Depo-Provera has been used as a long-acting injectable contraceptive. The results of the study carried out for more than 2 years indicate that the depot formulation of medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA, Depo-Provera) at a dose of 150 mg at 90-day intervals appears to be acceptable to some women of this part of India, though many of them experience menstrual problems. However, irregular and/or excessive menstrual bleeding diminishes with long-term use of the contraceptive and a high percentage of users become amenorrheic. No major adverse reactions were observed and the minor side effects are comparable to those reported for the oral contraceptives. There was a tendency for weight-gain by the patients and the endometrium became atrophic or "resting" with the prolongation of the therapy.
PIP: A collaborative contraception study was conducted over the February 1976-September 1978 period utilizing the depot formulation of medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA, Depo-Provera) at a dose of 150 mg at 90-day intervals. The objective was to determine whether DMPA could be acceptable to women in Calcutta, India. The drug was dispensed in the Family Planning Center of S.S.K.M. Hospital, Calcutta, to women volunteers who indicated a preference for a long-acting injectable hormonal contraceptive. 138 women participated in the study for a total of 907 women months of experience. 32.2% of the women discontinued use after the 1st injection; 38.8% discontinued use during the first 6 months. The median age of the women was 25 years. In the majority of women, DMPA completely disrupted the normal menstrual cycle resulting in irregular or unpredictable vaginal bleeding. 237 menstrual cycles were followed through through the period of 3 months after the 1st injection. 89 cycles showed amenorrhea; 87 cycles showed bleeding and/or spotting which lasted for 1-7 days/30-day period; 19 cycles showed bleeding and/or spotting for 8-15 days; and 42 cycles showed bleeding and/or spotting which continued for more than 15 days. The percentage of women with excessive bleeding remained at 15-17.7% for 1 year after which it gradually decreased and became much smaller (2.8%). No major adverse reactions were observed, and the minor side effects were comparable to those reported for (OCs).