Medroxyprogesterone
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic progestin hormone administered as an injectable suspension for long-acting contraception. It works by suppressing gonadotropin release, which prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to block sperm penetration. This medication is primarily used in women of reproductive age who desire reversible birth control.
Medroxyprogesterone is an injectable hormonal contraceptive that prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G03AC06
- RxNorm
- 6691
- Generic
- Medroxyprogesterone
- Class
- atc-g03
- Brands
- Depo-Provera, Provera, depo-subQ provera
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection, suspension, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid completely
contraindicated for use as contraceptive in pregnancy; if pregnancy occurs during treatment, discontinue immediately
confirm pregnancy status before initiating therapy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid completely
discontinue if pregnancy is confirmed; contraindicated for contraceptive use
regular prenatal monitoring if exposure occurred
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
do not use; may cause fetal abnormalities and complicate labor
fetal monitoring if exposure occurred
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
medroxyprogesterone passes into breast milk; not recommended during lactation
monitor infant for effects of progestin exposure
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment required
use with caution; consider cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk factors
regular assessment of cardiovascular status and bone density
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescentsnot recommended for contraception in adolescents
may be used for approved indications in post-menarchal females; consider bone health with long-term use
monitor bone mineral density with prolonged use in adolescents
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dosage adjustment typically required
use with caution; monitor renal function periodically
periodic assessment of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse lowest effective dose
use with caution; limited clinical data in severe impairment
close monitoring of renal function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno standard adjustment; use caution
metabolized in liver; monitor for adverse effects
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severedo not use
contraindicated in known or suspected hepatic malignancy, active liver disease, or jaundice
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Medroxyprogesterone is a synthetic progestin hormone
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
FDA approval year (Depo-Provera)
Contraceptive injection approval
FDA approval year (Provera oral)
Oral formulation approval
Long-acting reversible contraception in women of reproductive age, and secondary amenorrhea treatment
Inhibits gonadotropin secretion, preventing follicular maturation and ovulation while thickening cervical mucus to impede sperm passage
Administered as an intramuscular injection; fertility may not return immediately after discontinuation; not recommended during pregnancy; common side effects include menstrual changes, weight gain, and mood changes. Requires healthcare provider administration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy