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Injectable Progestogen Contraceptive / Hormone Treatment

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA)

Brand names: Depo-Provera (150mg/mL IM), Sayana Press (104mg/0.65mL SC)

Medroxyprogesterone acetate as a depot injection (DMPA) is a long-acting progestogen contraceptive given by injection every few months. It is a highly effective, user-independent method.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

The recommended dose is 150 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension every 3 months (13 weeks) administered by deep, intramuscular (IM) injection in the gluteal or deltoid muscle. (2.1) 2.1 Prevention of Pregnancy The 1 mL prefilled syringe of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension should be vigorously shaken just before use to ensure that the dose being administered represents a uniform suspension. The recommended dose is 150 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension every 3 months (13 weeks) administered by deep intramuscular (IM) injection using strict aseptic technique in the gluteal or deltoid muscle, rotating the sites with every injection. As …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2022-12-14. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

The progestogen inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus and thins the endometrium, preventing pregnancy throughout the injection interval.

Prescribing in practice

  • It causes a reversible reduction in bone mineral density that is relevant with prolonged use and in adolescents, so review the need to continue periodically.
  • Return of fertility can be delayed, sometimes by up to about a year after the last injection, which matters for women planning a pregnancy soon.
  • Weight gain and irregular or prolonged bleeding are common, and amenorrhoea often develops with continued use.

Monitoring

Reassess at each injection and review periodically, including bone health risk factors and whether benefits continue to outweigh risks, especially with long-term use or in younger women.

Counselling the patient

  • Attend on time for each injection to maintain protection against pregnancy.
  • Expect irregular bleeding at first, which often settles, and be aware some weight gain can occur.
  • If you are planning a pregnancy, remember your fertility may take several months to a year to return after stopping.

Evidence & guidelines

Recommended progestogen-only injectable contraceptive (FSRH; NICE CKS).

Reference: FSRH DMPA Guideline 2020; UKMEC 2016; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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