This medication is used to prevent pregnancy. Medroxyprogesterone is like a natural hormone made by the body. It works mainly by preventing the growth and release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also makes vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and changes the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg.

Medroxyprogesterone is also used to treat endometriosis. It works by lowering the amount of certain hormones in the body and decreasing the growth of abnormal tissues that cause endometriosis. This helps reduce pain and other symptoms.

Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a muscle (upper arm or buttock) as directed by your doctor, usually once every 3 months. To make sure you are not pregnant, the first injection is usually given during the first 5 days of your menstrual period. If you have just given birth or had a pregnancy loss or abortion after the first 3 months of pregnancy, talk with your doctor about the best time to start using this form of birth control.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

It is very important that you use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. If more than 13 weeks pass between injections, you could become pregnant. Use a form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy until you can get the next injection. Your doctor may direct you to first have a pregnancy test before your next injection.

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 this medicine 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.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before you start this medicine.

You should not use Depo-Provera if you are pregnant, or if you have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• 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 this medicine for longer than 2 years unless other birth control methods are not right for you. Ask your doctor.

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.

If you are breast-feeding a baby, ask your doctor if it is safe to use this medicine.

Nausea, bloating, headache, changes in appetite, weight gain, tiredness, swelling, acne, hot flashes, breast tenderness, or irritation/pain at the injection site may occur. Vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) or missed/irregular periods may occur, especially during the first few months of use. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your periods may stop completely after you have been receiving this medication for about a year. If this occurs, your periods will normally return after you stop using this medication. If you miss a period and have missed an injection, or if more than 13 weeks pass between injections and you think you might be pregnant, contact your doctor for a pregnancy test.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as new/worsening depression), changes in sexual interest/ability, swelling of the ankles/feet, bone pain, unusual changes in vaginal bleeding (such as continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding), persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal/pelvic pain, unusual weakness/tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, seizure.

This medication may increase your risk of breast cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as a lump in the breast, nipple discharge. Ask your doctor for more details.

This medication may rarely cause serious (sometimes fatal) problems from blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, stroke). Get medical help right away if you have: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• frequently drink alcohol
• asthma
• blood vessel disease or a history of a blood clot in the lungs or legs
• bone disease such as osteoporosis
• breast cancer
• diabetes
• eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia)
• high blood pressure
• HIV infection or AIDS
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• mental depression
• migraine
• seizures (convulsions)
• stroke
• tobacco smoker
• vaginal bleeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Depo-Provera Contraceptive injection is given into a muscle. Depo-subQ Provera 104 injection is given under the skin. These injections are given by a health care professional. You must not be pregnant before getting an injection. The injection is usually given during the first 5 days after the start of a menstrual period or 6 weeks after delivery of a baby.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. These injections have been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. You must get an injection once every 3 months to maintain birth control. If you cannot keep an appointment, call and reschedule it. If you wait longer than 13 weeks between Depo-Provera contraceptive injections or longer than 14 weeks between Depo-subQ Provera 104 injections, you could get pregnant. Use another method for birth control if you miss your appointment. You may also need a pregnancy test before receiving another injection.