevent the breasts from producing milk, it can be used by women who are breastfeeding. However, to minimize the amount of Depo-Provera that is passed to the infant during the first weeks of life, the drug is not given until 6 weeks after childbirth. Studies show Depo-Provera is not harmful to the infant then or later in life.

Recommended dosage

Depo-Provera is given as a single 150-milligram injection every 3 months (13 weeks).

Overdosage

An overdose of Depo-Provera is highly unlikely, since it is given as a single injection by your doctor. However, if you suspect you have received an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.