Generic name: medroxyprogesterone (injection) [ med-ROX-ee-proe-JES-ter-one ]
Brand names: Depo-Provera Contraceptive, depo-subQ provera
Dosage forms: intramuscular suspension (150 mg/mL), subcutaneous suspension (104 mg/0.65 mL)
Drug classes: Contraceptives, Hormones / antineoplastics, Progestins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 29, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is medroxyprogesterone?

Medroxyprogesterone is a form of progesterone (a hormone) that is used to prevent pregnancy.

Medroxyprogesterone is also used to relieve pain caused by endometriosis.

Medroxyprogesterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Medroxyprogesterone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Medroxyprogesterone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding;

• severe pain or tenderness in your lower stomach area;

• pain, bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding where the injection was given;

• sudden vision problems;

• fluid retention--shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection);

• depression--mood changes, feelings of low self-worth, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, new sleep problems, thoughts about hurting yourself;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, dizziness, coughing up blood; or

• signs of a blood clot deep in the body--pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg.

Common side effects of medroxyprogesterone may include:

• changes in your menstrual periods;

• weight gain;

• stomach pain;

• headache, dizziness;

• weakness, tiredness;

• feeling nervous; or

• lumps, dimpling, or pain where injections were given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Medroxyprogesterone may decrease the calcium stored in your bones, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) when the medicine is used over long periods of time.

You should not use medroxyprogesterone for longer than 2 years unless you cannot use other birth control options.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use medroxyprogesterone if you are allergic to it, or if you have or have ever had:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• breast cancer;

• heart attack;

• stroke or blood clots in your arms, legs or lungs; or

• liver disease.

Medroxyprogesterone may decrease the calcium stored in your bones, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) when the medicine is used over long periods of time.

You should not use this medicine for longer than 2 years unless you cannot use other birth control options.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• risk factors for weak bones (osteoporosis) such as bone disease, alcohol use, regular smoking, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder), or a family history of osteoporosis;

• light or irregular menstrual periods;

• a breast lump, an abnormal mammogram, or bleeding from your nipples;

• breast cancer (in you or a family member);

• high blood pressure;

• heart problems;

• stroke or blood clots in your arms, legs or lungs;

• migraine headaches;

• asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• diabetes (in you or a family member);

• depression;

• if you use steroids; or

• kidney disease.

Using medroxyprogesterone may increase your risk of developing cancer. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Do not use medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Use another form of birth control, including a barrier form (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) if you are using certain medicines. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How is medroxyprogesterone given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Medroxyprogesterone is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection once every 3 months.

medroxyprogesterone can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using medroxyprogesterone.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis, and you may need other medical tests.

Using this medicine will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Ask your doctor how to prevent HIV transmission during sex.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your medroxyprogesterone injection.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while using medroxyprogesterone?

Avoid smoking, or try to quit. Smoking can reduce your bone mineral density, making fractures more likely.

What other drugs will affect medroxyprogesterone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• St. John's wort;

• sleep medicines;

• seizure medicines;

• antibiotic;

• hiv/aids medications;

• bosentan;

• griseofulvin;

• modafinil; or

• mitotane.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect medroxyprogesterone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• My stool has changed color. What does it mean?
• Why is my poop green? What does this mean?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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