Management of Clinical Side Effects of DMPA

This edition of Tips for Clinicans tackles a common patient complaint: side effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). If perception is reality, patient compliance can be greatly enhanced by addressing perception of DMPA side effects proactively. As clinicians, we can educate teens on actual as well as perceived side effects, anticipating problems and providing solutions when problems arise. Doctors Stager and Cromer provide a nice review of what to expect from DMPA and how to help.