Depo-Provera

Use of Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection may cause you to lose calcium stored in your bones. The longer you use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection the more calcium you are likely to lose. The calcium may not return completely once you stop using Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection.

Loss of calcium may cause weak, porous bones (osteoporosis) that could increase the risk that your bones might break, especially after menopause. It is not known whether your risk of developing osteoporosis may be greater if you are a teenager when you start to use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection.

You should use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection long term (for example, more than 2 years) only if other methods of birth control are not right for you. (See "Risks of Using Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection")

Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection doesn't protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

You shouldn't use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection if you could be pregnant or if you have had any unexplained periods. You should not use it if you have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease.

Some women using Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection have side effects. The most common are irregular periods or spotting. Many women stop having periods altogether after a few months.

You may gain weight when using Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection. About 2 out of 3 of the women in the clinical trials reported a weight gain of about 5 pounds during the first year of use.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. Any decisions regarding patient care MUST be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different labeling in different countries.