Depo-Provera

What is it?

A depot-injectable preparation of the progestogen, medroxyprogesterone aceta, available in vials as a suspension of 150mg per ml.

Medical Uses

Contraception for women who for a number of reasons cannot use other methods. Only to be prescribed following counselling.

Dosage

Women, during first 5 days of monthly cycle, 150mg injection, repeated every 3 months. Following birth, 150mg during first 5 days, unless the woman is breastfeedingwhen treatment should be delayed until 6 weeks or later and barrier contraception used. Repeat every 3 months. All by deep intramuscular injection. Repeat injections should all be given during the 5 days following the 12 week interval - any delay requires pregnancy to be ruled out before a further injection is given and barrier contraception to then be additionally used for first 2 weeks.

Special Care

Diabetes, severe depression, disturbance of vision, migraine, circulatory or heart disorders, thromboembolic disorders. Injection should not be repeated if woman develops cerebral circulatory disease, thromboembolism or thrombosis on the retina of the eye. Treatment slightly increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, hormone- dependent cancers.

Known Side Effects

Temporary infertility following continuous treatment after treatment is stopped, absent, irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding during early cycles, weight gain, pain in abdomen, fluid retention, headaches, weakness, dizziness.