What Is Depo-Provera? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Depo-Provera is one of the most widely used forms of birth control in the United States. Commonly called "the shot" or "the depo shot," it offers highly effective pregnancy prevention with the convenience of just four injections per year. Here's what every patient should know about this medication in 2026.

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is the brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) injectable suspension. It is a synthetic progestin — a lab-made form of the hormone progesterone — delivered by intramuscular injection once every 13 weeks (3 months). It is manufactured by Pfizer and has been approved by the FDA for contraceptive use since 1992.

Generic versions of medroxyprogesterone acetate injection 150 mg/mL are also FDA-approved and therapeutically equivalent. A separate subcutaneous formulation, Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (104 mg/0.65 mL), was approved in December 2004 and can be self-injected at home.

What Is Depo-Provera Used For?

FDA-approved uses:

Contraception (birth control): Prevents pregnancy in women of reproductive age. More than 99% effective when used as directed.

Endometriosis-associated pelvic pain: The Depo-SubQ Provera 104 formulation is FDA-approved for this indication.

Certain cancers (palliative): Higher-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (not the contraceptive dose) is used to treat inoperable endometrial carcinoma and renal carcinoma.

Common off-label uses:

Menstrual suppression (especially for patients with disabilities, gender-diverse patients, or those with menstruation-related conditions)

Management of abnormal uterine bleeding

How Is Depo-Provera Given?

Standard Depo-Provera CI (contraceptive injection):

Dose: 150 mg/mL (1 mL) via deep intramuscular (IM) injection

Location: Gluteal muscle (buttock) or deltoid muscle (upper arm), rotating sites with each injection

Frequency: Every 3 months (13 weeks / 91 days)

First dose timing: Within the first 5 days of a normal menstrual period (or immediately postpartum at 6+ weeks if breastfeeding)

Must be administered by a licensed healthcare professional; must not be injected intravenously

How Effective Is Depo-Provera?

When given on schedule (every 13 weeks), Depo-Provera is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy — comparable to IUDs and the implant. With typical use (which accounts for late injections), effectiveness is approximately 96% (4% failure rate per year).

Who Should Not Use Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you:

Are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant

Have unexplained vaginal bleeding

Have significant liver disease

Have a known or suspected breast cancer

Have a history of thromboembolic disorders (blood clots)

Have a known allergy to medroxyprogesterone acetate or any component of the injection

Have been diagnosed with meningioma (per updated December 2025 guidance)

Important 2025/2026 Safety Update: Meningioma Warning

In December 2025, the FDA approved a new warning on Depo-Provera's label. Studies found that women who used Depo-Provera for more than one year were approximately 5.5 times more likely to develop a meningioma—a type of brain tumor, usually benign but potentially serious. This warning now appears in the prescribing information for both the IM and subcutaneous formulations. Discuss this risk with your provider before starting or continuing the injection, particularly if you've used it for more than 2 years.

Is Depo-Provera a Controlled Substance?

No. Depo-Provera is not a controlled substance and is not assigned a DEA schedule. Any licensed prescriber can write a prescription without special registration, and there are no restrictions on refills based on controlled substance laws.

Want to understand exactly how Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy? Read our guide: How Does Depo-Provera Work? Mechanism of Action Explained. If you're looking for your next injection, use medfinder to find a pharmacy or clinic with stock near you.