Dr. Jim Shelton's Pearls "Pearl" for the week of October 11, 2004

Subcutaneous Depo-Provera

Q:We have had good experience with the current version of Depo-Provera, which is injected intramuscularly. But I understand there is a new form of Depo-Provera for subcutaneous injection under development.

A:Yes. Promising results for the subcutaneous version (still under development) in 63 women were recently described. The subcutaneous formulation appears to provide a slower and sustained absorption of the contraceptive progestin, while consistently inhibiting ovulation. As a result of the slower absorption, the early peak progestin blood level is almost 60% lower and the total dose delivered (104 mg) is about 30% lower than the standard 150 mg IM dose.

Reference: Jain J et al. Pharmacokinetics, ovulation suppression and return to ovulation following a lower dose subcutaneous formulation of Depo-Provera. Contraception 70: 11-18, 2004.



The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

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