You should not use Depo-Provera if you have: undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, breast cancer, if you are pregnant, or if you have ever had a stroke or blood clot.
Medroxyprogesterone can decrease the calcium stored in your bones, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) when the medicine is used over long periods of time. Bone loss may not be reversible.
You may be more likely to have a broken bone if your bones get weak from calcium loss, especially after menopause. You should not use Depo-Provera for longer than 2 years unless other birth control methods are not right for you.
Depo-Provera 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.
Before taking this medicine
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before you start Depo-Provera.
You should not use Depo-Provera if you are pregnant, or if you have:
abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
liver disease;
breast cancer; or
a history of stroke or blood clot.
Medroxyprogesterone can decrease the calcium stored in your bones, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) when the medicine is used over long periods of time. Bone loss may not be reversible.
You may be more likely to have a broken bone if your bones get weak from calcium loss, especially after menopause. You should not use Depo-Provera for longer than 2 years unless other birth control methods are not right for you. Ask your doctor.
To make sure Depo-Provera is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
light or irregular menstrual periods;
risk factors for osteoporosis (such as low bone mineral density, a family history of osteoporosis, drinking large amounts of alcohol, or if you smoke);
a breast lump, an abnormal mammogram, or bleeding from your nipples;
kidney disease;
high blood pressure;
breast cancer (in you or a family member);
diabetes;
depression, or an eating disorder;
seizures;
asthma; or
migraine headaches.
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you plan to become pregnant soon after you stop using Depo-Provera.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I use Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection once every 3 months (12 to 14 weeks).
You may have breakthrough bleeding while using Depo-Provera. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.
Depo-Provera can affect the results of 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 Depo-Provera. If you use this medicine long-term, your bone density may need to be checked during treatment.
