Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Progestogen (long-acting contraceptive)
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Injection
- Online price
- ~₦400,005see prices
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive)?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate, given as an injection, is a long-acting reversible contraceptive — one dose prevents pregnancy for about three months. It is one of the most popular family-planning methods in Nigeria, offered widely in family-planning clinics, primary health centres, and by trained community health workers. It is best known by the brand Depo-Provera (Pfizer), and by the newer Sayana Press, a small pre-filled injection designed to be given just under the skin.
The injection contains a progestogen hormone (DMPA) that works mainly by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, and by thickening cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass through easily. Because there is no egg to fertilise, pregnancy is prevented. The traditional Depo-Provera is injected into a muscle (usually the upper arm or buttock) by a health worker, while Sayana Press is injected into the fatty layer under the skin and can, with training, even be self-administered.
The great appeal of the injection is convenience and privacy: once you have had it, you are covered for about 12-13 weeks with nothing to take daily, and no one needs to know you are using it. It is very effective when repeat doses are given on time. Two things to understand before starting: it commonly changes your monthly bleeding — often making periods irregular at first and frequently stopping them altogether with continued use, which is harmless — and after you stop, it can take several months (sometimes up to a year) for fertility to return, so it is not the best choice if you want to conceive very soon. Genuine products carry a NAFDAC registration number.
What is Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) used for?
In Nigeria, Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) is commonly used for:
- Long-acting reversible contraception, one dose every three months
- A convenient method for women who do not want a daily pill
- A discreet, private family-planning option
- Contraception during breastfeeding (progestogen-only methods are suitable)
- Spacing or limiting pregnancies as part of family planning
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The standard intramuscular dose (Depo-Provera) is 150mg injected into a muscle every 12 weeks (about every 3 months) by a health worker. Sayana Press is 104mg injected under the skin, also every 13 weeks. The first injection is usually given within the first 5-7 days of your period, or at any time if it is reasonably certain you are not pregnant (with condoms as backup for the first 7 days). Repeat injections must be given on schedule — being a couple of weeks late reduces protection.
Children
Adolescents of reproductive age can use the injection for contraception under the guidance of a health worker, who can also advise on protection against sexually transmitted infections. With long-term use, effects on bone density are considered, particularly in younger users.
Elderly
Not applicable — this is a contraceptive used by people who can become pregnant.
Get your repeat injection on time — clinics allow a short grace period, but a late injection can leave you unprotected, so use condoms if you are delayed and ask the clinic. Expect changes to your bleeding: irregular spotting is common early on, and many women stop having periods altogether with continued use, which is normal and not harmful. If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, remember that the return of fertility after stopping can be delayed by several months to a year.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Changes in monthly bleeding — irregular spotting at first, and often no periods at all with continued use (this is normal and harmless)
- •Weight gain in some women
- •Headache
- •Mood changes
- •Reduced sex drive or breast tenderness
- •Delayed return of fertility after stopping (up to several months to a year)
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding that soaks through protection — see a health worker
- Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain, or a lump or pain in the leg or chest (rare)
- Symptoms of depression that are new or worsening
When to see a doctor
See a health worker if bleeding becomes very heavy or prolonged, if you develop severe abdominal pain, or if you have new or worsening low mood. If you are considering the injection but plan to have a baby soon, discuss the delayed return of fertility first — another method may suit you better. Bone health is a consideration with very long-term use, so your provider may review this and recommend adequate calcium and vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) if you have:
- Do not use if you are or might be pregnant
- Do not use if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding until it has been assessed
- Use with caution if you have current or past breast cancer, severe liver disease, or significant risk factors for osteoporosis
- It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections — use condoms as well if you are at risk
Drug interactions
- •Certain anti-epileptic medicines (such as carbamazepine and phenytoin), rifampicin (a TB medicine), and St John's Wort can, in theory, reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness, though the injection is less affected than pills — discuss with your provider if you take these
- •The injection does not interfere with most other everyday medicines
- •Very long-term use may lower bone density, so its use alongside long-term steroids is considered carefully
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
The injection must not be used if you are pregnant. It is, however, an excellent option while breastfeeding: progestogen-only methods like DMPA do not reduce milk supply and are recommended for breastfeeding mothers who want reliable contraception. If you plan to become pregnant, remember that fertility can take several months to a year to return after your last injection, so switch to a method with a faster return if pregnancy is a near-term goal.
Brands of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) in Nigeria
The NAFDAC registry holds 4 Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) products from 4 manufacturers, including combination products and older listings whose status you can check in the full list. Below are some of the most common brands — see the full, searchable list for all of them.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depo-Provera | Pfizer | 150mg/ml | Injection |
| Sayana Press | Pfizer | 104mg/0.65ml | Injection |
| Depo-Provera (generic DMPA) | Various manufacturers | 150mg/ml | Injection |
How to Verify Your Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) is Genuine
- 1The injection should be given by a trained health worker at a pharmacy, clinic, or health centre — this is the safest way to ensure a genuine product and correct technique
- 2Check the NAFDAC registration number on the vial or Sayana Press pack — genuine injectable contraceptives sold in Nigeria must carry a valid NAFDAC number
- 3Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile app
- 4Check the expiry date and that the vial or device is sealed, intact, and has not been tampered with
- 5Obtain the injection through licensed pharmacies, family-planning clinics, or recognised programmes rather than informal sellers
- 6Ask your provider to record the date so you know exactly when your next dose is due
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) Price in Nigeria
As of July 2026, Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) sells for about ₦400,005 online in Nigeria (₦266,670–₦533,340) across HealthPlus. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.
Online retail (sampled)
HealthPlus₦266,670 – ₦533,340median ₦400,005
From 2 listings across HealthPlus — brands and pack sizes vary · updated July 2026.
Price trend
We've tracked Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) online prices since July 2026 — median ₦400,005 (range ₦266,670–₦533,340, from 2 listings). This updates monthly, and the month-on-month trend will appear here — see the Nigerian Medicine Price Index for prices across all tracked drugs.
Where to Buy
Purchase Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Before you buy, verify the product's NAFDAC registration and check the current online prices above so you know a fair price before you pay.
Buying Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) in bulk or for resale? Our guide on how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely covers verifying a supplier and spotting fakes before a large order.
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Related Resources for Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive)
Guides, articles, and tools related to Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) and other family planning medicines in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines — Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive) is included in the WHO's list of essential medicines, meaning it is considered essential for basic healthcare needs.
- •British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Medroxyprogesterone acetate (injectable contraceptive).
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).