Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
Pronunciation: (DEE-poh proh-VEER-uh).
- Generic name
- medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Brand names
- Depo‑Provera, Depo‑Provera SC, Sayana Press, DepoGest, Depo‑Ralovera, Depo‑SubQ Provera 104
- Drug class
- Progestin contraceptive
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What medroxyprogesterone acetate is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how medroxyprogesterone acetate works
Medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in Depo‑Provera, is a synthetic progestin. It suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the pituitary gland, thickens cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and induces endometrial atrophy, reducing the likelihood of implantation. (1)
What medroxyprogesterone acetate is used for
Contraception
Contraception (2)
Menstrual cycle regulation
Menstrual cycle regulation (2)
Before taking medroxyprogesterone acetate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Absolute contraindications include known or suspected pregnancy, active or history of breast cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, active thromboembolic disorders, and severe liver disease. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take medroxyprogesterone acetate
- General Instructions: Depo‑Provera is administered as an injection by a healthcare professional every 12 weeks (3 months). It is important to receive your injection on time for maximum effectiveness.. Adult Dosing: Typical dose is 150 mg injected intramuscularly every 12 weeks, or 104 mg subcutaneously every 12-14 weeks.. Pediatric Dosing: Not recommended for use before menarche. Use in adolescents should be carefully considered due to potential effects on bone mineral density.. Administration: Given as a deep intramuscular injection in the gluteal or deltoid muscle, or as a subcutaneous injection in the thigh or abdomen.. When To Stop: You may stop at any time, but alternative contraception is needed if you wish to avoid pregnancy. Discuss with your provider if you wish to discontinue.. Storage: Store upright at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); protect from light and do not freeze.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss an injection or are late (more than 13 weeks since your last dose), contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Use backup contraception (such as condoms) until you receive your next injection and for 7 days after.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely as Depo‑Provera is administered by a healthcare professional. If an overdose is suspected, supportive care and monitoring are recommended. There is no specific antidote. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Weight gain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Abdominal pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Mood changes
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Bone density loss
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Injection site reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Boxed warning — serious
Symptoms: Boxed warning: women who use Depo-Provera may lose significant bone mineral density; bone loss is greater the longer it is used and may not be completely reversible. This is a particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period for building bone mass, since it is not known whether use during this time reduces peak bone mass and raises the risk of osteoporotic fracture later in life. Depo-Provera is not recommended for long-term use (longer than 2 years) unless other birth control methods are considered inadequate for that individual.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
May cause loss of bone mineral density, especially with long-term use — serious
Symptoms: May cause loss of bone mineral density, especially with long-term use. Not recommended as a first-line contraceptive for adolescents unless other methods are unsuitable. May delay the return of fertility after stopping. Increased risk of blood clots, especially in women with other risk factors. Should not be used during pregnancy.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Absolute contraindications include known or suspected pregnancy, active or history of breast cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, active thromboembolic disorders, and severe liver disease. Use with caution in patients with risk factors for osteoporosis, depression, or cardiovascular disease.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Depo‑Provera may interact with medications that induce hepatic enzymes (such as certain anticonvulsants and antiretrovirals), potentially reducing contraceptive effectiveness. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Depo-Provera is not indicated for use during pregnancy and should be discontinued if pregnancy occurs or is suspected. Epidemiologic studies have not found an increased risk of birth defects from progestin exposure occurring shortly before or during early pregnancy, but the treating clinician should be told promptly so the pregnancy can be appropriately managed. (2)
Breastfeeding
Detectable amounts of medroxyprogesterone acetate appear in breast milk; no adverse effects have been documented in breastfed infants. To minimize the baby's drug exposure, the treating clinician typically waits until at least 6 weeks after delivery before giving the first postpartum injection. Discuss timing with the treating clinician. (2)
Children
Frequency: Every 3 months.. Weight Based: Not applicable; dosing is not weight-based.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: 150 mg. Age Restrictions: Not recommended for pediatric use; safety and efficacy not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
The effect of hepatic or renal impairment on medroxyprogesterone acetate levels is not established, and the label gives no specific dose adjustment; the treating clinician will use clinical judgment and monitoring in these patients. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The effect of hepatic or renal impairment on medroxyprogesterone acetate levels is not established, and the label gives no specific dose adjustment; the treating clinician will use clinical judgment and monitoring in these patients. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store upright at controlled room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light and do not freeze.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Contraception
Dose summary: 150 mg intramuscularly every 3 months for contraception.
Renal context: The effect of renal (or hepatic) impairment on medroxyprogesterone acetate pharmacokinetics is not established in the label; no specific dose adjustment is given, so the treating clinician applies clinical judgment and monitoring. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
How effective is Depo‑Provera at preventing pregnancy?
Depo‑Provera is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when injections are received on schedule every 3 months.
How soon after stopping Depo‑Provera can I become pregnant?
Fertility may be delayed for several months (on average 9-10 months) after the last injection, but most women will eventually return to their normal fertility.
Can Depo‑Provera cause weight gain?
Some users may experience weight gain, particularly with long-term use. Lifestyle modifications can help manage this effect.
Will Depo‑Provera affect my periods?
Irregular bleeding, spotting, or missed periods are common, especially in the first year. Some users may stop having periods altogether while using Depo‑Provera.
Is Depo‑Provera safe while breastfeeding?
Small amounts of the drug pass into breast milk, and no adverse effects have been documented in breastfed infants. To limit the baby's exposure, clinicians typically wait until at least 6 weeks after delivery before giving the first postpartum injection — discuss timing with your provider.
Does Depo‑Provera protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No, Depo‑Provera does not protect against STIs. Use condoms for protection against infections.
How is Depo‑Provera different from other birth control methods?
Depo‑Provera is a long-acting injectable contraceptive that does not require daily dosing. It is suitable for women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives.
What happens if I take too much Depo‑Provera?
Depo-Provera is administered by a healthcare professional, making overdose unlikely. However, if you suspect an overdose or experience unusual symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, or prolonged heavy bleeding, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding your medication schedule.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Depo‑Provera?
There are no known direct interactions between alcohol and Depo-Provera that would reduce its contraceptive effectiveness. However, excessive alcohol consumption can impair judgment and may lead to missed appointments for your next injection, which could compromise contraception. It's always best to consume alcohol in moderation and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Is Depo‑Provera safe during pregnancy?
Depo-Provera is not indicated for use during pregnancy and should be stopped if you become pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. Reassuringly, epidemiologic studies have not found an increased risk of birth defects from progestin exposure shortly before or during early pregnancy, but you should still contact your healthcare provider promptly so your pregnancy can be properly managed.
What is the mechanism of action of medroxyprogesterone acetate?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in Depo‑Provera, is a synthetic progestin. It suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the pituitary gland, thickens cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration, and induces endometrial atrophy, reducing the likelihood of implantation. (1)
What is the generic name of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?
The generic name is medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is sold under brand names including Depo‑Provera, Depo‑Provera SC, Sayana Press, DepoGest, Depo‑Ralovera, Depo‑SubQ Provera 104.
What class of drug is medroxyprogesterone acetate?
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate is classed as: Progestin contraceptive.
References
- Depo-Provera medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · Global (internal) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- DEPO-PROVERA CI (medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension) — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE INJECTION, SUSPENSION [PRASCO LABORATORIES] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Estrogen and Progestin (Hormone Replacement Therapy) — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA210761)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- medroxyprogesterone — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1000112)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Provera10 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg · pharmacia & upjohn company llc
- Depo-Provera150 mg/mL · pharmacia & upjohn company llc
- Depo-SubQ Provera104 mg/.65mL · pharmacia & upjohn company llc
Canada
- PROVERA
- DEPO-PROVERA STERILE AQUEOUS SUSPENSION 50 MG/ML
- MEDROXY-5
- APO-MEDROXY