Use of parenteral medroxyprogesterone preparations (i.e., Depo-Provera® Contraceptive, depo-subQ provera 104®, or medroxyprogesterone acetate contraceptive injection) may result in loss of bone mineral density (BMD). Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of therapy and may not be completely reversible.
Not known whether use of these parenteral preparations in young women (e.g., during adolescence, early adulthood) will reduce peak bone mass and increase risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life. Loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion.
Use parenteral medroxyprogesterone for long-term contraception (e.g., >2 years) only if other contraceptive methods are inadequate.