Depo-Provera, known generically as medroxyprogesterone, is a contraceptive, or medicine that prevents pregnancy. According to MayoClinic.com, it is given by injection deep into the muscle once every three months. Depo-Provera contains the hormone progestin, which works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg, and by thickening cervical mucus to block sperm from entering the uterus. While Depo-Provera can be beneficial, side effects are possible.
Brittle Bones
Depo-Provera can cause calcium loss from the bones, explains the National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus. Calcium loss can continue for the duration of treatment. The amount of calcium in the bones may not return to normal even when treatment is stopped. Loss of calcium from the bones can cause osteoporosis, or brittle bones that break easily. MedlinePlus advises that Depo-Provera not be used longer than two years.
Blood Clots
Depo-Provera can cause blood clots in the arm, leg, lung, eye, heart and brain. Signs of a blood clot include persistent pain in the leg; signs of a stroke, such as a sudden, severe headache, slurred, speech, or weakness on one side of the body; sudden partial or complete blindness, symptoms of a blood clot in the eye; and signs of a blood clot in the lung, including sharp chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood, according to MayoClinic.com. These symptoms require prompt medical intervention.
Effects on Fertility and Pregnancy
Depo-Prevera is a long-acting medication. After stopping Depo-Provera, it can take 10 months or longer to regain the ability to become pregnant, explains MayoClinic.com.
DailyMed warns that use of Depo-Provera during pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus. Abnormalities of the genitals can occur in both males and females. It is estimated that three out of 100 women using Depo-Provera will become pregnant each year while on the medication.
Other Side Effects
According to the National Institutes of Health website DailyMed, other side effects can include breakthrough bleeding, spotting, changes in the menstrual cycle, headaches, nervousness, dizziness, fluid retention, acne, hair loss, nausea, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness and skin sensitivity. Depo-Provera can worsen depression in patients with a history of the disorder.
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