Warnings for Depo-SubQ Provera
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Depo-SubQ Provera
Loss Of Bone Mineral Density
Use of depo-subQ provera 104 reduces serum estrogen levels and is associated with significant loss of bone mineral density (BMD). This loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion. It is unknown if use of depo-subQ provera 104 by younger women will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture in later life.
A study to assess the reversibility of loss of BMD in adolescents was conducted with DMPA-IM. After discontinuing DMPA-IM in these adolescents, mean BMD loss at the total hip and femoral neck did not fully recover by 5 years (60 months) post-treatment in the sub-group of adolescents who were treated for more than 2 years [see Clinical Studies]. Similarly, in adults, there was only partial recovery of mean BMD at the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine towards baseline by 2 years post-treatment [see Clinical Studies].
The use of depo-subQ provera 104 is not recommended as a long-term (i.e., longer than 2 years) birth control method or medical therapy for endometriosis-associated pain unless other options are considered inadequate. BMD should be evaluated when a woman needs to continue to use depo-subQ provera 104 long-term. In adolescents, interpretation of BMD results should take into account patient age and skeletal maturity.
Other birth control methods or therapies for endometriosis-associated pain should be considered in the risk/benefit analysis for the use of depo-subQ provera 104 in women with osteoporosis risk factors. Depo-subQ provera 104 can pose an additional risk in patients with risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g., metabolic bone disease, chronic alcohol and/or tobacco use, anorexia nervosa, strong family history of osteoporosis, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass such as anticonvulsants or corticosteroids).
Arterial And Venous Thromboembolic Disorders
There have been reports of serious arterial and venous thrombotic events in women treated with DMPA-IM. Women with a history of thromboembolic disorders were not studied in clinical trials of depo-subQ provera 104. Although no causal relationship between the use of depo-subQ provera 104 and thrombotic events has been clearly established, patients who develop arterial or venous thrombosis while taking depo-subQ provera 104 should discontinue treatment.
Do not re-administer depo-subQ provera 104 pending examination if there is a sudden onset of a suspected vascular ocular event (e.g., partial or complete loss of vision, proptosis, or diplopia) or migraine. Do not re-administer depo-subQ provera 104 if examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions.
Cancer Risks
Breast Cancer
The use of hormonal contraceptives, including depo sub-Q provera 104, is contraindicated in women who have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be sensitive to hormones [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Women who have a family history of breast cancer or a significant risk of breast cancer should be monitored.
The results of five large case-control studies assessing the association between DMPA-IM use and the risk of breast cancer are summarized in Figure M. Three of the studies suggest a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in the overall population of users; these increased risks were statistically significant in one study. One US study1 evaluated the timing and duration of use and found a statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer in recent DMPA-IM users (defined as last use within the past five years) who used DMPA-IM for 12 months or longer; this is consistent with results of a previous study2.
Figure M: Risk Estimates of Breast Cancer in DMPA-IM Users. Odds Ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] displayed on logarithmic scale
Based on the published SEER-18 2015 incidence rate (age-adjusted to the 2000 US Standard Population) of breast cancer for US women, all races, age 20 to 49 years, a doubling of risk would increase the incidence of breast cancer in women who use DMPA-IM from about 73 to about 146 cases per 100,000 women.
Other Cancers
The relative rate of invasive squamous-cell cervical cancer in women who ever used DMPA-IM was estimated to be 1.11 (95% CI: 0.96 to 1.29). No trends in risk with duration of use or times since initial or most recent exposure were observed.
Long-term, case-controlled surveillance of users of DMPA-IM found no overall increased risk of ovarian or liver cancer.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Healthcare professionals should be alert to the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy among women using depo-subQ provera 104 who become pregnant or complain of severe abdominal pain.
Anaphylaxis
Serious anaphylactic reactions have been reported in women using depo-subQ provera 104. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, appropriate emergency medical treatment should be administered.
Fluid Retention
Because progestational drugs including depo-subQ provera 104 may cause fluid retention, monitor patients with conditions that might be affected by fluid retention.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a common occurrence in women using depo-subQ provera 104. In three large clinical trials using depo-subQ provera 104, the mean weight gain was 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) in the first year of use. In a small, two-year study comparing depo-subQ provera 104 to DMPA-IM, the mean weight gain observed for women using depo-subQ provera 104 [7.5 lb (3.4 kg)] was similar to the mean weight gain for women using DMPA-IM [7.6 lb (3.5 kg)].
Although there are no data related to weight gain beyond 2 years for depo-subQ provera 104, the data on DMPA-IM may be relevant. In a clinical study, after five years, 41 women using Depo-Provera CI (150 mg) had a mean weight gain of 11.2 lb (5.1 kg), while 114 women using non-hormonal contraception had a mean weight gain of 6.4 lb (2.9 kg).
Delayed Return Of Ovulation or Fertility
Return to ovulation is likely to be delayed after stopping depo-subQ provera 104, as demonstrated in a study of 15 women who received multiple doses of depo-subQ provera 104:
- Median time to ovulation was 10 months after the last injection.
- Earliest return to ovulation was 6 months after the last injection.
- 12 women (80%) ovulated within 1 year of the last injection.
However, ovulation has occurred as early as 14 weeks after a single dose of depo-subQ provera 104; therefore, administer the next depo-subQ provera 104 12 to 14 weeks after the last injection.
Return to fertility also is likely to be delayed after stopping therapy. Among 28 women using depo-subQ provera 104 for contraception who stopped treatment to become pregnant, 7 women were lost to follow-up. One woman became pregnant within one year of her last injection and another woman became pregnant 443 days after her last injection. The remaining 19 women had not become pregnant; it is not known if these 19 women were still attempting to become pregnant or if they had started a new contraceptive method.
Depression
Depression (3% of depo-subQ provera 104-treated patients) and other mood disorders have been reported in clinical trials of depo-subQ provera 104 [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients with a history of depression or who are on treatment for depression may be at increased risk for depression recurrence or exacerbation and for associated mood disorders while receiving depo-subQ provera 104. Therefore, patients should be monitored for symptoms of depression and mood changes.
Injection Site Reactions
In five clinical studies of depo-subQ provera 104 involving 2325 women (282 treated for up to 6 months, 1780 treated for up to 1 year, and 263 women treated for up to 2 years), 5% of women reported injection site reactions, and 1% had persistent skin changes (small areas of induration or atrophy).
In post-marketing experience, injection site reactions such as persistent atrophy of the injection site, dimpling/indentation, and injection site lump/nodule have been reported.
Bleeding Irregularities
Most women using depo-subQ provera 104 experienced changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, such as amenorrhea, irregular unpredictable spotting or bleeding, prolonged spotting or bleeding, or heavy bleeding [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Fewer women experienced irregular bleeding and more experienced amenorrhea with longer term use of depo-subQ provera 104, consistent with expected endometrial thinning effects.
In three contraception trials, 39% of 2053 depo-subQ provera 104-treated women experienced amenorrhea during Month 6, and 57% experienced amenorrhea during Month 12. In two endometriosis trials using depo-subQ provera 104, 24% of 289 women experienced amenorrhea during Month 6 [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
If abnormal bleeding is persistent or severe, evaluate the patient for underlying pathology or pregnancy.
Risk Of Hyperglycemia In Patients With Diabetes
Some patients receiving progestins may exhibit a decrease in glucose tolerance; therefore, patients with diabetes may be at greater risk of hyperglycemia.
Jaundice And Elevated Transaminase
Discontinue depo-subQ provera 104 if jaundice or elevated transaminase levels develop. Depo-subQ provera 104 may be resumed after both the jaundice and elevated transaminase levels resolve, and the healthcare professional determines that depo-subQ provera 104 did not cause the abnormalities.
Protection Against Sexually Transmitted Infections
Patients should be counseled that this product does not protect against HIV infection (including AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Loss Of Bone Mineral Density
Advise the patient that the use of depo-subQ provera 104 decreases BMD [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Arterial And Venous Thromboembolic Disorders
Advise the patient that serious arterial and venous thrombotic events have been seen in women treated with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Anaphylaxis
Counsel patients on the importance of seeking urgent medical attention if they experience symptoms of anaphylaxis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Ectopic Pregnancy
Advise patients to tell their healthcare professional right away if they become pregnant or experience severe abdominal pain to exclude a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Bleeding Irregularities
Advise patients at the beginning of treatment that their menstrual cycle may be disrupted, resulting in irregular and unpredictable bleeding or spotting. Explain that bleeding and spotting irregularities usually decrease to the point of amenorrhea as treatment with depo-subQ provera 104 continues, and does not require other therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Delayed Return Of Ovulation And Fertility
Advise patients that return to ovulation and fertility is likely to be delayed after stopping depo-subQ provera 104 [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Risks Of Breast Cancer
Counsel patients about the possible increased risk of breast cancer in women who use depo-subQ provera 104 [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Depression
Counsel patients about the possible risk of depression and mood disorders. Advise patients with a history of depression or who are receiving treatment for depression to be alert to any mood changes or worsening of their depression. Counsel patients to follow up with their healthcare professional accordingly [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Risk Of Hyperglycemia In Patients With Diabetes
Advise diabetic patients that some patients receiving progestins may exhibit a decrease in glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Liver Dysfunction
Advise patients to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of liver problems such as jaundice [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Fluid Retention
Counsel patients with conditions that may be influenced by fluid retention to inform their healthcare professional if they experience symptoms of fluid retention [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Injection Site Reactions
Counsel patients on injection site reactions. Advise patients that dimpling or scarring may occur in 1 out of 100 patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Counsel patients that depo-subQ provera 104 does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Drug Interactions
Counsel patients to contact their healthcare professional if they start a medication that is a CYP3A enzyme inducer [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Advise patients that taking a medication that is a CYP3A enzyme inducer may require using a back-up or alternate contraceptive method.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
[See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS)
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There is no use for contraception in pregnancy; therefore, depo-subQ provera 104 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.
Lactation
Risk Summary
Although medroxyprogesterone acetate is detectable in the milk of mothers receiving DMPA-IM, 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-subQ provera 104 during or after the sixth post-partum week [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
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-subQ provera 104 and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from depo-subQ provera 104 or from the underlying maternal condition.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
Depo-subQ provera 104 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-subQ provera 104 [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Pediatric Use
Depo-subQ provera 104 is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy and management of endometriosis-associated pain in females of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for post-menarchal females under the age of 17 as for users 17 years and older.
Use of depo-subQ provera 104 is associated with significant loss of bone mineral density (BMD). This loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence, a critical period of bone accretion. It is unknown if use of depo-subQ provera 104 by female adolescents will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fractures in later life. In a study of adolescent females (12-18 years of age) receiving DMPA-IM for contraception, mean BMD 2 years after starting DMPA-IM decreased 1.9% (spine), 4.3% (total hip), and 4.2% (femoral neck). In those adolescents who used DMPA-IM for more than 2 years, mean BMD at total hip and femoral neck did not return to baseline within 5 years.
Depo-subQ provera 104 is not indicated before menarche.
Geriatric Use
Depo-subQ provera 104 is not indicated in post-menopausal women.
REFERENCES
1. Li CI, Beaber EF, Tang MCT et al. Effect of Depo-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Breast Cancer Risk among Women 20 to 44 years of Age. Cancer Research 2012; 72:2028-2035.
2. Paul C, Skegg DCG, Spears GFS. Depot medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) and risk of breast cancer. Br Med J 1989; 299:759-62.