Depo-SubQ Provera 104

(Medroxyprogesterone injection)

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Prevents pregnancy and relieves symptoms of endometriosis.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection), given every 3 months, effectively prevents pregnancy and relieves pain from endometriosis.

Quick facts about Depo-SubQ Provera 104
  • Drug class: Women's health
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Upsides

  • One of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy.
  • More effective than some other medicines for treating pain from endometriosis.
  • Only given every 3 months.
  • Can be used if you're nursing.
  • Very few side effects.
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What to expect from Depo-SubQ Provera 104, on one page

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Downsides

  • Requires injection with a needle, which can be difficult for some people.
  • Brand name only, so can be costly.
  • After 2 years of using Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection), your bones can weaken and be at a higher risk for a fracture.
  • Doesn't protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
  • Can't be used in people with liver problems or that who have had breast cancer.
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What to expect from Depo-SubQ Provera 104, on one page

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How it works

Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection) contains a type of hormone known as a progestin. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thinning the lining of your uterus, and making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. It also helps relieve pain from endometriosis by thinning the lining of your uterus.

Quick facts about Depo-SubQ Provera 104
  • Drug class: Women's health
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Used for

  • Birth control
  • Endometriosis relief

Dosage forms

  • Injection
Tried Depo-SubQ Provera 104? Write a review!

What to expect when you take Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection) for Birth control

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  • First few hoursHours
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  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
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  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Spotting/breakthrough bleeding
  • Weight gain
  • Missed period
  • Skin irritation where injected
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Side effect rates for Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection)

From 2325 clinical trials of Depo-SubQ Provera 104 when taken for birth control (104 mg/0.65 ml)
  • Headache
    9%9%
  • Spotting/breakthrough bleeding
    7%7%
  • Weight gain
    6%6%
  • Missed period
    6%6%
  • Skin irritation where injected
    5%5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Depo-SubQ Provera 104.

Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection)
Placebo

People taking Depo-SubQ Provera 104 felt side effect more

People taking Depo-SubQ Provera 104 felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Using Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection) for more than 2 years
    • › Family history of osteoporosis
    • › Chronic use of certain steroids and anti-seizure medicines
    • › Anorexia nervosa
    • › Chronic alcohol use
    • › Smoking
    • › Metabolic bone disease

    Women who use Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection) are more like to experience calcium loss in their bones. This can lead to broken bones and osteoporosis. Your risk goes up the longer you are taking Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection). If you are taking Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection) for more than 2 years, your doctor will run tests to make sure your bones are still healthy.

    This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.

Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect

Common concerns from people taking Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (Medroxyprogesterone injection)

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Pain
  • More effective than some other medicines for treating pain from endometriosis.