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Depo-Provera
  • Treatments
  • Birth Control
  • Depo-Provera (Intramuscular)

Depo-Provera (Intramuscular)

Generic name:medroxyprogesterone (intramuscular route, subcutaneous route) [ me-drox-ee-proe-JES-ter-one-AS-e-tate ]
Drug classes:Contraceptives, Hormones / antineoplastics, Progestins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 28, 2022.

Intramuscular route(Suspension)

Women who use Depo-Provera CI(R) injection may lose significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible. Depo-Provera CI(R) should not be used longer than 2 years unless other birth control methods are considered inadequate .

Subcutaneous route(Suspension)

Women who use medroxyPROGESTERone acetate injection may lose significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible. It is unknown if use of medroxyPROGESTERone acetate during adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion, will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture in later life. MedroxyPROGESTERone acetate should not be used as a long-term birth control method (ie, longer than 2 years) unless other birth control methods are considered inadequate .

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

  • Depo-Provera
  • Depo-Provera Contraceptive
  • Depo-SubQ Provera 104

Available Dosage Forms:

  • Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive, Progestin

Pharmacologic Class: Medroxyprogesterone

Uses for Depo-Provera

Medroxyprogesterone injection is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control method that works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization is prevented.

No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor