DEPO-PROVERA Reviews (MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE)

Average Rating: 2.1 (2471 Ratings)

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 ESTROGENS PROGESTINS ANTINEOPLASTICS

 Type: Rx Drug

  

DEPO-PROVERA  (MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE):  This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as uterine cancer, kidney cancer). Medroxyprogesterone is like a natural hormone called progesterone made by the body. It is usually used with or after other treatments (such as radiation, surgery). Medroxyprogesterone may prevent or slow the worsening of the cancer and decrease pain and other symptoms.    (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)

  

More on DEPO-PROVERA: Reviews Summary  |  Drug Safety Information

RATING  REASONSIDE EFFECTS FOR DEPO-PROVERACOMMENTSSEXAGEDURATION/
DOSAGE		DATE ADDED
 
 5  Birth Control Vaginal Dryness, Painful Intercourse, Weight Gain I started depo late 2005. (I took Ortho-TriCyclen for 2.5 years prior to starting the shot, but stopped because my periods were insanely heavy, and I developed a 4 inch. Ovarian cyst, then got pregnant on Tri-Cyclen and miscarried...) I knew I had to try some new form of birth control, one that actually worked & agreed with me more. I have extreme vaginal dryness since I have started depo, which leads to painful intercourse. I have also become sensitive to Latex condoms. (Resolved that with lubricating gel and polyurethane condoms. If your wondering why we still use condoms even though I get Depo is because once a birthcontrol fails you, you start getting a little more cautious... I was on Tricyclen for over 2 years before getting pregnant...) Last, not least is Weight gain, I have gained about 30 pounds the past year, but I feel it's in part to other problems I have with work and getting my bachelors. I know myself I dont eat the healthiest, and sometimes dont eat all day and then F 24 1.3 years
 1/19/2007
 1  Birth Control Major mood swings, weight gain, skin sensitivity, decrease in sexual desire, acne.....the list could go on forever. I had such drastic mood swings and weight gain I went to my physician about it. My female doctor told me I was just tricked into thinking I was hungry and to stop eating so much. She didn't even ask to look at my food journals. My family physician said his average patients doubled their weight on the shot and that I should have never gotten the last shot since it is definitely not safe to be on for longer than a year. I was referred to a dietician who set up food classes and journaling for me. I ate between 1200-1300 calories a day, low sugar, 30g fiber, low fat, etc....did everything right and still GAINED. At the height I had gained a little over 80 lbs. After about a year I started coming down off the mood swings a bit and lost the first 20 lbs months after the exercise/food plan failed to work and I went back to normal activity/eating habits. 20 lbs in less than a month and a half. It is still gradually coming down and though I still have problems with my moods I am a LOT closer to who I was before I started getting the shots. I would not recommend it for anyone. Yes, all other forms of birth control have given me problems either increasing migraines or weight gain, so that was nothing new, the HUGE mood and DRASTIC weight gain is what floored me. I had my daughter, lost 80 lbs and was smaller than before I got pregnant. I started the shots and it was a sudden, drastic gain that continued until after I stopped taking the shots. My physician said he would NEVER recommend i F 25 1.3 years
avg 1X O		 4/29/2011
 5  Heavy periods Absolutely no bad side effects. I stopped getting my period within a month of the first shot. I even lost 25 pounds while on this shot and think that birth control should not be used as an excuse for weight gain. I think it is great and saved me much pain. F 23 1.5 years
1X AN		 2/3/2010
 5  birth control weight gain (10 lbs), mood swings and slight depression especially for the two weeks after a new shot, slight paranoia leading up to a new shot This drug was designed with me in mind, I believe. I've been on it a year and a half and even though I've had lengthy periods on the cusp of the shots, they were less than half of what I used to produce, and all the PMS symptoms are gone, and I haven't had even spotting for five months. Plus, my sexual appetite has *increased*. Can't take the pill because of my age and the fact that I smoke, and this is an excellent alternative for me. F 38 1.5 years
 2/28/2008
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 5  Birth Control Weight gain, lengty bleeding associated with period, slight depression off and on My positive outweigh my negative. As a young adult I'm pleased with Depo and will only be on it 2 years because of the calcium problems associated with being on it for too long. It took the first two shots to get used to the body changes, but now I'm not experiencing any more weight gain (10lbs total gain), and I only get an "extended period (2 weeks give or take)" once every few months. F 20 1.5 years
 12/10/2008
 5  Migraines & Contraceptive Did not have a period while on depo. Didn't notice significant weight gain but had a hard time maintaining current weight. I originally started taking depo because I needed an estrogen only method since the combination pills give me migraines. I switched onto depo and had NO headaches! And, I didn't have a period, which, while some people prefer to have one, I was fine to be hassle free. And only a $15 office copay every 3 months vs. $25/mo for the pill was great. The only down fall is that I could only be on it for a max of 2 years due to the potential for bone density loss. This really is a drug meant for younger women. I'm switching to the mini pill (Micronor) now, so we'll see how that goes. I hope I have a positive experience. F 29 1.5 years
 5/9/2008
 5  Birth Control I missed my period occasionally but who wouldnt want that! It is amazing to get the shot once every 11-12 weeks and not have to worry about a pill. A year and a half later and Im still not pregnant, it does its job. F 22 1.5 years
 1/23/2010
 5  Birth Control Very slight weight gain I am 47 and decided on depo provera last year since I previously had breast cancer and most forms of birth control not an option for me. Depo has no estrogen so I decided to try it on my physician's recommendation. Had continuous brown spotting for the first 3 months on it which was extremely annoying, but after that, no side effects to speak of. I originally weighed 113 lbs when I started the depo, and after a year and a half weigh 117 lbs so not really sure that my slight weight gain is a direct result of the shot. I really like the convenience of a shot every 3 months and have none of the numerous side effects most posters here have written about. I would highly recommend this as an effective, easy form of birth control. F 48 1.5 years
 8/14/2008
 4  Birth control/Endometriosis Mood swings, hair loss, weight loss Started shot in 2010-2011 to treat endometriosis and PMDD; after first shot my cycle stopped and I dropped weight from 156 to 143 lbs. Weight never fluctuated any more than 1-2 lbs up or down. Stopped shot in 2012 and got pregnant almost instantly with my son (after being told I might not have children due to untreated endometriosis). Went back on depo at postpartum visit October 2013 and have not missed a dose since. Starting to notice that I have rather frequent and aggressive mood swings and persistent depressive moments. Depression runs in my family however Ive never experienced a near constant state of depressive rage like I have now; even my PMDD only occurred as it should before my period. Will be discussing with dr whether or not the shot could be affecting my moods. F 29 1.5 years
1 dose 1X O		 3/16/2015
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 3  Functional Ovarian Cysts Depression, Anxiety, Rage, Antisocial Tendancies, Joint Pain, Muscle Aches, Insomnia, Nightmares, Night Sweats, Hot Flashes, Fatigue, Loss of Interest in Daily Activities, Cramping, Aching Breasts, Constant Spotting between LONG Periods, Acne, Hair loss, Nausea, Head Aches I took this six years ago for a year with no serious issues. Knowing the risks, which to me outweighed the benefit. I have a problem with functional ovarian cysts which was quite horrible with constant bleeding and debilitating pain at times. Only treatment option I was offered was the pill or the shot. I didn't think the pill was a good idea after being on it for 10 years of my life and the shot seemed too dangerous. I lived with them for two years before finally out of painful frustration going on the shot. My pain and period went away almost immediately, the cysts shrunk and went away, but lost sex drive and was told by my ex and friends that I was moody and irritable. I didn't believe them. After going off, I had no problems until two years ago the cysts came back. After about six months of "waiting to see" and getting worse, I got back on it. My periods have never stopped and I was constantly spotting icky brown or red clots until my fifth shot which was in Jan F 36 1.5 years
 5/8/2008
 3  Pregnancy Prevention plus period re Bloating, weight loss, instead of heavy periods I have a little bit of blood mixed with a mild yeast infection (only a bit of itching) once the period is over the infection tends to go away. I get the shot every 3 months. I don't believe it is for everyone after reading the comments but It works for me I'm not responsible enough to remember to take the pill everyday so I get the three month shot and I'm good to go for awhile If your going to get the shot I don't recommend a long term one (meaning years) You cant be sure how your body will react. As for me It works well so I recommend it with caution. I have been getting the shot for over a year and I don't believe the side effects I have are bad. F 19 1.5 years
1X O		 7/11/2011
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 2  to prevent pregnancy weakens immune system, always sick days later after shot, and horrid migraines. Although it prevented me from getting pregnant..I will NEVER get this shot again. I was on it for a little over a year, and every time I got the shot, days later I came down with sickness. The worst is the stomach virus I got twice with it... I had strep throat twice with it as well. I was never so sick while on this shot. So it definitely weakened my immune system. I did not realize it was the shot doing it, until I went off of it. F 35 1.5 years
not sure 1X AN		 2/8/2011
 1  birth control weight gain, loss of sex drive, mood swings, anxiety, depression, irregular period By weight gain, I mean 25 pounds. By depression, I mean I cried everyday. By irregular period, I mean it never stopped. I had a 3 month long period, and it would only stop for a week or two after I got the shot, then it wouldn't stop until the next shot. Once I finally got tired of waiting for my body to adjust, I got off the shot. I lost the weight I gained, I'm happier than ever, sex drive is back, and period is regular. I would never recommend this and it's unfortunate because it was very convenient and easy to remember my appointments. F 19 1.5 years
1X O		 10/25/2010
 1  Birth Control WEIGHT GAIN, mood swings, loss of interest I gained just under 40 pounds in the year and a half I was on depo. I experienced severe mood swings that I couldnt explain, I always felt anxious and I started getting calcium deposits that my doctor unofficially attributed to the Depo shot. These deposits started developing on my wrists, but I now have them under my upper eyelids. It makes it nearly impossible to see anymore. I need glasses and I've had several "surgeries" to try to correct the situation. I have been off of depo for years now but am still affected by it. I certainly would not recommend this form of birth control to anyone else as I have has SUCH a negative impact. =/ F 23 1.5 years
1X AN		 5/26/2010
 1  birth control Loss of desire to have sex, leg cramps, headaches, blurred vision, irregular bleeding, vile temper, poor memory Not sure if my sympoms are due to taking depo, but after reading this i feel for certain some of my symptoms are caused by the depo. I've had sex once in 6 months so I suppose you could argue it is good for birth control but I don't wamt to live like a nun. I'm far more moody than normal for no reason and still feel mentally like I'm having a period each month without actually havin one. F 30 1.5 years
1X AN		 6/17/2010
 1  Birth Control Weight gain, fatigue, depression. I am the kind of person who loses weight fast. I don't even have to do cardio....just sit ups and I'll lose weight. But now I am working out like crazy! I think to myself why am I not losing anything? and I finally figured it out...DEPO! I was 160 before I had my son and now I am just staying 190-200. I get depressed at random times...at least 3 times a week. I cry out of no where. I am also extremely tired through out the day. I feel drained and so lazy. I hate what Depo has done to me. My last shot was in June 2010 and I am just waiting for it to get out of my system. I am going to try everything and detox my body. I just pray to God that I don't get those nasty effects like never ending bleeding or more weight gain. TO ALL WOMEN...DON'T TAKE DEPO PROVERA! IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE!!!!! F 20 1.5 years
6X O		 7/6/2010
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 1  Contraception Side effects: - Ruined Metabolism - Weight gain, 25kg - Thinner Hair - Beard growth - Abnormal Period for nearly five years - Change of emotions - Depressions I would never ever tell anyone to use depo provera, I met a woman today (by coinsidance) who has the same problems now as I had then... she gained 15kilos in a year! Sorry for my bad english I'm swiss... F 27 1.5 years
 4/28/2006
 1  Birth Control Weight Gain 50 lbs, Depression, Anxiety, Decreased sex drive, Fatigue, Increased appetite, Sweating, Overall low self-esteem...Yea. No Period, but I want it back!!! I eat like a HOG. I am always hungry. ALWAYS!! Weighed 128 lbs, now 179 lbs. I turned into a bitch and started to hate everyone. I dumped my boyfriend and have been single/selabit for 8 months now. I dont't even think about sex. I was a smiling, giggly, cute girl. And now I am mean, fat, depressed and lonely. I have cut almost everyone out of my life. (People still call wondering what it is they did to me.) Actually I am more concerned with my weight than anything else. I am due for my shot in about a month and I do not want it, but I was wondering what happenes to you once you stop the shot. Will my weight fall off? Will I ever be myself again? Plese help me by sending an email to [email protected]. Please. F 21 1.5 years
 3/15/2007
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 1  birth control I gained 10 lbs in two months (after being on for 1 1/2 years). I had always been 106 lbs before that. I had a foul-smelling discharge every time it was time for my new shot. When I finally quit taking it, the nastiness STAYED. It's been 7 months now since my last shot, and I am still dealing with this problem. DON'T TAKE DEPO! I also have not lost the weight and had to buy all new clothes. I guess these idiots think we are made of money! Depo Provera is POISON. It should NOT be on the market. The risks and side-effects are too great. After the thousands of horror stories I've read, I can't believe doctors aren't taking notice, BUT THEY AREN'T, so do your own research and don't let your doctor talk you into taking this drug. It's P-O-I-S-O-N! Always remember, doctors get incentives (trips, gifts, dinners, etc.) for prescribing certain drugs. Do not be fooled into thinking that your doctor is giving you drugs for your own good. Research everything you are prescribed. That's what is so great about the Internet. F 30 1.5 years
 9/7/2004
 1  birth control and period pain Weight gain, oily hair, acne (and I have extremely dry skin normally!), complete lack of sex drive, no lubrication, depression, loss of periods for about 2 months then regular spotting. I was told that this was a relativley safe and side effect free drug. My periods stopped straightaway, but was then plagued by spotting regularly, accompanied by my normal cramps. I lost all sex drive (no wonder this is so good at preventing pregnancy, all it does it to promote abstinence!) and became depressed and aggressive, almost causing the break-up of my long term relationship. I went from enjoying a regular and exciting sex life with my partner to being repulsed by even the thought of him touching me. When I could muster the drive, it was painful as my natural lubrication had completely dried up. My skin has become painful and very oily and spotty. Similarly my hair is awfully greasy. My mood became very despondant, and I became very depressed. I used to be a very fit person, and despite eating and exercising to exactly the same as I had always done, I gained 15lbs in the first year. This is still very difficult to shift, and as yet, I'm still fighting the extra 10lbs. Please do not take this drug, it shouldn't be on the market. F 21 1.5 years
 11/28/2004

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