Medroxyprogesterone depot
DEPO-PROVERA
Pronunciation: me-drox-ee-proe-JES-te-roen (dep-poe-proe-VAIR-a)
What it isDepot progesterone-receptor agonist that suppresses ovulation; injectable contraception.
Why this oneProvides private, adherence-forgiving contraception and often suppresses menstruation.
What limits itIrregular bleeding and weight gain are common; delayed fertility return and bone-density loss can end treatment.
Medroxyprogesterone depot prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Hormonal contraceptives (1960–2026). Medroxyprogesterone depot enters in 1992 (estimated).
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryX
Defining liabilityVenous thromboembolism and hormone-related adverse effects; estrogen also lowers lamotrigine exposure.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention of pregnancy | Females of reproductive potential | 150 mg by deep IM injection (gluteal or deltoid) | 150 mg IM every 3 months (13 weeks) | Use for longer than 2 years not recommended unless other options inadequate |
Renal Undefined (effect of renal impairment unknown)
Hepatic Undefined (effect of hepatic impairment unknown; significant liver disease is a contraindication)
150 mg every 3 months (13 weeks); not recommended for use longer than 2 years unless other options inadequate
Instructions
- Shake vigorously just before use
- Give by deep IM injection using strict aseptic technique in gluteal or deltoid muscle, rotating sites
- First injection only during first 5 days of a normal menstrual period or within first 5 days postpartum
- In mothers who exclusively breastfeed, administer during or after the sixth postpartum week
- Dosage does not need adjustment for body weight; if interval >13 weeks, confirm not pregnant before dosing
Available strengths
- inj 150 mg/mL (IM)
- inj 104 mg/0.65 mL (SC (Depo-SubQ Provera 104))
Contraindications
- Active thrombophlebitis, or current or past history of thromboembolic disorders, or cerebral vascular disease
- Known or suspected malignancy of breast
- Significant liver disease
- Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Cautions
- Loss of bone mineral density
- Thromboembolic disorders
- Cancer risks (breast, cervical)
- Meningioma - discontinue if diagnosed
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions
- Liver function disturbances - discontinue if jaundice/abnormal LFTs
- Bleeding irregularities
- Weight gain
- Decreased glucose tolerance - monitor diabetics
- Fluid retention
- Delayed return of fertility
Adverse reactions
- Menstrual irregularities (bleeding/spotting, amenorrhea)
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Abdominal pain/discomfort
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Decreased libido
Pregnancy No use for contraception in pregnancy; discontinue during pregnancy. Epidemiologic studies have not found an increased risk of birth defects with progestins.
Lactation Medroxyprogesterone acetate is detectable in milk; milk composition/quality/amount not adversely affected; in exclusive breastfeeders initiate during or after sixth postpartum week; no adverse effects noted in exposed infants.
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | brand $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 mg/mL | inj | per unit | $22.85/mL | — | offered |
| 104 mg/0.65 mL | inj | per unit | — | $77.43/mL | not offered |
Other forms: Medroxy progesterone (PROVERA)
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Self-check
- What menstrual effect often occurs with depot medroxyprogesterone?
Suppression of menstruation. - What fertility issue can limit depot medroxyprogesterone?
Delayed fertility return.