Last reviewed · How we verify
Subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic progestin that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and altering the uterine environment.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic progestin that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and altering the uterine environment. Used for Contraception in women of reproductive age.
At a glance
| Generic name | Subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | depo-subQ provera 104™ |
| Sponsor | Planned Parenthood Federation of America |
| Drug class | Progestin contraceptive |
| Target | Progesterone receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Contraception |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
As a long-acting reversible contraceptive, subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate works by inhibiting the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge needed for ovulation. It also thickens cervical mucus to impede sperm transport and alters the endometrium to prevent implantation. The subcutaneous depot formulation provides sustained hormone release over approximately 13 weeks.
Approved indications
- Contraception in women of reproductive age
Common side effects
- Irregular bleeding or amenorrhea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- Continuation of Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Post-abortion Patients (PHASE4)
- Adolescent Subcutaneous (SQ) Injection Video Validation (NA)
- Impact of Contraceptives on Cervico-Vaginal Mucosa (PHASE4)
- Clinical Study of Depo Provera Comparing Lay Health Workers and Clinically-trained Health Workers (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Depo Provera Self-Administration Study: Putting a Patient-Centered Practice to the Test at Planned Parenthood (PHASE4)
- Study of Self or Clinic Administration of DepoProvera (NA)
- Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics Study of Existing DMPA Contraceptive Methods (PHASE1)
- Elagolix Versus Subcutaneous Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate for the Treatment of Endometriosis (PHASE2)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: