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Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection Effectiveness: Depo-Provera is over 99% effective making it one of the most reliable methods of birth control available. Description: Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a derivative of progesterone, as its active ingredient. Depo-Provera is given as an intramuscular injection in the buttock or upper arm once every three months. Promptly at the end of the three month interval, you will need to return to your health care provider for your next injection in order to continue your contraceptive protection. Advantages: 1. Patients who find oral contraceptives inconvenient. 2. Patients who find barrier methods inconvenient or disruptive. 3. Patients who are breast feeding. 4. Patients who need a reversible alternative to sterilization. 5. Patients who cannot tolerate estrogen. Contraindications: 1. Known or suspected pregnancy or as a diagnostic test for pregnancy. 2. Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. 3. Active thrombophlebitis, or current or past history of thromboembolic disorders, or cerebral vascular disease. 4. Liver dysfunction or disease. Adverse Reactions: 1. Menstrual irregularities 2. Weight change 3. Headaches 4. Nervousness 5. Abdominal pain or discomfort 6. Dizziness 7. Weakness or fatigue 8. Backache 9. Leg cramps 10. Depression 11. Nausea 12. Insomnia 13. Acne 14. Vaginitis 15. Pelvic pain 16. Breast pain 17. No hair growth or alopecia 18. Bloating 19. Rash 20. Edema 21. Hot flashes