Depo Provera ® (DMPA)
The Use, Side Effects, and Future Fertility with the 3 Month Shot
Sep 29, 2009
Depo Provera®, a.k.a. DMPA, is a hormone injection that will prevent pregnancy for three months. This injection is chemically synthetic progesterone, and contains no estrogen of any kind. This shot prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs, and making the uterus inhabitable to sperm.
Depo Provera® Use
The first injection of Depo Provera® is given a few days after the start of a woman’s period. The injection site is normally in the arm, hip, thigh or abdomen. The injection becomes effective in 24 hours and will be effective for 13 weeks.
Depo Provera® Health Risks
Women who suffer from the following conditions should not use Depo Provera®:
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Liver disease
- Gallbladder disease
- History of depression
There are also other health risks associated with the injection. Women have shown bone loss with regular use, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. Some women have also shown allergic reactions to the drug. Depo Provera® may also cause premature birth weight should a woman become pregnant while taking the drug.
Depo Provera® Side Effects
The side effects of Depo Provera® include:
- Weight gain, often of more than 10 lbs.
- Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding with periods
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Mood Changes
- Bloating
- Hot flashes
- Decreased libido
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Backache
These side effects may continue over six months after drug therapy has stopped. Make sure that if a woman is considering Depo Provera®, that she considers these side effects and their timeline.
Not all side effects may have been reported. If a woman taking Depo Provera® develops a side effect not listed, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Depo Provera® Drug Interactions
This drug could cause serious complications if taken with:
- Amprenavir ®
- Sodium tetradecyl sulfate
Discuss any medications or over-the-counter drugs with a physician before starting this therapy, especially the following:
- Acitretin
- Aminoglutethimide
- Anticonvulsants, Example: Phenytoin
- Corticosteroids, Example: hydrocortisone or Prednisone®
- Isotretinoin
- Troleandomycin
- Warfarin®
The following drugs will decrease the effectiveness of Depo Provera®:
- Aprepitant
- Bexarotene
- Bosentan
- Dapsone
- Felbamate
- Griseofulvin
- Certain HIV protease inhibitors, example: Indinavir®, Nelfinavir®, Ritonavir®, Zidovudine®
- Nevirapine
- Modafinil
- Phenylbutazone
- Rifamycins
- Many seizure medications, example: barbiturates, carbamazepine, topiramate
- St. John's wort.
Not all drug interactions may have been reported. If a woman taking Depo Provera® suspects a drug interaction that is not listed, she should contact her doctor as soon as possible. If the doctor is unavailable, contact a licensed pharmacist.
Future Fertility with Depo Provera®
Depo Provera® may effect future fertility in some women. For some, fertility will return immediately, while others can take up to 18 months or longer to become fertile. It has been suggested that women who have difficulty becoming pregnant after taking this drug may need to see a fertility specialist. This is important information to consider before beginning a regimen of Depo Provera®.
All information was referenced from a women’s health center and the manufacturer’s drug insert.
 |
 |
