Lutera vs. Depo-Provera
See how Lutera and Depo-Provera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Lutera is a daily pill combining estrogen and progestin, while Depo-Provera is a progestin-only injection given every three months.
Both prevent pregnancy effectively, but Lutera requires daily adherence while Depo-Provera only needs dosing four times a year.
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning for bone density loss with long-term use, while Lutera carries cardiovascular risks tied to smoking and age.
Lutera vs. Depo-Provera Drug Summary
Lutera
Lutera is a combination oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken as one active tablet daily for 21 days, followed by 7 inert tablets, to prevent pregnancy over a 28-day cycle.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is given as an intramuscular injection once every three months to prevent pregnancy.
Lutera vs. Depo-Provera Side Effects
Lutera
Depo-Provera
Lutera vs. Depo-Provera Dosage
Lutera
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet (0.1mg/0.02mg) | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 1 inert tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg IM injection | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg IM injection | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Lutera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet (0.1mg/0.02mg) | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 1 inert tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg IM injection | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg IM injection | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Lutera vs. Depo-Provera Indications
Lutera
Lutera is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy when taken daily as directed. Some clinicians also prescribe it off-label to regulate or lighten menstrual periods.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Can help regulate or lighten periods (off-label)
Not approved for emergency contraception
Not intended for use in women over 65
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy with an injection given every three months. It is not intended for long-term use beyond two years unless other contraceptive options aren't suitable.
Prevents pregnancy with an injection every 3 months
Not approved as a long-term (>2 year) method without other options
Not indicated before the first menstrual period
Not for use during pregnancy
Lutera vs. Depo-Provera Pros and Cons
Lutera
Lutera offers daily control over hormone dosing and can be stopped at any time if plans change or side effects arise. Its cardiovascular risks mean it is not ideal for smokers over 35 or those with clotting risk factors.
Pros
Fertility usually returns quickly after stopping the pill
No boxed warning for bone loss, unlike Depo-Provera
Low-dose estrogen formulation with a well-established generic
Can be used to regulate or lighten periods off-label
Cons
Requires taking a pill at the same time every day for full effectiveness
Raises risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially in smokers over 35
Not recommended in the immediate postpartum period due to clot risk
Offers less predictable bleeding control in early cycles until the body adjusts
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera offers long-acting protection with dosing only four times a year, appealing to those who struggle with daily pills. Its boxed warning for bone loss means it is typically not recommended as a long-term option beyond two years.
Pros
Only needs to be given once every 3 months, no daily pill routine
Contains no estrogen, an option for those who cannot take estrogen-containing pills
Decades of clinical use as a contraceptive option
Removes the risk of missed-dose pregnancy from forgetting a daily pill
Cons
Carries a boxed warning for bone mineral density loss with prolonged use
Menstrual irregularities are very common, affecting over half of users at 12 months
Weight gain of more than 10 pounds occurs in over a third of users by 24 months
Not recommended for continuous use beyond 2 years unless other methods aren't suitable
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