Depo-Provera - Contraindications

Contraindications

The WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use and RCOG Faculty of Family Planning & Reproductive Health Care (FFPRHC) UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use list the following as conditions where use of Depo-Provera is not usually recommended or should not be used because of an unacceptable health risk or because it is not indicated:

Conditions where the theoretical or proven risks usually outweigh the advantages of using Depo-Provera:

• Multiple risk factors for arterial cardiovascular disease
• Current deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE)
• Migraine headache with aura while using Depo-Provera
• Before evaluation of unexplained vaginal bleeding suspected of being a serious condition
• Past history of breast cancer and no evidence of current disease for 5 years
• Active liver disease: (acute viral hepatitis, severe decompensated cirrhosis, benign or malignant liver tumours)
• Conditions of concern for hypo-estrogenic effects and reduced HDL levels theoretically increasing cardiovascular risk:
  • Hypertension with vascular disease
  • Current and history of ischemic heart disease
  • History of stroke
  • Diabetes for over 20 years or with nephropathy/retinopathy/neuropathy or vascular disease

Conditions which represent an unacceptable health risk if Depo-Provera is used:

• Current or recent breast cancer (a hormonally sensitive tumour)

Conditions where use of Depo-Provera is not indicated and should not be initiated:

• Pregnancy