Depo-Provera Contraceptive injection

Medroxyprogesterone is a form of progesterone, a female hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medicine also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Medroxyprogesterone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to reduce pain caused by endometriosis.

Medroxyprogesterone is also used to ease pain and other symptoms in women with metastatic uterine or kidney cancer. This medicine is not a cure for these conditions.

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

Medroxyprogesterone can cause birth defects. Do not use if this medicine if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during or soon after treatment with medroxyprogesterone.

You should not use medroxyprogesterone if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or a history of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.

You should not use this medicine for longer than 2 years. Medroxyprogesterone can decrease the calcium stored in your bones, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis).

Medroxyprogesterone is injected into a muscle or under the skin. Medroxyprogesterone may be given once per week or once every 3 months, depending on why you are using the medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions.

When used for birth control, medroxyprogesterone is given by a healthcare provider. For other conditions, you may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

You may have breakthrough bleeding while using medroxyprogesterone. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using medroxyprogesterone. If you use this medicine long-term, your bone density may need to be checked during treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Applies to medroxyprogesterone: oral tablet

Other dosage forms:

• intramuscular injectable, intramuscular suspension

Along with its needed effects, medroxyprogesterone (the active ingredient contained in Depo-Provera Contraceptive) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking medroxyprogesterone:

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
• anxiety
• blurred vision
• breast pain or tenderness
• changes in skin color
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• cough
• dark urine
• decrease in amount of urine
• diarrhea
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• eye pain
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• headache
• hives or welts, itching, redness, swelling, or skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of appetite
• menstrual changes
• nausea
• noisy, rattling breathing
• pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
• pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• severe, sudden headache
• shortness of breath
• slurred speech
• stopping of menstrual bleeding
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
• sudden, unexplained shortness of breath
• swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
• troubled breathing at rest
• unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vaginal bleeding or spotting
• vision changes
• vomiting of blood
• weight gain
• yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects of medroxyprogesterone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Blemishes on the skin
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• hair loss, thinning of hair
• increased hair growth, especially on the face
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• nervousness
• pimples
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• weight changes