Drug Side Effects Info

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA), or Depo Provera, is a hormone injection used as a long-term birth control method. Generally administered in the arm, abdomen, hip, or upper thigh, the injection contains synthetic progesterone which changes the uterine lining and causes the cervical mucus to thicken, making it harder for sperms to enter or survive in the uterus. The high level of progesterone also causes the ovaries to stop releasing eggs; hence, fertilization is prevented.

As with other medications, certain side effects may be experienced by those taking Depo Provera, though most women adjust to it with few or no problems. One of the most common side effects is subsequent weight gain by a reported 70% of users.

Almost half of this number gained more than 5 pounds after one year of use, although there are those who reported more than 10 pounds of weight gain. Nonetheless, changes in weight are rather a norm with hormonal birth control. The effect may be alleviated by leading a healthy lifestyle, for example through exercise and a balanced diet.

Irregular, heavy, or no bleeding are another common side effects of Depo Provera; lack of a period becomes increasingly common with longer use. Many women stop having periods after a year of use due to the low level of estrogen produced in the body.

Other side effects include headaches, hair loss, acne, back ache, mood changes, nervousness, bloating, hot flashes, breast tenderness and decreased interest in sex. Some women may also experienced allergic reactions to Depo Provera. These side effects may linger even after a few months following the last shot as it can take over 6 months for the drug to leave the body completely.

Despite its high percentage of effectiveness (97-99.7%), Depa Provera should only be used if other birth control methods are inadequate, due to some of its serious health risks. Studies released in 2004 show that Depo Provera is associated with bone density loss, resulting in an increased risk of osteoporosis. More importantly, the bone loss seems to be greater with longer use and this effect appears not to be reversed when a user goes off Depo Provera.

Consequently, Depo is not recommended for long term use, especially for young women who are still in the phase of growing her bones, while those who have taken Depo Provera for more than two years will be advised to undergo bone density test. Women on Depo are also advised to exercise and consume plenty of calcium.

On the other hand, a woman’s return to fertility with this method can be longer than with the oral contraceptive pill; it takes an average of 9 months after the last injection to return to an individual’s regular menstrual cycle pattern. Meanwhile, there may be an increased risk of premature birth in the very rare case where a woman becomes pregnant while using Depo Provera and decides to continue her pregnancy.