Depo-Provera Availability
Yes, Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is currently available and FDA-approved for contraceptive use in the United States. 1
Available Formulations
Both formulations of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) remain available and are recommended by the CDC:
- Intramuscular (DMPA-IM): 150 mg administered every 13 weeks by deep intramuscular injection in the gluteal or deltoid muscle 2, 1
- Subcutaneous (DMPA-SC): 104 mg administered every 13 weeks subcutaneously 2, 3
Recent Expansion of Access
The CDC now recommends that self-administered subcutaneous DMPA-SC should be made available as an additional approach to deliver injectable contraception, based on moderate-certainty evidence showing it is safe, effective, and has higher continuation rates compared with provider-administered DMPA. 4
Self-Administration Guidelines
- Healthcare providers can prescribe DMPA-SC for off-label self-administration when medically indicated, even though the FDA label states it should be administered by a healthcare professional 4
- Self-administration improves contraceptive access by removing barriers such as required in-person visits while promoting reproductive autonomy 4
- Critical implementation elements include instruction on self-injection technique, sharps disposal guidance, access to follow-up care, and reinjection reminders 4, 5
Administration Schedule
- Repeat injections should be provided every 3 months (13 weeks) 4, 5
- The injection can be given up to 2 weeks late (15 weeks from last injection) without requiring additional contraceptive protection 4, 5, 2
- If more than 2 weeks late, administer only if reasonably certain the patient is not pregnant, and require abstinence or backup contraception for 7 days 2
Important Clinical Considerations
Provider-administered DMPA (both IM and SC formulations) must remain available alongside self-administration options to ensure patient choice and access to the full range of contraceptive methods. 4
- No routine follow-up visits are required between injections 4, 2
- Patients should be encouraged to contact a healthcare provider to discuss side effects, change methods, or address injection concerns 4, 5
- Self-administered DMPA-SC should be offered through shared decision-making in a noncoercive manner with focus on patient preferences 4