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Depot-Medroxyprogestereone Acetate
Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a synthetic progestin that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a synthetic progestin that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. Used for Contraception (prevention of pregnancy), Management of endometriosis-related pain.
At a glance
| Generic name | Depot-Medroxyprogestereone Acetate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Southern California |
| Drug class | Progestin; Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) |
| Target | Progesterone receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Contraception; Reproductive Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
DMPA acts as a long-acting reversible contraceptive by inhibiting the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge required for ovulation. It also alters the endometrium and increases cervical mucus viscosity, creating multiple barriers to fertilization. The depot formulation provides sustained hormone release over 3 months (intramuscular) or 1 month (subcutaneous), maintaining contraceptive efficacy with minimal dosing frequency.
Approved indications
- Contraception (prevention of pregnancy)
- Management of endometriosis-related pain
Common side effects
- Irregular bleeding or amenorrhea
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Delayed return to fertility
Key clinical trials
- SHAPE-ENDO: Multimodal Pre-Surgical Optimization in Patients With Obesity and Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer
- Doxycycline and Progestin Therapy for Chronic Endometritis(CE) in Patients With Recurrent Reproductive Failure(RRF) (NA)
- Effect of Twin Hearts Meditation and Mandala Coloring on Exam Anxiety in Nursing Students (NA)
- Refining Fertility-sparing Treatment in Endometrial Carcinoma Based on Molecular Classification (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Mirena for the Treatment of Nonatypical Endometrial Hyperplasia for 6 Months (PHASE3)
- A Study of MK-5684 in People With Certain Solid Tumors (MK-5684-015/OMAHA-015) (PHASE2)
- Clinical and Biomarker Effects of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Females With Sickle Cell Disease (PHASE4)
- Intrauterine Stent Placement Following Hysteroscopic Septum Resection (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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