What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraception used to prevent pregnancy. Part of a class of medications called "progestins", Depo-Provera works by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries), and by thinning the uterine lining. Depo-Provera was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992.

While Depo-Provera acts as birth control, it does not prevent the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Depo-Provera FDA Alert

In November 2004, the FDA announced that a "black box" warning would be added to the labeling of Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection. The label warns Depo-Provera users that prolonged use may result in the loss of bone density, and that the loss may be greater the longer the drug is administered. This bone density loss may not be completely reversible after discontinuation of Depo-Provera use. The warning goes on to state that a woman should only use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection as a long-term birth control method (e.g., longer than two years) if other birth control methods prove inadequate.

In addition to the black box warning, Depo-Provera manufacturer Pfizer issued a "Dear Health Care Practitioner" letter regarding the effect of long-term treatment on bone mineral density, and incorporated the new information into the patient information sheet distributed with Depo-Provera. More information: 11/17/04 FDA Alert.

What Should I Know Before Using Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is usually administered by a health care provider in an office or clinic. You must receive your first Depo-Provera injection only at a time when there is no possibility that you are pregnant. If you have been using a different method of birth control and are switching to Depo-Provera, your health care professional will tell you when you should receive your first injection.

Your menstrual cycle will probably change while you are using Depo-Provera. At first, your periods will probably be irregular, and you may experience spotting between periods. If you continue to use Depo-Provera, your periods may stop completely. Your menstrual cycle will probably return to normal some time after you stop using Depo-Provera.

Depo-Provera is a long-acting birth control method. You might not become pregnant for some time after you receive your last injection. Talk to your healthcare professional about the effects of Depo Provera if you plan to become pregnant in the near future.

You should have a complete physical exam -- including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a pap test -- at least yearly. Follow your healthcare professional's directions for self-examining your breasts; report any lumps immediately.

Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you are using Depo-Provera.

Depo-Provera Health Risks

If you are younger than 35 years old and began to receive Depo-Provera in the last 4-5 years, you may have a slightly increased risk that you will develop breast cancer. Depo-Provera may also increase the chance that you will develop a blood clot that moves to your lungs or brain. Talk to your healthcare professional about the risks of using Depo-Provera.