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Depo-Provera
Depo birth control shot prescription available online
The Depo shot is a highly effective, long-lasting form of hormonal birth control. Get a same-day Depot shot prescription from a caring, board-certified doctor online.*
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About Depo Shot
Depo Shot is considered a birth control shot, which functions by releasing a hormone known as progestin into the human body. Like any contraceptive, this medication can only be used as part of a preventative strategy. It is ineffective against existing pregnancies or cases where you think you might be pregnant.
Apart from serving as a birth control method, some people also use Depo-Provera as part of their menopause therapy. This is due to the specific hormones that the drug releases into the body. Depo Shot is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including Medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Depo Shot may be prescribed as an injection, sometimes also referred to as a shot. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you stop using Depo Shots, then the medication will stop working. This means the medication will no longer be able to help prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse. With this said, it does take some time for a woman to fully regain her fertility once she stops using the Depo Shot. There are some cases where it takes up to 10 months before a woman is able to become pregnant once she stops the use of this particular birth control shot.
Depo Shot uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Depo Shot, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your health care provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Prevention of pregnancy
The main role of Depo-Provera shots is to help women prevent pregnancy, even when they do have sexual intercourse. The main mechanism by which the medication works is by adding progestin, a type of hormone, into the blood circulatory system. This hormone acts upon the uterus, which plays a significant role in the process of becoming pregnant. There are two ways in which the use of these shots and the addition of extra progestin into the female body prevents pregnancy. First, the hormone causes suppression of ovulation in the female body. During ovulation, the ovaries release eggs, which are needed for pregnancy. By suppressing this function, the chances of pregnancy can be significantly reduced. Progestin also causes cervical mucus to become thicker. This makes it harder for sperm that enter the uterus to reach eggs in the ovaries.
It is important to note that regular maintenance of these shots plays a large part in ensuring the efficacy of the treatment. The patient will usually need to return to the healthcare provider once every three months to get their next Depo-Provera shot. The medication does not require daily use, as each shot provides protection for a period of at least three months.Management of menopause symptoms
While the FDA has only approved the use of Depo-Provera as a birth control option, there are some healthcare providers that may utilize the medication during menopause. When a woman reaches the age of menopause, there are several hormonal changes that occurs in her body. This can cause adverse effects that can have an impact on her daily life. Night sweats and hot flashes, along with vaginal dryness, are only some of the symptoms that women may experience when they go through menopause.
The use of Depo-Provera may provide some relief to women as they enter menopause. In addition to Depo-Provera, doctors may also decide to prescribe the women a regular dose of estrogen hormones. In this case, it is important for the patient to monitor the progression of menopause and have regular checkups with their healthcare provider. This will ensure the provider is able to determine when it is appropriate to halt the use of Depo-Provera as a treatment option for the patient. Doctors may sometimes also rather turn to other forms of Provero, instead of using the injectable solution known as Depo-Provera.
Depo Shot side effects
The side effects associated with taking Depo Shot are typically mild. Most Depo Shot side effects are associated with gastrointestinal health and the abdomen. Depo Shot has some common side effects. They may include:
In certain cases, women develop depressive symptoms while using Depo-Provera as a birth control method. Some irregular periods have also been reported, but these are usually mild cases. These side effects often only last for a short while and go away with the continued use of the medication.
Some individuals may experience weight gain. However, the weight gain caused by a Depo Provera CI injection can be prevented. This is a common side-effect of hormonal contraceptives.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Major Depression: Depression can occur in women who use this drug. In most cases, the depression side-effect isn’t something serious. There are, however, cases where it becomes a bigger problem. If the medication leads to more serious depressive feelings and thoughts, then it is important that the patient consult with their doctor. They may need to stop using the Depo-Provera and receive appropriate treatment for the depressive symptoms that developed.
Severe Pain: In some rare cases, women complain about experiencing severe pain symptoms in their lower abdomen after they got the Depo Shot. This is also a cause for concern.
Injection Site Problems: It is also possible for the site where the injection is made to develop certain adverse reactions. This may include bleeding or itchiness that occurs for prolonged periods. If pus comes out of the injection site, then it is also important for the patient to immediately contact their doctor. The healthcare provider can take a look at the injection site to detect the presence of infections and other complications.
Joint Problems: The FDA officially warns about the potential reduction in bone mineral density among individuals who use the Depo-Provera shot. In cases where bone mineral density becomes too low, it can greatly increase a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis and similar joint problems later on. Patients should be on the lookout for symptoms like joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness - especially after using the birth control shot for a long period of time. Low bone mineral density can also cause bones to become more fragile. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, make sure you talk with your doctor.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
It is also important to look out for an allergic reaction. This may occur with your first injection. You can consider the ingredients of the depot medroxyprogesterone acetate shot to consider your risk factors for an allergic reaction.
Use of the Depo Shot in young children under age 18 is not advised. It is also not a good idea to use the Depo Shot in any female patient who hasn't had her first period yet.
How to take Depo Shot
The Depo Shot is not a medication that people generally administer themselves. This medication comes in a liquid form, usually injected into deep muscle tissue. Performing this operation yourself could lead to skin damage or even increase the risk of an infection at the site where you inject the substance.
Thus, it is usually best to ensure a healthcare provider or a qualified nurse administers this medication. You will be provided with details about preparing for the shot. The process is usually straightforward, which means you do not have to go through any strenuous steps before you can get the Depo-Provera CI shot. The doctor administering the shot will likely use an alcohol wipe on the area where they inject before the process.
It is a good idea to schedule the date for the next shot during this process. This can help ensure you already have a date for the three-month maintenance shot you need to get at the appropriate time.
What to avoid while taking Depo Shot
It is vital to recognize specific drug interactions that may occur with Depo-Provera. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is essential to avoid using drugs that affect specific liver enzymes when getting a Depo Shot. These drugs include St. John’s wort, Rifampin, and Itraconazole. Certain medications used to treat seizures, such as Phenytoin and Phenobarbital, can also affect these liver enzymes. If combined with these substances, the liver enzymes will remove a significant amount of the medroxyprogesterone from the patient’s body. In turn, it can cause a considerable reduction in the efficacy that the Depo Shot offers.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Depo Shot.
No specific research specifies an interaction between the Depo Shot and alcohol consumption. However, avoiding heavy drinking is still recommended if you depend on this birth control shot.
Also, Depo Provera CI will not protect against sexually transmitted infections. You should still use additional protection to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Medication alternatives to Depo Shot
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another birth control method or contraceptive injection in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Long-term solution
If the patient prefers other birth control methods with a longer-term solution that does not require regular injections or the use of capsules, then they might want to consider an implant. These implants are tiny structures that the doctor places directly into the woman’s uterus. They continuously release certain chemicals or substances that help to prevent pregnancy during a woman’s childbearing years.
Depo Shot prescription FAQs
How much does Depo Shot cost?
The Depo Shot generally comes at a more affordable price compared to alternatives like implants. The cost does depend on a large number of elements. Your healthcare provider will thoroughly examine your needs to determine the correct dose. This is the first factor that will play a role in determining the costs. You must also decide if you want a generic form or the Depo-Provera branded option. The brand name drug will cost more compared to the generic alternatives. The doctor may also have additional costs for the consultation and administering of the shot.
What can you not do while on the Depo Shot?
You should not take additional birth control medications unless your doctor mentions them. It is also essential to avoid certain medications that can impact liver enzymes. In particular, certain liver enzymes remove some of the active hormones that the Depo Shot uses. In this case, you will not have the same protection against pregnancy.
How many days after your Depo are you protected?
Timing is essential when looking at how long it takes the Depo-Provera shot to work. If you get the shot during a menstrual cycle, then protection starts immediately. If your first shot is given after a menstrual cycle, it takes up to 10 days before you are fully protected. If you have unprotected sexual activity within this period, the medication may not be as effective at preventing pregnancy. You can do a pregnancy test if you have concerns.
Does it matter where the Depo Shot goes?
The Depo Shot needs to be administered into deep muscle tissue to ensure it works effectively. Doctors or nurses usually target the outer part of the arm. It is also possible to make the injection on the butt cheek or the upper part of the stomach. In some cases, the healthcare provider may also recommend making the injection in the upper thigh.
How long does the Depo Shot take to kick in?
The medication kicks in immediately, but only if you get the birth control shot for the first time while you are having a menstrual cycle. In other cases, wait at least a week before you have sexual intercourse if you will only depend on the protection that the Depo Shot offers.
How can I refill my Depo Shot prescription?
In most cases, you will need to go back to the doctor’s office to get your follow-up shot. This happens once every three months. There are some situations where the doctor may provide you with a prescription instead. You then need to perform the injection at home. In this case, choose a specific pharmacy that you can use to pick up your prescription at the appropriate intervals.
Who should not take Depo Shot?
Women with a high risk of developing osteoporosis should not use this contraceptive. Healthcare professionals also recommend avoiding the birth control shot if you have depression or have experienced a heart attack. Those with unexplained bleeding in the vagina and existing liver disease should also avoid using the Depo-Provera shot.
What happens if I miss a dose of Depo Shot?
Because there is a long period between two shots, you will usually remember shortly after a missed dose. This ensures you still have sufficient time for your follow-up birth control shot.
What happens if I take too much Depo Shot?
If you are injected with too many active chemicals, it may disrupt certain hormone levels. This may lead to a higher risk of the more serious side effects of Depo-Provera.
3 simple steps to request your Depo-Provera prescription today
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Book a Depo Shot prescription request appointment.
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Talk to your medical provider regarding your Depo Shot prescription.
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Step 3
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Depo Shot prescription pricing details
How pricing works
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Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
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Paying without insurance
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30 days of free membership
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Exclusive discounts on lab tests
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Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
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Depo Shot prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. DEPO-PROVERA Label Information. Accessed on October 13, 2023 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/020246s036lbl.pdf.
Mayo Clinic. Depo-Provera (contraceptive injection): About. Accessed on October 13, 2023 at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/depo-provera/about/pac-20392204.
Planned Parenthood. The Birth Control Shot. Accessed on October 13, 2023 at https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-shot.
Pfizer Labeling. DEPO-PROVERA CI (medroxyprogesterone acetate) Prescribing Information. Accessed on October 13, 2023 at https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=522&Section=PPI.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.