Injecta-Fem
Injecta-Fem is a World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalified intramuscular contraceptive injection effective for 3 months. Injecta-Fem is an easy, discreet, and effective contraceptive solution suitable for most women.
- 150mg medroxyprogesterone acetate, synthetic equivalent to natural hormone progesterone
- Effective contraception for 12 weeks (3 months)
- WHO Prequalified intramuscular contraceptive injection
- Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when injection is given at the scheduled times1
- Mechanism of action: works by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus
- Side effects: Irregular bleeding may become lighter or heavier, but this is not harmful and it may alleviate the symptoms of painful periods. Risk of delay in return to baseline fertility of up to one year. Some women report weight gain, headaches, and acne. A slight reduction in bone mineral density which is reversible
- Contraindications: Not suitable for women with unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe hypertension or diabetes, breast cancer, current blood clots or a history of breast cancer, stroke or cardiovascular disease2
1. World Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research (WHO/RHR) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs (CCP), Knowledge for Health Project. Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers (2018 update). Baltimore and Geneva: CCP and WHO, 2018
2. See Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use – 5th ed. World Health Organization 2015 for more information
Benefits:
- A discreet and private, requiring no daily action, which ensures convenience
- Can be used in postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, breastfeeding women after 6 weeks of giving birth, and immediately after an abortion
- Safe for most sexually active women of all ages, including those with HIV or who are on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, or those that cannot take estrogen
- No requirement for physical examinations or blood tests prior to administration
Method of administration:
- Administered via a simple injection into deltoid or gluteal muscle by a trained health care provider every 12 weeks
