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Family planning and hormones

Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Also sold as: Depo-Provera, Provera, Sayana Press

Prescription neededFamily planning and hormones

Comes as:InjectionTablet

Usual adult dose

Family planning and hormones

Medroxyprogesterone acetate

Also sold as: Depo-Provera, Provera, Sayana Press

Prescription neededFamily planning and hormones

Comes as:InjectionTablet

Usual adult dose

Contraceptive injection: 150 mg into the muscle every 3 months (12 weeks), given by a health worker. Tablets for period problems: dose is set by your doctor (often 5 to 10 mg a day for 5 to 10 days).

Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.

Side effects

Common

irregular bleeding or no periods
weight gain
headache
mood changes
delay of fertility for some months after stopping

Serious — get help

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:

severe headache
heavy bleeding
pain or swelling in one leg
signs of depression

Do not take it, or take care, if

Known or suspected pregnancy
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Breast cancer or serious liver disease
Osteoporosis or high risk of weak bones (use with caution, especially with long use)

Interactions

No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.

Pregnancy

Category X

Must not be used in pregnancy. It can harm the baby.

Generic alternatives

Similar medicines your doctor or pharmacist may offer instead.

Levonorgestrel
Norethisterone

Check with my other medicines

Always follow your doctor or pharmacistThis page is general information, not a prescription. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.