Medroxyprogesterone is a form of progesterone, a female hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medicine also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Medroxyprogesterone is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to reduce pain caused by endometriosis.

Medroxyprogesterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before you start this medicine.

You should not use medroxyprogesterone if you are pregnant, or if you have:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
• liver disease;
• breast cancer; or
• a history of stroke or blood clot.

Medroxyprogesterone can decrease the calcium stored in your bones, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis) when the medicine is used over long periods of time. Bone loss may not be reversible.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone if your bones get weak from calcium loss, especially after menopause. You should not use this medicine for longer than 2 years unless other birth control methods are not right for you. Ask your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• light or irregular menstrual periods;
• risk factors for osteoporosis (such as low bone mineral density, a family history of osteoporosis, drinking large amounts of alcohol, or if you smoke);
• a breast lump, an abnormal mammogram, or bleeding from your nipples;
• kidney disease;
• high blood pressure;
• breast cancer (in you or a family member);
• diabetes;
• depression, or an eating disorder;
• seizures;
• asthma; or
• migraine headaches.

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you plan to become pregnant soon after you stop using medroxyprogesterone.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Use Depo-Provera Contraceptive (Intramuscular) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• menstrual periods that are heavier or longer than normal;
• severe pain in your lower stomach;
• swelling in your face, or your hands, ankles, and feet;
• pain, bleeding, oozing (pus), or skin changes where the injection was given;
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes);
• liver problems--upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, chest pain, sudden cough, coughing up blood; problems with vision or speech, swelling or pain in an arm or leg.

Common side effects may include:

• changes in your menstrual periods;
• weakness, feeling tired;
• stomach pain;
• feeling nervous;
• decreased sexual drive;
• weight gain;
• headache, dizziness; or
• lumps or dimpling in your skin where injections were given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This medicine will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.