Depo-Provera vs. Mirena

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) and Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) contain forms of the female hormone progesterone, and are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Depo-Provera is also used to reduce pain cause by endometriosis, and to ease pain and symptoms in women with metastatic uterine or kidney cancer.

Depo-Provera and Mirena are different methods of contraception. Depo-Provera is an intramuscular (IM) injection administered every 13 weeks and Mirena is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus (intra-uterine device, or IUD) to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

Common side effects of Depo-Provera include:

• changes in menstrual periods,
• weight gain,
• nausea,
• stomach cramping or pain,
• bloating,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• tiredness,
• drowsiness,
• irritability,
• breast tenderness,
• decrease in breast size,
• acne,
• hair loss,
• decreased sex drive,
• hot flashes,
• joint pain, or
• injection site reactions (irritation, pain, skin changes, or a hard lump).

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Depo-Provera including:

• mental/mood changes (such as new or worsening depression),
• changes in sexual interest or ability,
• swelling of the ankles or feet,
• bone pain,
• unusual changes in vaginal bleeding (such as continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding),
• persistent nausea or vomiting,
• severe stomach/abdominal/pelvic pain,
• unusual weakness or tiredness,
• dark urine,
• yellowing eyes or skin, or
• seizures.

Common side effects of Mirena include:

• missed periods (amenorrhea),
• bleeding and spotting between periods,
• heavier bleeding during the first few weeks after device insertion,
• abdominal/pelvic pain,
• ovarian cysts,
• back pain,
• headache/migraine,
• nervousness,
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• bloating,
• breast tenderness or pain,
• weight gain,
• changes in hair growth,
• acne,
• depression,
• changes in mood,
• loss of interest in sex,
• itching or skin rash, and
• puffiness in the face, hands, ankles, or feet.

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a form of progesterone, a female hormone used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. Depo-Provera is also used to reduce pain cause by endometriosis, and to ease pain and symptoms in women with metastatic uterine or kidney cancer.

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) is a form of birth control that is indicated for intrauterine contraception for up to 5 years and for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women. Mirena is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus (intra-uterine device, or IUD) to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

Depo-Provera may interact with aminoglutethimide (Cytadren). Other drugs may interact with Depo-Provera. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Depo-Provera must not be used during pregnancy. It may take longer for you to get pregnant after you stop using this medication. This drug passes into breast milk.

Mirena may interact with insulin, blood thinners, and steroids.

The recommended dose of Depo-Provera is 150 mg every 13 weeks administered by deep intramuscular (IM) injection in the gluteal or deltoid muscle. Depo-Provera should not be used as a long-term birth control method (longer than 2 years).

Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG). Initially, LNG is released at a dose rate of approximately 20 mcg/day. This rate decreases progressively to half that value after 5 years. Mirena must be removed by the end of the fifth year and can be replaced at the time of removal with a new Mirena if continued contraceptive protection is desired.