Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera, sometimes called the Depo shot or the birth control shot, is a prescription medication indicated to prevent pregnancy. Its active ingredient is medroxyprogesterone acetate, and it’s typically administered by a medical provider in a clinic or office.

The birth control shot is also available in generic and as DepoSubQ-Provera. DepoSubQ is indicated to prevent pregnancy and to reduce endometrial pain.

Patients get one shot every three months to prevent pregnancy, and Depo-Provera is about 96% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The active ingredient in Depo-Provera, medroxyprogesterone acetate, contains the hormone progestin, and it works by preventing ovulation to prevent pregnancy.

“You don’t have to remember to take anything every day, and it lasts for 13 weeks (approximately 3 months). It’s also highly effective and reliable at preventing pregnancy in the near future,” oncology clinical pharmacist and clinical trial scientist Dazhi Liu said about Depo-Provera’s pros.

Patients receive the Depo-Provera shot from their health care provider into the arm or buttocks.

Patients who want to try and give themselves the shot will likely be prescribed a second formula, DepoSubQ-Provera 104 mg. This version of the shot is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and pain from endometriosis. Medical providers inject it into the abdomen or upper thigh, and patients can be trained to do it themselves at home.

DepoSubQ also helps women with endometrial pain. It works by suppressing new endometrial tissue growth. Another potential benefit to DepoSubQ is that it may help prevent endometrial cancer.

Only take Depo-Provera and DepoSubQ-Provera as directed, and don’t change your dose or dosing schedule without talking to your doctor.

In clinical trials, common Depo-Provera side effects were reported as those that occurred in more than 5% of study participants. Trial data came from two clinical trials with over 3,000 women treated for up to seven years.

The drug’s label also reported on potential serious side effects. These are rare, but they may be medical emergencies. Make sure to tell your doctor about any side effects.

Common Side Effects

Common Depo-Provera side effects are usually mild and go away within two to three months. If any side effect is bothersome or gets in the way of your daily activities, make sure to tell your medical provider right away. Another birth control option might be more effective and more comfortable for you.

Side effects that led to women dropping out of the trial are amenorrhea, bleeding and weight gain.

Serious Side Effects

Depo-Provera may lead to serious side effects such as bone density loss, blood clots and allergic reactions.

All formulas of Depo-Provera carry a boxed warning for loss of bone mineral density. Boxed warnings are reserved for the most serious side effects. In this case, the bone mineral density loss caused by Depo-Provera may be irreversible.

If you experience symptoms of a blood clot, allergic reactions or ectopic pregnancy, contact your medical provider right away. If you can’t reach your medical provider, seek emergency medical attention.

Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Risk

According to researchers, Depo-Provera users had a 5.6-fold increase in the risk of developing meningioma, a noncancerous brain tumor, with long-term use. These findings appeared in a March 2024 study published in BMJ.

It’s important to note that this study is the first of its kind and researchers say more studies are needed to better understand the risk.

After the study came out, lawyers began investigating Depo-Provera lawsuits on behalf of users who took. If you are concerned about meningioma risk, make sure to discuss your risk with your doctor.

While Depo-Provera is very effective at preventing pregnancy, some people shouldn’t use it if they have certain pre-existing conditions or health issues.

Before choosing Depo-Provera, make sure you tell your medical provider about any health conditions or allergies.

According to Dr. Dazhi Liu, Depo-Provera has pros and cons, such as ease of use and how long it takes to get your fertility back after stopping the drug. These are just some of the things to consider if you are thinking about taking the birth control shot.

Dr. Liu has provided a list of the most common pros and cons listed below.

Make sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Birth control is most effective when you can adhere to your dosing schedule, and the right option for you may be the one that allows you to be the most compliant with the least number of side effects.

It’s important to note that the drug’s label doesn’t recommend Depo-Provera for long-term use of more than two years.