Depo-Kare

Contains: 1 ml vial, syringe with needle, cotton swab, and a reminder card for the patient. 

Depo-Kare is a long-acting injectable progestin contraceptive offering 3 months of protection per dose. 

Pharmacology 

Depo-Kare contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a long-acting progestin that provides sustained contraceptive effect for approximately 3 months after intramuscular injection. It works by inhibiting ovulation, suppressing gonadotropin secretion, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration, and inducing endometrial thinning that makes implantation unlikely. 

Indications 

• Long-acting reversible contraception (3 months per injection) 
• Suitable for women who prefer non-daily, estrogen-free contraception 

• Contraception during lactation (as advised by a physician) 

   

What Patients Must Expect 

• Menstrual changes are common: irregular bleeding or spotting initially, with many women developing amenorrhea after repeated injections 
• Delay in return of fertility after stopping injections (typically 6 to 9 months, sometimes up to 12 months) 
• Possible weight gain, headache, breast tenderness, or mood changes 
• Does not protect against STIs 
• Injection required once every 12 weeks for continued contraceptive protection