Getting a shot only four times a year is convenient compared to taking the pill every day. Because it does not contain estrogen , you can even start Depo while you are breastfeeding. This article discusses what to expect when starting Depo-Provera. It also discusses common side effects, and what to expect when you stop using this form of birth control. Before you get your first Depo-Provera shot, you will need to be examined by a doctor.
Your doctor will also review your health history. This is because Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control method. Hormonal birth control is not right for everyone. The manufacturer of Depo-Provera recommends the following tests:. You should get your first Depo-Provera shot during the first five days of your period. This ensures you are not pregnant when you get the shot.
If you get the shot at any other time in your cycle, you should get a pregnancy test first. If you receive your first shot during the first five days of your period, Depo-Provera will provide immediate pregnancy protection. You won't need to use a backup birth control method. You will need a medical exam before starting Depo-Provera. You should get your first shot during the first five days of your period. This will ensure immediate pregnancy protection.
Before starting Depo-Provera, it is important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor. Some people have irregular or prolonged bleeding while using Depo-Provera. Others will not have any problems with bleeding. Spotting and continuous bleeding are the main reasons people stop taking Depo-Provera. People who use Depo-Provera are more likely to stay on it if they are counseled about this potential side effect before receiving their first injection.
There is no way to know ahead of time if you will experience irregular bleeding or spotting. The bleeding may continue until the progestin wears off. This can take up to 11 to 14 weeks after you stop getting the shot. This includes regular monthly bleeding. Depo-Provera may cause bone mineral density loss. This leads to thinning bones and a high risk of bone fractures. Studies have shown that this may reverse when you stop getting Depo-Provera shots. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle while you are using Depo-Provera.
This can help offset possible calcium loss in your bones. Make sure you are getting plenty of calcium. Do weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Avoid tobacco and drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all. Some people gain weight after starting Depo-Provera. Discuss diet and exercise with your doctor before receiving your first shot. Sensible eating and regular exercise may help minimize your weight gain. If you are taking this medicine together with an estrogen medicine, carefully follow the schedule your doctor gives you for both medicines.
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects.
Pelvic exam, breast exam, and mammogram breast x-ray may be needed to check for unwanted effects, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away. Check with your doctor right away if you have pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves, difficulty with breathing, a sudden, severe headache, slurred speech, a sudden, unexplained shortness of breath, a sudden loss of coordination, or vision changes while using this medicine.
Using this medicine may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, dementia, breast cancer, or uterine cancer. Talk with your doctor about these risks. Your risk of heart disease or stroke from this medicine is higher if you smoke. Your risk is also increased if you have diabetes or high cholesterol, or if you are overweight.
Talk with your doctor about ways to stop smoking. Keep your diabetes under control. Ask your doctor about diet and exercise to control your weight and blood cholesterol level.
Check with your doctor right away if a severe headache or a sudden loss of vision or any change in vision occurs while you are using this medicine.
Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist eye doctor. Pancreatitis may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Food and Drug Administration. Depo-Provera CI: Highlights of prescribing information.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Progestin-only hormonal birth control: Pill and injection. Updated October What are the treatments for endometriosis? Updated February 21, American Cancer Society. Hormone therapy for endometrial cancer. Updated March 27, Menopause: Medicines to help you. Updated August 22, The structural biology of oestrogen metabolism. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.
Updated July 15, Medroxyprogesterone acetate - drug summary. Provera medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets, USP. Updated December Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Before Taking. Side Effects. Frequently Asked Questions. Only For Those With a Uterus If you've had your uterus removed with a hysterectomy procedure, you have no need for progestin and won't be prescribed Provera or other drugs in its class. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns?
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