when's a good time for 1st time depo?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
when's a good time for 1st time depo?
1
Fri, 07-16-2004 - 9:07pm
i recently had to stop taking pills because the doctor felt that i had warning signs of a blood clot and told me to get off of it imediately. she recommended depo, but i forgot to ask her when i should be getting the shot. is it like the pills?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 07-16-2004 - 10:07pm
Hi milky_orion, welcome back!

I think the preferred time to begin Depo is at the start of your period. That way you know you aren’t pg. However, if you have the possibility of blood clots you might want to ask your doctor again about its safety for you because the patient information cautions that “if you have or have had blood clots (phlebitis) in your legs” you should not take Depo. Perhaps you aren’t there yet, but you should ask.

This is from the patient information on Depo website: http://www.depoprovera.com/index.asp#

“Who Should Not Use DEPO-PROVERA ContraceptiveInjection

Certain women should not use DEPO-PROVERA Contraceptive Injection. You should not use DEPO-PROVERA Contraceptive Injection if you have any of the following conditions:

• if you think you might be pregnant

• if you have any vaginal bleeding without a known reason

• if you have had cancer of the breast

• if you have had a stroke

• if you have or have had blood clots (phlebitis) in your legs

• if you have problems with your liver or liver disease

�� if you are allergic to DEPO-PROVERA Contraceptive

Injection (medroxyprogesterone acetate or any of its other ingredients)”

If Depo isn’t for you the progestin only pill (mini-pill) such as Micronor might be an option. However, it must be taken continuously (no week off) and very close to the same time every day (+/-30 mins.) which can be a challenge. Depending on your circumstances a copper IUD might also be a possibility. I hope you find an effective method that works well for you. You’ll let us know what your doctor says, right?

Good luck,

      Jill