Both intramuscular (into a muscle) and subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of medroxyprogesterone are used to prevent pregnancy. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus (womb) grows in other parts of the body and causes discomfort, heavy or irregular menstruation [periods], and other symptoms. Medroxyprogesterone subcutaneous injection is used to treat this problem. Progestins are a class of drugs that includes medroxyprogesterone. By delaying ovulation, it prevents conception (the release of eggs from the ovaries). The uterine lining is also made thinner by medroxyprogesterone. All women benefit from this since it helps to avoid pregnancy, and endometriosis sufferers benefit because it delays the spread of uterine tissue to other parts of the body. Although medroxyprogesterone injection is a fairly efficient birth control treatment, it does not stop the spread of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

The suspension form of medroxyprogesterone intramuscular injection is administered through injection into the upper arm or buttocks. It is often administered by a healthcare professional in an office or clinic once every three months (13 weeks). Subcutaneous injection of medroxyprogesterone is available as a suspension that is injected directly beneath the skin. It is typically administered once every 12 to 14 weeks in a clinic or doctor’s office by a medical professional.

Your first subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of medroxyprogesterone must be administered only when there is no chance that you are pregnant. Consequently, you are only permitted to have your first injection during the first five days of a typical menstrual cycle, during the first five days following your delivery if you do not intend to breastfeed your child, or during the sixth week following your delivery if you do. Your doctor will advise you on the timing of your first injection if you are transitioning from another form of birth control to medroxyprogesterone injection.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you’re interested in using this drug for any other conditions.

Before using medroxyprogesterone injection,

• If you have an allergy to medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera, depo-subQ provera 104, Provera, in Prempro, in Premphase), let your doctor and pharmacist know right away.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Mention the drugs in the IMPORTANT WARNING section as well as aminoglutethimide (Cytadren). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you or anybody in your family currently has or previously had diabetes or breast cancer. Additionally, let your physician know if you now have or have previously had breast issues, such as lumps, nipple bleeding, an abnormal mammogram (breast x-ray), or fibrocystic breast disease (swollen, painful breasts and/or breast lumps that are not cancerous); Unaccounted for vaginal bleeding, irregular or light menstrual cycles, excessive weight gain or fluid retention before your period, blood clots in your legs, lungs, brain, or eyes, stroke or mini-stroke, migraine headaches, seizures, depression, high blood pressure, heart attack, asthma, or heart, liver, or kidney disease are all signs that something is wrong.
• Inform your doctor if you are, suspect that you could be, or want to become pregnant. Call your doctor right away if you get pregnant while taking medroxyprogesterone injectable. The foetus could be harmed by medroxyprogesterone.
• Inform your doctor if you are nursing a baby. If your infant is six weeks old when you get your first injection, you are permitted to use medroxyprogesterone injection while you are nursing. Medroxyprogesterone may get into your breast milk in small amounts, but there is no evidence that this is detrimental to the infant. Studies on infants who were breastfed while their mothers received medroxyprogesterone injections demonstrated that the drugs had no negative effects on the children.
• Please inform your doctor or dentist that you are using medroxyprogesterone injection if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
• You should be aware that while using medroxyprogesterone injection, your menstrual cycle may probably fluctuate. Your first few periods will usually be erratic, and you might bleed between cycles. Your periods could cease entirely if you keep using this medicine. After stopping the medicine, your menstrual cycle will likely return to normal.

While receiving medroxyprogesterone injections, you should consume lots of calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods to help prevent calcium loss from your bones. Your doctor will advise you on the best foods to eat in order to get these nutrients as well as the recommended daily portion size. Additionally, your doctor might advise or prescribe calcium or vitamin D supplements.

Call your doctor if you fail to show up for a scheduled injection of medroxyprogesterone. If you don’t get your shots on time, you might not be protected from pregnancy. Your doctor will let you know when to get the missed injection if you don’t get it when it’s supposed to. Before giving you the missing shot, your doctor will likely perform a pregnancy test to be sure you are not expecting. Until you receive the missed injection, you should use an alternate birth control technique, such as condoms.

Side effects from medroxyprogesterone are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Modifications to menstrual cycles (See SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS)
• Gaining weight
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep
• A hot flash
• Breast ache, soreness, or swelling
• Constipation or bloating
• Leg twitches
• Joint or back ache
• Acne
• Hair loss on the scalp
• An increase in vaginal swelling, redness, irritability, burning, or itching
• Variations in sexual aversion
• Symptoms of a cold or flu
• Where the drug was injected, there may be pain, inflammation, lumps, redness, or scars.

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Although the following side effects are unusual, you should call your doctor right once if you see any of them:

• Sudden breathlessness
• Crushing or sudden chest discomfort
• Exhaling blood
• Terrible headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Unsteadiness or weakness
• Alterations or eyesight loss
• Dual perception
• Enlarged eyes
• Speaking is challenging
• Arm or leg weakness or numbness
• Seizure
• The skin or eyes turning yellow
• Extreme fatigue
• One leg only may experience pain, swell, warmth, redness, or discomfort.
• Bleeding during menstruation that is stronger or last longer than usual
• Acute discomfort or soreness below the waist
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Residing in the lower legs, ankles, foot, or hands
• Frequent, painful, or challenging urinating
• Persistent discomfort, pus, warmth, edoema, or bleeding at the site of the drug injection

You may have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer if you started taking medroxyprogesterone injections within the last four to five years and are under the age of 35. The administration of medroxyprogesterone may also raise your risk of developing a blood clot that travels to your lungs or brain. Discuss the dangers of using this drug with your doctor.

An effective method of long-acting birth control is medroxyprogesterone injection. Following your final injection, it’s possible that you won’t become pregnant for some time. If you intend to get pregnant soon, discuss the potential effects of using this medicine with your doctor.

Other negative effects from medroxyprogesterone injection are possible. If you have any strange side effects while taking this medicine, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

The drug will be kept by your doctor in their office.

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

At least once a year, you should have a thorough medical examination that includes taking your blood pressure, checking your pelvis and breasts, and getting a Pap test. When self-examining your breasts, adhere to your doctor’s instructions and report any lumps right away.

Inform the lab staff that you are using medroxyprogesterone prior to any laboratory tests.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.