How does it work?

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, an egg matures and is released from the ovaries (ovulation). The ovary then produces progesterone, preventing the release of further eggs and priming the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels in the body remain high, maintaining the womb lining. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels in the body fall, resulting in a menstrual period. Medroxyprogesterone acts by affecting the natural mucus at the neck of the womb. It increases the thickness of this mucus making it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb. By preventing sperm entering the womb, successful fertilisation of an egg, leading to pregnancy, is less likely. In addition, medroxyprogesterone also changes the quality of the womb lining (endometrium). This prevents the successful implantation of a fertilised egg onto the wall of the womb, thereby preventing pregnancy. In some women, medroxyprogesterone may also prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries. Medroxyprogesterone depot injection slowly releases the hormone into the body from the injection site, maintaining a high level of the hormone in the blood. As progesterone levels remain high for about three months after an injection, there may be a disruption of the normal menstrual cycle with irregular, reduced or absent menstrual periods. It is essential that all women are counselled by their doctor prior to starting this method of contraception, especially with regards to having children after stopping the injections. Fertility does return once the injections are stopped, but the time varies from one women to the next. Most women should start to ovulate 5 to 6 months after their last injection, but may not conceive until 10 to 15 months after their last injection (or even longer).

What is it used for?

Contraception

Warning!

This medicine may influence the results of some laboratory tests such as liver function or thyroid function tests.

This medicine is used as long-term contraception. The contraceptive effect cannot be immediately reversed once the injection has been given.

Pregnancy or return to fertility may not occur immediately after ceasing the use of depot-contraception injections every 3 months.

Consult your doctor if you develop migraines or severe headaches, disturbed vision or pain or tightness in the chest.

The use of this contraception may cause abnormal or irregular menstrual bleeding.

All women must be counselled by their doctor prior to using Depot Provera about the delay in being able to have children once the injections have stopped. Some women may not be able to conceive for 10 to 15 months after having the last injection.

Use with caution in

Coronary artery disease

Decreased liver function

Diabetes

Disorders that increase the risk of blood clots in the blood vessels (thromboembolic disorders)

History of depression

Migraine

Recent disease of the tissues forming the placenta in pregnancy (trophoblastic disease)

Not to be used in

Hormone dependent cancer of the breast or reproductive organs

Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk, however there are no reported harmful effects when used by breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Depression

Nausea

Irregular menstrual cycle

Dizziness

Acne

Leg cramps

Hot flushes

Bloating

Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Weight changes

Nervousness

Decreased sex drive

Inflammation of the lining of the vagina (vaginitis)

Discharge of white fluid from the vagina (leukorrhoea)

Backache

Breast tenderness or pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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