Depo-Provera and Bone Loss

If you use
 Depo-Provera® (medroxyprogesterone intramuscular injection), it is important to understand that this medicine may negatively affect bone health. This prescription medicine can reduce the amount of calcium stored in your bones, potentially resulting in bone loss. Depo-Provera can also increase your risk for fractures.
 
This negative effect is particularly concerning for adolescents and young adults, who are at a critical age for gaining bone strength. For this reason, Depo-Provera is not generally recommended for use in this age group.
 
To help minimize bone loss, you should not use Depo-Provera for more than two years, unless absolutely necessary. It is also important to have an adequate daily intake of calcium and vitamin D while using this medicine.
 
(Click Depo-Provera Warnings and Precautions for more details on potential bone loss with this drug. This resource also describes other potential complications of this medicine.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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