Risk Summary
There is no use for contraception in pregnancy; therefore, Depo-Provera CI should be discontinued during pregnancy.
Epidemiologic studies and meta‑analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to progestins before conception or during early pregnancy.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Risk Summary
Although medroxyprogesterone acetate is detectable in the milk of mothers receiving Depo-Provera CI, milk composition, quality, and amount do not appear to be adversely affected. Effects on milk production and lactation initiation/duration remain unclear when administered before 6 weeks after delivery, therefore, in mothers who exclusively breastfeed, initiate Depo-Provera CI during or after the sixth post-partum week [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
No adverse effects in breastfed infants would be expected with maternal use of progestins. Neonates and infants exposed to medroxyprogesterone acetate from breast milk have been studied and no adverse effects have been noted.
The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Depo-Provera CI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Depo-Provera CI or from the underlying maternal condition.
Depo-Provera CI is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy and would therefore be expected to impair female fertility until cessation of treatment. Women may experience a delay in return to ovulation and fertility (conception) following discontinuation of Depo-Provera CI [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].
Depo-Provera CI is not indicated before menarche. Use of Depo-Provera CI is associated with significant loss of BMD. This loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion. In adolescents, interpretation of BMD results should take into account patient age and skeletal maturity. It is unknown if use of Depo-Provera CI by younger women will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures in later life. Other than concerns about loss of BMD, the safety and effectiveness are expected to be the same for postmenarchal adolescents and adult women.
Risk Summary
There is no use for contraception in pregnancy; therefore, Depo-Provera CI should be discontinued during pregnancy.
Epidemiologic studies and meta‑analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to progestins before conception or during early pregnancy.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Risk Summary
Although medroxyprogesterone acetate is detectable in the milk of mothers receiving Depo-Provera CI, milk composition, quality, and amount do not appear to be adversely affected. Effects on milk production and lactation initiation/duration remain unclear when administered before 6 weeks after delivery, therefore, in mothers who exclusively breastfeed, initiate Depo-Provera CI during or after the sixth post-partum week [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
No adverse effects in breastfed infants would be expected with maternal use of progestins. Neonates and infants exposed to medroxyprogesterone acetate from breast milk have been studied and no adverse effects have been noted.
The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Depo-Provera CI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Depo-Provera CI or from the underlying maternal condition.
Depo-Provera CI is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy and would therefore be expected to impair female fertility until cessation of treatment. Women may experience a delay in return to ovulation and fertility (conception) following discontinuation of Depo-Provera CI [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].
Depo-Provera CI is not indicated before menarche. Use of Depo-Provera CI is associated with significant loss of BMD. This loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion. In adolescents, interpretation of BMD results should take into account patient age and skeletal maturity. It is unknown if use of Depo-Provera CI by younger women will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures in later life. Other than concerns about loss of BMD, the safety and effectiveness are expected to be the same for postmenarchal adolescents and adult women.
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