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Brand Names: Depo-Provera, Depo-Provera Contraceptive, Depo-SubQ Provera 104

Generic Name: medroxyprogesterone (injectable) (Pronunciation: me DROX ee proe JES ter one)

• What is medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• What are the possible side effects of medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• What is the most important information I should know about medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• How should I use medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• What happens if I overdose (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• What should I avoid while using medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• What other drugs will affect medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?

Medroxyprogesterone is a form of progesterone, a female hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication 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 cause by endometriosis.

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

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

What are the possible side effects of medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• fever;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• changes in your menstrual periods;
• headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling;
• breast tenderness or discharge;
• changes in weight or appetite;
• mild stomach pain, bloating, nausea;
• back pain or pelvic pain;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• increased acne, hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• decreased sex drive; or
• skin color changes or a hard lump where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about medroxyprogesterone (Depo-SubQ Provera)?

This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to medroxyprogesterone, or if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver disease, or a history of a stroke or blood clot.

Medroxyprogesterone may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) especially when used over long periods of time. Bone loss may not be reversible. Do not use this medication for longer than 2 years. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of bone loss.

Medroxyprogesterone will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.