Description
Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) 150 mg/mL
Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection is a prescription hormonal contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a progestin. The verified U.S. product strength is 150 mg/mL for intramuscular use. It is used for birth control and is not protective against sexually transmitted infections.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The active ingredient is medroxyprogesterone acetate. It belongs to the progestin class of medicines, which are synthetic forms of progesterone. The product is a long-acting injectable contraceptive suspension.
Established Medical Uses
The established indication for this product is contraception. Regulatory information for the U.S. product identifies it as a contraceptive injection for intramuscular use.
How It Works
Medroxyprogesterone acetate helps prevent pregnancy mainly by suppressing ovulation. It also thickens cervical mucus and changes the uterine lining, which makes fertilisation and implantation less likely.
Important Safety Information
Important safety considerations include a history of breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver disease, and osteoporosis risk, because progestin injection can affect bone mineral density and bleeding patterns. The product label also warns about serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic events, mood changes, and a possible delay in return to fertility after stopping use. Clinically significant interactions may occur with other medicines that alter hormonal contraception effectiveness or are affected by hormonal changes; the official label should be checked for the full interaction list.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include irregular bleeding or spotting, amenorrhoea, weight change, headache, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, breast tenderness, and mood changes. More serious reactions can include severe allergic reactions, depression, thromboembolic events, and clinically important bone density loss with longer use.
Scientific Evidence
Peer-reviewed reviews describe depot medroxyprogesterone acetate as a highly effective, long-acting contraceptive option. Systematic review evidence also shows that the subcutaneous formulation is generally well tolerated and that self-administration can improve continuation, although that evidence is for the subcutaneous product rather than this intramuscular 150 mg/mL injection.
Medical Information Notice
This page is an educational summary based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or individual assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed: DEPO-PROVERA CI (medroxyprogesterone acetate) injectable suspension, for intramuscular use — Prescribing Information
- Westhoff C. “Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate injection (Depo-Provera): a highly effective contraceptive option with proven long-term safety.” Contraception (2003). PubMed