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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE (CONTRACEPTIVE) - INTRAMUSCULAR

(meh-DROX-ee-pro-JESS-tur-own A-seh-tate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Depo-Provera

WARNING: This medication may cause serious bone loss. The risk of bone loss increases with longer use of this medication. This bone loss may be permanent even after you stop using medroxyprogesterone injection. This medication should not be used for longer than 2 years unless other birth control methods will not work for you. The years of adolescence and early adulthood are important for your body to build healthy bones. Use of this medication may increase the risk of broken bones when you are older. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of this medication and other birth control choices.

Keep all your medical/lab appointments. Your doctor may test your bone density while you are using this medication. Be sure to get enough vitamin D and calcium in your diet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine whether you need calcium/vitamin D supplements to help keep your bones healthy.

Use of this medication does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea). Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

USES: This medication is used to prevent pregnancy. Medroxyprogesterone is like a natural hormone made by the body called progesterone. It works by preventing the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation), and changing the womb to make it more difficult for an egg to meet sperm (fertilization) or for the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the womb (implantation).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The container should be shaken well before each injection. This medication is given by injection into a muscle (upper arm or buttock) by a health care professional once every 3 months (13 weeks). The first injection should be given during the first 5 days of your menstrual period to make sure you are not pregnant.

If you have recently given birth, the first injection should be given within 5 days after delivery if you are not breast-feeding and during the sixth week after delivery if you are breast-feeding. Talk with your doctor about the best time to schedule your first injection.

It is very important that you have an injection every 3 months. If more than 13 weeks pass between injections, you may become pregnant. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before getting another injection. Other birth control methods (e.g., contraceptive sponge, diaphragm, condom) must be used to protect you from getting pregnant until you can get the next injection.