Microgestin vs. Depo-Provera
See how Microgestin and Depo-Provera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Microgestin is a daily combination pill with estrogen and progestin, while Depo-Provera is a progestin-only injection given every three months.
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning for bone density loss with long-term use, while Microgestin carries warnings about blood clot risk, especially in smokers over 35.
Microgestin's effects stop quickly once you stop taking it, while Depo-Provera's effects and any side effects can linger for months after the last injection.
Microgestin vs. Depo-Provera Drug Summary
Microgestin
Microgestin is a combination oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, a progestin and an estrogen. It's taken once daily, with iron or placebo tablets during the last week of the 28-day pack. It has been available since 1968.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. It's given as an intramuscular injection once every three months at a doctor's office. It has been FDA-approved for contraception since 1992.
Microgestin vs. Depo-Provera Side Effects
Microgestin
Depo-Provera
Microgestin vs. Depo-Provera Dosage
Microgestin
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/20 mcg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | 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 |
Microgestin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/20 mcg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | 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 |
Microgestin vs. Depo-Provera Indications
Microgestin
Microgestin is FDA-approved only to prevent pregnancy in women who choose oral contraception. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. It combines estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation.
Prevention of pregnancy
Does not protect against STIs, including HIV
Contains both estrogen and progestin
Available in 21-day and 28-day (Fe) formulations
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is FDA-approved only to prevent pregnancy. It's not recommended as a long-term method beyond two years unless other options aren't suitable, due to bone density loss risk. It contains progestin only, with no estrogen.
Prevention of pregnancy
Does not protect against STIs, including HIV
Contains progestin only, no estrogen
Not recommended long-term (>2 years) without cause
Microgestin vs. Depo-Provera Pros and Cons
Microgestin
Microgestin gives you daily control over your cycle and can be stopped immediately if you want to switch methods or try to conceive. As a combined estrogen-progestin pill, it carries a higher clotting risk than progestin-only options, especially in smokers over 35. It requires remembering a pill every day to stay effective.
Pros
Can be stopped immediately, no waiting period
Predictable dosing may help regulate cycles
No injection needed
Available in multiple strengths and pack types
Cons
Requires taking a pill every day without missing doses
Contraindicated in smokers over 35 due to clot risk
Carries estrogen-related risk of blood clots and stroke
Effectiveness drops quickly if pills are missed
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera only needs to be given once every three months, which removes the need to remember a daily pill. As a progestin-only shot, it avoids the estrogen-related clotting risks of combination pills, but it carries a boxed warning for bone density loss with prolonged use. Fertility may take longer to return after stopping the injections.
Pros
Only needs to be given once every three months
No estrogen, so no estrogen-related clot risk
May reduce or stop periods over time
No daily pill to remember
Cons
Boxed warning for bone density loss with long-term use
Irregular bleeding or spotting is common, especially at first
Return to fertility can take several months after stopping
Weight gain over 10 pounds is common with continued use
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