How do you take Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?

For family planning, the injection (e.g. Depo-Provera 150 mg) is given by a nurse or doctor into your buttock or upper arm muscle once every 3 months (12 weeks). The first injection is usually given within the first 5 days of your menstrual period to ensure immediate protection. For tablets, your doctor will tell you the exact dose and schedule depending on your condition — usually 2.5 mg to 10 mg daily for a set number of days.

What are the side effects of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?

Irregular periods or no period at all (very common with the injection), weight gain, headaches, mood changes or feeling low, mild stomach discomfort

Who should not take Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?

Women who are pregnant, women with unexplained vaginal bleeding, women who have or have had blood clots (in the legs or lungs), women with severe liver disease, women with breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers, women who are allergic to medroxyprogesterone or any ingredient in the product.

Prescription

Progestogen (hormonal contraceptive / hormone therapy)

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

Q: What is Medroxyprogesterone Acetate used for?

Family planning (contraception), irregular menstrual periods, heavy or painful periods, endometriosis (when womb tissue grows outside the womb), abnormal bleeding from the womb, certain types of cancer (breast, kidney, womb lining)

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a man-made form of progesterone, a natural hormone in a woman's body. It works by mimicking the effects of progesterone to prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual periods, or treat certain conditions related to hormonal imbalance.

What is it used for?

Family planning (contraception)irregular menstrual periodsheavy or painful periodsendometriosis (when womb tissue grows outside the womb)abnormal bleeding from the wombcertain types of cancer (breastkidneywomb lining)

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Cancer Treatment Fertility & Infertility Pregnancy & Labour Contraception & Family Planning

How it works

Binds to progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and reproductive tissues, suppressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and inhibiting luteinizing hormone (LH) surge to prevent ovulation, while altering endometrial thickness and cervical mucus viscosity to provide contraceptive efficacy.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Always get your Depo injection from a licensed clinic or hospital — never buy from roadside vendors or unqualified persons, as fake products are common in Nigeria. Long-term use of the injection (more than 2 years) may weaken your bones, so discuss this with your doctor. After stopping the injection, it may take several months (up to a year or more) before your fertility returns, so plan accordingly if you want to get pregnant soon.

Common Side Effects

Irregular periods or no period at all (very common with the injection)
weight gain
headaches
mood changes or feeling low
mild stomach discomfort

Serious Side Effects

Severe chest pain or sudden difficulty breathing (could be a blood clot — go to the hospital immediately)
heavy or non-stop vaginal bleeding
sudden severe headache with blurred vision or weakness on one side of the body (could be a stroke)

Drug Interactions

Aminoglutethimide (a cancer drug) can reduce the effectiveness of medroxyprogesterone. Some herbal remedies like St. John's Wort and certain drugs used for epilepsy or HIV (like carbamazepine, phenytoin, ritonavir) can make it less effective. Alcohol does not directly interact, but heavy drinking can worsen mood-related side effects.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Do not use this drug if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, as it may harm the unborn baby. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor — small amounts can pass into breast milk, but the injection is generally considered acceptable after 6 weeks postpartum.

Who Should NOT Take This

Women who are pregnant
women with unexplained vaginal bleeding
women who have or have had blood clots (in the legs or lungs)
women with severe liver disease
women with breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
women who are allergic to medroxyprogesterone or any ingredient in the product.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in cars. Do not freeze the injection. Keep all forms out of the reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.