DEPO-PROVERA INJECTION
FACT SHEET AND CONSENT


What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injection that you receive from your health care provider about every three months (12 weeks). When taken as scheduled-just four times a year-it's more than 99% effective. It is one of the most reliable contraceptives available.

Depo-Provera contains a synthetic hormone, progesterone (like the birth control pill), to prevent pregnancy. It causes a resting state in the ovaries. Since the ovaries do not release an egg each month, you should not get pregnant.

Advantages of Using Depo-Provera

  • It is highly effective in preventing pregnancy
  • It lasts for 12 weeks
  • There is no medicine to take every day

Most Common Side Effects

Most women using this injection experience a change in menstrual periods, including bleeding more days than usual, spotting between periods, and/or no periods. These changes are common, particularly in the first 12 months of use. Another common side effect is an increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain. Less common side effects include:
HeadacheSore breasts
Sore breastsIncreased or decreased sex drive
DepressionNervousness or dizziness
Nausea or abdominal discomfortSkin rash or spotty darkening of skin
Hair loss or increased hair on face or body

If you experience any of these side effects, there is no way to neutralize or reverse the effects of the injection. Side effects may continue for the duration of the injection.

Who Shouldn't Use Depo-Provera

You should not use Depo-Provera if you:
  • Think you might be pregnant
  • Have a history of undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, stroke, blood clots in your legs, and/or liver disease
  • Are allergic to Depo-Provera
  • Use the drug aminoglutethamide for the treatment of Cushing's Syndrome
You will receive your first injection during the first five days of your period or immediately following an abortion. It is very important to receive your next injection no later than 13 weeks after your first injection. Please remember that Depo-Provera does not protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections-only a latex condom can protect you.

I, ____________________________________________, have read the information above, have had any concerns of mine addressed, and I am requesting and consent to an injection.

 

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