Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Brand name: Depo-Provera TM

Active ingredients: medroxyprogesterone

What it is used for

Carcinoma: Palliative treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic breast or renal cell cancer and of inoperable recurrent or metastatic endometrial carcinoma. Endometriosis: For use in the treatment of visually proven (laparoscopy) endometriosis where the required end-point of treatment is pregnancy, or for the control of symptoms when surgery is contra- indicated or has been unsuccessful. Contraception (ovulation suppression): For long-term prevention of pregnancy in women when administered at 3-month intervals. Since loss of bone mineral density (BMD) may occur in pre-menopausal women who use DEPO-PROVERA long-term (greater than 2 years), women should be assessed, before starting treatment for contraception or endometriosis, regarding the risk of osteoporosis. Women under the age of 18 years may be at risk of failing to achieve their predicted peak bone mineral density (See WARNINGS). The 50 mg/1mL vial is not approved for the indication of contraception (ovulation suppression). The injection, DEPO-PROVERA 150 mg/1mL, should be used for contraception.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intramuscular. This medicine is given through a needle inserted into the muscle beneath the skin.

  • Store below 30 degrees Celsius
  • Do not Freeze
  • Do not Refrigerate
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

White suspension

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Is this medicine subsidised?

This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on April 1, 2024. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Injectable hormonal contraceptive

Depo Provera is a synthetic hormone (progestogen) that is given by injection every 3 months

Read more on WA Health website

Contraception - injections - Better Health Channel

Hormonal contraception for women is available as injections that slowly release hormones into the body over time.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Contraception

Read this article to learn more about the different contraception methods that are available to you.

Read more on Rahma Health website

Breastfeeding and drugs | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government

Drugs taken by a breastfeeding mother may pass into her breastmilk.

Read more on Queensland Health website

Vaginal thrush - MyDr.com.au

Itching around the vagina is commonly caused by infection with a yeast called Candida albicans and is known as vaginal thrush.

Read more on myDr website

Fibroids and fertility

Fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths found in the muscle wall of the uterus. Learn how they can affect your fertility and pregnancy.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

sex education for people with a cognitive disability in Melbourne | supporting cognitive disabled people with their sexual lives | sexuality and disability training and resources - Sexual Health Victoria

People with cognitive disability have the right to understand and enjoy sex and sexuality, everyone needs adequate information and support from a young age. Sex

Read more on Sexual Health Victoria website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.