Types of medication:

• Progesterone-only contraceptive injection

  • Not contain estrogen

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Name of medication:

• Brand name: Depo-provera

• Ingredient: Medroxyprogesterone

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Effects:

• To prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries, and the thickening the cervical mucus.

  • Reduced menstrual flow, stopping menstruation (Menstruation may also become irregular): Most users gradually stop having menstruation, and completely stopped after 1 year. The effect varies from person to person.

  • Contraception: It is a highly effective method. The pregnancy rate is less than 1% per year.

    • If one experiences persistently heavy, or prolonged menstruation, or any signs and symptoms of pregnancy after the injection, one should visit the clinic for assessment.​

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Reversibility:

• Generally, after stopping the injection, it takes 6-9 months to resume normal ovulation.

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Dosage:

• One intramuscular injection every 13 weeks.

Charges:

• Fees and Charges for Public Health Care Services provided by DH

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Potential side effects:

• At the initial period of use & usually subside within the first few months: Headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness and mood change.

• Mainly occurs in the first year: Weight gain (Some users gain an average of 2.5 kg).

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Not suitable for:

• Those with confirmed pregnancy, cancer of the breast or reproductive organs, meningioma, serious medical diseases, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.