Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE - INJECTION (CONTRACEPTIVE) (meh-DROX-ee-pro-JESS-tur-own A-seh-tate)

BRAND NAME(S): Depo-Provera Contraceptive

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication prevents ovulation resulting in a contraceptive effect. It is used to prevent pregnancy in women.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle usually once every 3 months.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication causes irregular menstrual bleeding patterns but with continued use may result in an absence of menstrual bleeding. Headache, stomach cramps, dizziness, nausea, depression, breast tenderness, fluid retention, bloating, hot flashes, acne, change in appetite, sweating, weight gain, change in sexual desire or pain and irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a sudden severe headache, vomiting, fainting, pain in the calf associated with warmth/red- ness/swelling, breathing trouble, chest pain, vision changes, numbness in arms or legs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, diabetes, seizure disorders, kidney disease, heart trouble, eye problems, asthma, a history of depression, migraines, blood clots, miscarriage, breast cancer, any allergies. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.