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Contraception - Management
Which progestogen-only injectable should I recommend?
- If the woman requires long-acting contraception for a few months (i.e. short-term use), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera®) and norethisterone enantate (Noristerat®) are options.
- If the woman requires long-acting contraception for an extended period (i.e. more than 16 weeks), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera®) is recommended.
Clarification / Additional information
- Examples of when short-term contraception is useful for a woman include:
- When her partner is waiting for confirmation that his vasectomy has been successful.
- When she is waiting for tubal ligation.
Basis for recommendation
- Norethisterone enantate (Noristerat®) is licensed for up to two injections, 8 weeks apart [ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2004e].
- Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera®) injections can be repeated every 12 weeks. The license does not restrict the duration of use (apart from recommending that the risks and benefits of continued use be reviewed after 2 years) [ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2004c].
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