Depo-Provera vs. Kyleena
See how Depo-Provera and Kyleena compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Depo-Provera requires a new injection every 3 months, while Kyleena is placed once by a clinician and works for up to 5 years.
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning for bone density loss with prolonged use; Kyleena has no such warning but carries insertion-related risks.
Depo-Provera works systemically throughout the body, while Kyleena releases hormone mainly within the uterus.
Depo-Provera vs. Kyleena Drug Summary
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin injection that prevents pregnancy for three months at a time. It's given by a healthcare provider in the arm or buttock, so there's no daily or weekly routine to manage.
Kyleena
Kyleena is a hormonal IUD placed inside the uterus by a clinician, preventing pregnancy for up to five years from a single insertion. It releases a low, steady dose of levonorgestrel that acts mostly locally.
Depo-Provera vs. Kyleena Side Effects
Depo-Provera
Kyleena
Depo-Provera vs. Kyleena Dosage
Depo-Provera
Kyleena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg every 3 months | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg every 3 months | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg every 3 months | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg every 3 months | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Kyleena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Depo-Provera vs. Kyleena Indications
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is FDA-approved solely to prevent pregnancy, given as an injection every three months. It isn't recommended as a continuous method beyond two years unless other contraceptive options aren't suitable, due to its bone density warning.
Approved solely for pregnancy prevention
Given by injection every 3 months at a clinic
Not recommended for continuous use beyond 2 years without other options
Can be used while breastfeeding
Kyleena
Kyleena is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy for up to five years after a single insertion by a clinician. It isn't approved for emergency contraception or for use before a person's first period.
Approved for pregnancy prevention for up to 5 years
Placed once by a clinician, no repeat dosing needed
Not approved for emergency contraception
Not intended for use before first menstrual period
Depo-Provera vs. Kyleena Pros and Cons
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera works systemically as an injectable progestin, offering effective contraception without a device or daily routine. It's affordable per dose but requires a clinic visit every three months and carries a boxed warning for bone loss with extended use.
Pros
No daily or weekly routine to remember
Fully reversible with no procedure needed to start
Can be stopped anytime without a removal visit
Longstanding track record since 1992 approval
Cons
Requires a new injection every 3 months
Boxed warning for bone density loss with prolonged use
Weight gain reported in over a third of long-term users
Return to fertility can take several months after stopping
Kyleena
Kyleena works locally within the uterus as a low-dose hormonal IUD, offering years of contraception from a single procedure. It avoids the systemic bone-density warning tied to Depo-Provera but requires an insertion procedure with its own risks.
Pros
Single insertion lasts up to 5 years
Hormone acts mainly locally, lower systemic exposure
No boxed warning for bone density loss
No need for repeat clinic visits once placed
Cons
Requires an in-office insertion procedure
Small risk of uterine perforation during placement
Risk of pelvic inflammatory disease soon after insertion
Ectopic pregnancy risk increases if pregnancy occurs with device in place
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