Subcutaneous versus intramuscular depot methoxyprogesterone acetate: a comparative review.
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA; Depo-Provera) is a highly effective and convenient contraceptive method that has been used worldwide for many decades. Recently, a new lower dose of DMPA, administered as a subcutaneous injection, has been approved for use in the USA as a contraceptive and a treatment for pain associated with endometriosis. The newer formulation has a similar efficacy to the older version and, more importantly, has fewer side effects, with improved user tolerability. Similar to the intramuscular DMPA injection (Depo-Provera intramuscular or contraceptive injection), the subcutaneous injection provides effective contraceptive and pain-management therapy for endometriosis, with a 3-monthly injectable protocol for women who seek long-term and reversible contraception without the need for a daily pill or a more frequent dosing regimen.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 333 East Superior Street, Room 484, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. lps5@cornell.edu.
Melissa A
MA
Simon
Lee P
LP
Shulman