When is the next Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone) shot due if the last injection was given on August 1, 2025?

When to Schedule the Next Depo-Provera Injection

The next Depo-Provera shot is due on October 24,2025, which is 12 weeks (84 days) after the August 1,2025 injection. 1

Timing Guidelines for Depo-Provera Administration

• Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA, Depo-Provera) injections should be administered every 13 weeks (91 days), with a recommended schedule of every 12 weeks (84 days) to provide a buffer period 1
• The recommended dose is 150 mg administered intramuscularly or 104 mg administered subcutaneously 1
• While the injection is effective for up to 15 weeks, scheduling at 12 weeks (84 days) allows for a safety margin in case the patient is delayed in getting their next injection 1

Calculation for Next Injection

• Starting from August 1,2025:
  • Add 12 weeks (84 days) to determine the optimal return date 1
  • This calculation gives October 24,2025 as the target date for the next injection 1

Clinical Considerations

• It is critical to ensure timely administration of repeat injections to maintain contraceptive efficacy 2
• The failure rate of DMPA with perfect use is approximately 0.2%, but rises to about 6% with typical use, primarily due to missed or delayed injections 1
• If a patient is more than 15 weeks from their last injection, pregnancy should be ruled out before administering the next dose 1

Pharmacokinetic Considerations

• After injection, DMPA is detectable in serum within 30 minutes 3
• Serum concentrations plateau at approximately 1.0 ng/mL for about three months 3
• Contraceptive efficacy is maintained when MPA levels remain above 0.1 ng/mL (the threshold at which ovulation can resume) 3
• While MPA can be detected in some women for up to 9 months after a single injection, scheduling regular 12-week intervals ensures continuous contraceptive coverage 3

Patient Education Points

• Emphasize the importance of returning for the next injection on or before October 24,2025 4
• Explain that while there is a 2-week grace period (up to 15 weeks total), the recommended interval is 12 weeks to ensure continuous contraceptive protection 1
• Remind the patient that if they are more than 15 weeks late, a pregnancy test will be required before administering the next injection 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Waiting too long between injections (beyond 15 weeks) significantly increases pregnancy risk 2
• Failing to document the exact date of the previous injection can lead to timing errors 4
• Not accounting for the patient's schedule when setting the next appointment date may lead to missed appointments 4