Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) for Endometriosis

Overview
Depo-Provera is a prescription drug that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 to prevent pregnancy. Depo-Provera is also prescribed to treat symptoms of endometriosis. Depo-Provera may be referred to by its drug name, medroxyprogesterone.

Depo-Provera is a synthetic steroid hormone, specifically a progestin. In cases of endometriosis, Depo-Provera is believed to work by changing hormone levels and controlling the growth of the uterine lining.

Depo-Provera is not appropriate for women who have a history of blood clots. Do not take Depo-Provera if you have shown previous hypersensitivity to medroxyprogesterone. Depo-Provera may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Depo-Provera should be used with caution in women with a family history of diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, migraine, heart or kidney dysfunction, depression, or breast cancer.

How do I take it?
Depo-Provera is given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm or buttocks, every three months. You will receive the injection at your doctor’s office.

While you are on Depo-Provera, take care to eat plenty of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Ask your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly while taking Depo-Provera.

Side effects
Depo-Provera raises your risk of developing osteoporosis. The risk for osteoporosis increases the longer you use Depo-Provera. Your body may not be able to rebuild the calcium you lose from your bones even after you stop taking Depo-Provera.

Common side effects of Depo-Provera include menstrual irregularities, abdominal pain, hot flashes, weight gain, nervousness, dizziness, decreased libido, and headache. Many of these side effects may fade after several weeks or months of taking Depo-Provera.

Notify your doctor if side effects worsen. Call your doctor if you experience vision changes, bulging eyes, trouble speaking, seizures, weakness on one side, extreme fatigue, pain in your chest, jaw, or left arm, swelling in your extremities, rapid, pounding heartbeat, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), or coughing up blood while taking Depo-Provera.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Depo-Provera — Pfizer
https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/...

Depo-Provera — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/depo-provera-drug.htm