Characteristic | DMPA preparation |
---|---|
Recommended injection interval | DMPA-SC 13 weeks DMPA-IM 12 weeks (accepted interval up to 14 weeks) |
Efficacy | DMPA-SC=DMPA-IM |
Return to fertility | DMPA-SC=DMPA-IM |
Bleeding pattern | DMPA-SC=DMPA-IM (60% amenorrhoea at 12 months) |
Metabolic effects | No evidence for difference |
Weight gain | DMPA-SC=DMPA-IM |
Bone mineral density loss | DMPA-SC=DMPA-IM (5% loss at 2 years) |
Side effects | Possibly less pain with new injection system (Uniject™) for DMPA-SC Approximately 1 in 10 users of DMPA-SC get injection site nodule |
Administration | Potential for self-administration of DMPA-SC May facilitate pharmacy administration |
Single injection cost (UK) | DMPA-IM £6.00 (British National Formulary) DMPA-SC £6.90 (Department of Health, March 2013) |