Along with this warning, the drug’s patient insert describes detailed results from the studies in which bone loss was observed among Depo-Provera users, and suggests that patients who continue using the shot for longer than two years should get their BMD evaluated to determine whether they are experiencing significant losses. Not all of the birth control shot options are available in the United States. In fact, only the birth control shot that you can get in the US is the Depo Provera injection. Depo Provera, an injectable contraceptive, is a very effective birth control method. Before starting Depo Provera, it's important that you're aware of common side effects, as well as the importance of receiving your Depo injections on time. What is the birth control shot? The depo shot (AKA Depo-Provera) is an injection you get once every 3 months. It’s a safe, convenient, and private birth control method that works really well if you always get it on time. Depo-Provera is a hormone (progestin) that is injected by a health care professional into the woman's buttocks or arm muscle every three months (pregnancy prevention begins 24 hours after injection). Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive containing medroxy progesterone acetate. It is licensed for long and short term use. Provided that it is reasonably certain that the woman is not pregnant, the use of injectable contraceptives may be started: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), also known as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and sold under the brand name Depo-Provera among others, is a hormonal medication of the progestin type. Depo-Provera CI can pose an additional risk in patients with risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g., metabolic bone disease, chronic alcohol and/or tobacco use, anorexia nervosa, strong depo provera package insert family history of osteoporosis or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass such as anticonvulsants or corticosteroids). Explains the medication medroxyprogesterone (Provera, Cycrin, Depo-Provera, Deop-Sub Q Provera 104), a drug used used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding, contraception, and for treating endometrial or renal cancer. The birth control shot is a safe, simple, and convenient way to prevent pregnancy. It also has other benefits, like making periods lighter.