Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Medroxyprogesterone acetate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for SAYANA PRESS is a contraceptive. It can be used:
e SAYANA PRESS
Do not use SAYANA PRESS: • • • • • • •
If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or any of the other ingredients of SAYANA PRESS (listed in section 6) If you think you may be pregnant If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding If you have liver disease If you have had or think you have cancer of the breast or sex organs If you have a blood clot in a vein in your leg (a 'deep vein thrombosis') or a blood clot that has travelled to your lung or another part of your body (an 'embolus') If you have problems with your circulation (e.g. pains in your legs or chest when you walk), or with your blood clotting too easily ('thrombosis' or 'embolism') Page 1 of 17
• • •
If you have been diagnosed with thinning, softening or weakening of your bones If you have or have had a disease affecting the blood vessels of the brain If you have meningioma or have ever been diagnosed with a meningioma (a usually benign tumour of the tissue layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using SAYANA PRESS Before your doctor prescribes SAYANA PRESS, you may need to have a physical examination. It is important to tell your doctor if you have, or have had in the past, any of the following conditions. Your doctor will then discuss with you whether SAYANA PRESS is suitable for you. Tell your doctor if you have:
your treatment with SAYANA PRESS (see section 'Do not take SAYANA PRESS'). If you notice any symptoms such as changes in vision (e.g. seeing double or blurriness), hearing loss or ringing in the ears, loss of smell, headaches that worsen with time, memory loss, seizures, weakness in your arms or legs, you must tell your doctor straightaway. Other risks If you develop:
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 104 mg/0.65 ml, i.e. essentially 'sodiumfree'. 3.
SAYANA PRESS
Administration of SAYANA PRESS is initiated by a healthcare professional (HCP). If considered appropriate by the HCP, you may be able to self-inject your injections following suitable instruction and training on injection technique and schedule of administration. Method and route of administration SAYANA PRESS is injected under the skin into the front upper thigh or abdomen. The first injection should be performed under the supervision of your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider. If your doctor considers it appropriate you may choose to give yourself the injections. You will be shown how to give yourself the injection under supervision before you do this on your own at home. The detailed instructions on the injection procedure are provided at the end of this leaflet and should be followed very carefully. You should continue to receive SAYANA PRESS for as long as instructed by your doctor or until you want to have a baby or switch to a different method of contraception. First injection A dose of 104 mg of SAYANA PRESS is given subcutaneously (into the fatty layer just under the skin), into the front upper thigh or abdomen every 3 months (12 to 13 weeks). SAYANA PRESS will only be effective if you receive your injection at the proper time. To ensure that you are not pregnant at the time of the first injection, it is essential that your first injection be given ONLY during the first 5 days of your normal menstrual cycle. After childbirth: If you use SAYANA PRESS after having a baby and you are not breast-feeding, the first injection MUST be given within 5 days. There is evidence that women prescribed SAYANA PRESS immediately after childbirth or termination of pregnancy can experience prolonged and heavy bleeding. Because of this, SAYANA PRESS should be used with caution at this time. Further injections Further doses of SAYANA PRESS will then be given every 12 to 13 weeks, (but no later than 14 weeks past your last injection), regardless of when and how much menstrual bleeding you have. It is important that you have your next injections at the right time. Planning your injections
Hold the injector firmly and shake it vigorously for at least 30 seconds to mix the medicine.
Giving yourself injections: Page 5 of 17
Carefully follow the step-by-step instructions at the end of this leaflet on how to give yourself the injection. Important points to note: When giving yourself the injection, you must squeeze the injector with slow even pressure over 5-7 seconds to push out the medicine. If you try to squeeze too quickly you may feel resistance and be unable to inject the medicine. If this happens adjust your grip if necessary and squeeze more gently to fully push out the medicine. It is normal for a very small amount of medicine to be left around the edges of the blister (reservoir). If you have had a problem during the injection or if you feel for any reason you might not have given yourself the full dose, do NOT give yourself an additional injection. It is important you get advice from your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider because a partial dose may not prevent pregnancy. If, at any time, you don't want to continue injecting yourself for any reason, speak to your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider before your next injection is due, so they can arrange to give it to you at the right time. It is recommended that you continue to see your doctor or healthcare provider periodically as recommended by your HCP at least once a year as a minimum so they can check SAYANA PRESS is still the best option for you and for you to have routine contraceptive health checks. If you have any questions or worries ask your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional for advice, particularly if there have been any problems during or immediately after the injection. If you miss an injection of SAYANA PRESS If you miss your injection or wait longer than 14 weeks between injections, there is a greater risk that you could become pregnant. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional to find out when you should have your next injection of SAYANA PRESS and which type of contraception should be used in the meantime. Switching from other methods of contraception When you switch from other contraceptive methods, your doctor will make sure you are not at risk of becoming pregnant by giving you your first injection at the appropriate time. If you switch from oral contraceptives, you should have your first injection of SAYANA PRESS within 7 days after taking your last pill. What if you decide you want to get pregnant? Your usual level of fertility will return when the effect of the last injection has worn off. The time this takes varies in different women and does not depend on how long you have been using SAYANA PRESS. In most women the effect will have worn off within one year after the last injection. 4.
Like all medicines, SAYANA PRESS can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you are injecting SAYANA PRESS yourself and not seeing your doctor as regularly, it is important you are aware of possible side effects, how to recognise them and when to get urgent medical help. Please familiarise yourself with this section of the leaflet and re-read it regularly. If you are worried about any unusual symptoms or changes in your health, talk to your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. Page 6 of 17
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek medical help immediately: •
A serious allergic reaction (it is not known how frequently this occurs) Symptoms include sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing or dizziness, swelling of the eyelids, face, lips or throat, skin rash, hives. Allergic reactions may happen soon after injection or can take time to develop in some people. If any of these symptoms appear at any time, even if you have used Sayana Press before, seek medical help immediately.
•
A blood clot in the lungs (it is not known how frequently this occurs) Symptoms include: o an unusual sudden cough (which may bring up blood) o severe pain in the chest which may increase with deep breathing o sudden unexplained breathlessness or rapid breathing o severe light headedness or dizziness o rapid or irregular heartbeat o severe pain in your abdomen
•
A blood clot in the leg (it is not known how frequently this occurs) Symptoms include severe pain or swelling in either of your legs or feet that may be accompanied by tenderness, warmth or discoloured skin.
•
A blood clot in the eye (it is not known how frequently this occurs) Symptoms include loss of vision, pain and swelling of the eye especially if sudden.
•
A stroke (it is not known how frequently this occurs) Symptoms include: o weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body o sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding o sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes o sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination o sudden, severe or prolonged headache with no known cause o loss of consciousness or fainting with or without seizure
Other side effects include: Common: (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
• • • • • • • • •
Anxiety Difficulty sleeping Decreased sexual feeling Vaginal irritation or itching Mood changes Dizziness Back pain Pain in limbs Abnormal cervical smear
Uncommon: (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
SAYANA PRESS
• • •
Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not use this medicine after the expiry dates which is stated on the injector, foil pouch and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Carefully and properly dispose of SAYANA PRESS after use. The injector should NEVER be reused. Do not throw used injectors into household waste. The used injector should not be recapped after use and should be disposed of safely in a special container, in accordance with local authority requirements for the disposal of sharps. Ask your pharmacist for guidance on disposal of medicines. 6.
What SAYANA PRESS contains The active substance is medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The pre-filled injector contains 104 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in 0.65 ml. The other ingredients are macrogol, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), sodium chloride, polysorbate 80, monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, methionine, povidone, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment and water for injection. What SAYANA PRESS looks like and contents of the pack SAYANA PRESS is a white to off-white suspension for subcutaneous injection (an injection given under the skin). It is supplied in a single-dose container in the form of a pre-filled injector. SAYANA PRESS is available in the following pack sizes:
United Kingdom Manufacturer Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium NV Rijksweg 12 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands Belgium Company Contact Address: For further information on your medicine contact Medical Information at Pfizer Limited in Walton Oaks, Tadworth, Surrey. Tel: 01304 616161. This leaflet was last revised in 07/2025. Ref: SNb 16_0
Page 10 of 17
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE SAYANA® PRESS 104 mg/0.65 ml suspension for injection Medroxyprogesterone acetate For Subcutaneous Injection Only SAYANA® PRESS can be given by a Healthcare provider or by the patient.
Introduction SAYANA PRESS is a disposable injector that contains a single dose of medicine sealed in a reservoir. These instructions show step-by-step how to prepare and give the injection.
Storage Keep SAYANA PRESS at room temperature below 25oC. Do not refrigerate or freeze SAYANA PRESS. Do not use SAYANA PRESS after the expiry date stated on the injector, foil pouch and carton. Always keep out of sight and reach of children.
Gather your supplies Gather the following supplies on a clean flat surface:
Page 11 of 17
Step 1: Select and clean injection area
Choose a suitable area for the injection, either the abdomen (belly) or the front upper thigh. o o
• •
Do not inject into bony areas or close to the navel (belly button). Do not inject into skin that is scarred or where there are skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Change the injection site for each new injection. Clean the area of skin as instructed by your Healthcare provider.
Step 2: Prepare for use •
Check that the pouch is not open or does not appear to be damaged.
•
Check that the expiry date has not passed.
Ensure that the pouch is at room temperature below 25°C.
Page 12 of 17
Step 3: Remove injector from pouch •
Carefully tear open the foil pouch at the tear notch.
•
Take out the injector. o
Do not remove the needle shield from the injector yet.
Step 4: Check the injector •
Check the injector. There should be a gap between the needle shield and the port.
o Discard the injector and use a new one if: •
there is no gap.
•
the injector is damaged.
•
the needle shield has come off, or is missing.
Step 5: Mix the medicine and Check the medicine
Page 13 of 17
•
Hold the injector firmly by the port.
•
Shake the injector vigorously for at least 30 seconds to mix the medicine.
•
After shaking, check the medicine in the reservoir. It should appear evenly white. o Discard the injector and use a new one if: •
the medicine is not white and uniform.
•
the medicine is leaking.
If there is any delay before injecting, you must repeat the mixing step.
Step 6: Activate the injector •
Hold the injector firmly by the port with one hand.
•
Make sure the needle shield is pointing upwards. o
Do not squeeze the reservoir.
Page 14 of 17
•
Hold the needle shield with the other hand.
•
Push the needle shield firmly towards the port until it will go no further.
•
Confirm there is no gap remaining. This means you have activated the injector correctly.
Step 7: Remove the needle shield
•
When you are ready to inject yourself pull the needle shield off.
Page 15 of 17
Step 8: Inject the dose •
Gently pinch a large area of skin with one hand. Keep the skin pinched all through this step.
•
With the other hand, hold the injector by the port with the needle pointing downwards.
•
Insert the needle into the skin until the port just touches the skin.
•
Squeeze the reservoir slowly to inject the medicine. You should take about 5-7 seconds to do this.
•
Gently pull the needle out of the skin. Let go of the skin.
•
Check whether the medicine has leaked out of the injector or has appeared on the skin. If so, a problem has occurred. (Please refer to information overleaf).
•
After the injection, a small amount of medicine will be left around the inside edge of the reservoir. This is normal.
•
If you believe for any reason that the full dose has not been given, speak to your Healthcare provider about alternative methods of contraception until the next scheduled injection.
•
Do not inject a second dose.
•
Use a clean cotton pad to press lightly on the injection area for a few seconds. o
Do not rub the area.
Step 9: Dispose of the injector
Page 16 of 17
After injection care
Record the date
Date
Record the date of your injection and should you wish to continue, calculate the date of your next scheduled injection of SAYANA PRESS.
Date of next injection (add 3 months)
Ref: SNb 16_0
Page 17 of 17
SAYANA PRESS 104 mg/0.65 ml suspension for injection comes as oral solution containing 104mg / 0.65ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in SAYANA PRESS 104 mg/0.65 ml suspension for injection is medroxyprogesterone acetate.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for SAYANA PRESS 104 mg/0.65 ml suspension for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
SAYANA PRESS is indicated for long-term female contraception. Each subcutaneous injection prevents ovulation and provides contraception for at least 13 weeks (+/- 1 week). However, it should be taken into consideration that the return to fertility (ovulation) may be delayed for up to one year (see section 4.4).
Since loss of bone mineral density (BMD) may occur in females of all ages who use SAYANA PRESS long-term (see section 4.4), a risk/benefit assessment, which also takes into consideration the decrease in BMD that occurs during pregnancy and/or lactation, should be considered.
Use in Adolescents (12-18 years)
In adolescents, use of SAYANA PRESS is only indicated when other contraceptive methods are considered unsuitable or unacceptable, due to unknown long-term effects of bone loss associated with SAYANA PRESS during the critical period of bone accretion (see section 4.4).
SAYANA PRESS has not been studied in women under the age of 18 years but data are available for intramuscular depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-IM) 150 mg in this population.
SAYANA PRESS may be administered by a healthcare professional (HCP) or when considered appropriate by the HCP, self-injected by the patient, with medical follow up as necessary in accordance with local clinical guidance.
Administration of SAYANA PRESS should be initiated under the supervision of a healthcare professional (HCP). After proper training in injection technique and schedule of administration, patients may self-inject with SAYANA PRESS if their HCP determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up as necessary.
The SAYANA PRESS single-dose container should be at room temperature. It must be vigorously shaken just before use to ensure that the dose being given represents a uniform suspension. The contents are completely sealed inside the reservoir of the injector. The injector must be activated before use. The activation process pierces an internal seal so that the medicine can come out through the needle when the reservoir is squeezed. The liquid does not completely fill the reservoir. There is a small bubble of air above the liquid. The dose is administered as a subcutaneous injection (SC) into the anterior thigh or abdomen. When the injection is being given, the injector must be used with the needle downwards. This ensures that the full dose of liquid is delivered out through the needle. The medication should be injected slowly for 5-7 seconds.
Mixing the medicine
Ensure that the SAYANA PRESS single-dose container is at room temperature.
Hold the injector firmly by the port.
Shake the injector vigorously for at least 30 seconds to mix the medicine.
The medicine should appear white and uniform. If it is not, discard the injector and use a new one.
If you see liquid leaking out or any other problem, discard the injector and use a new one.
If there is a delay before injecting, you must repeat the mixing step.
Activating the injector
Hold the injector firmly by the port, making sure the needle shield is pointing upwards. Take care not to squeeze the reservoir.
Hold the needle shield with the other hand.
Push the needle shield firmly towards the port until it will go no further. The injector is now activated.
Pull the needle shield off and discard it.
Please refer to the Instructions for Use included with the Patient Leaflet for full details on preparing and giving an injection.
Adults
First Injection: To provide contraceptive cover in the first cycle of use, an injection of 104 mg SC should be given during the first five days of a normal menstrual cycle. If the injection is carried out according to these instructions, no additional contraceptive measure is required.
Further doses: The second and subsequent injections should be given at 13 week intervals, as long as the injection is given no later than seven days after this time, no additional contraceptive measures (e.g. barrier) are required. If the interval from the preceding injection is greater than 14 weeks (13 weeks plus 7 days) for any reason, then pregnancy should be excluded before the next injection is given. The efficacy of SAYANA PRESS depends on adherence to the recommended dosage schedule of administration.
Women should be re-evaluated periodically as clinically appropriate at least every year to determine if SAYANA PRESS is still the best option for them.
Post Partum: If the patient is not breast-feeding, the injection should be given within 5 days post partum (to increase assurance that the patient is not pregnant). If the injection is to be given at another time then the pregnancy should be excluded.
If the patient is breast-feeding, the injection should be given no sooner than six weeks post partum, when the infant's enzyme system is more developed (see section 4.6).
There is evidence that women prescribed SAYANA PRESS in the immediate puerperium can experience prolonged and heavy bleeding. Because of this, the drug should be used with caution in the puerperium. Women who are considering use of the product immediately following delivery or termination should be advised that the risk of heavy or prolonged bleeding may be increased. Doctors are reminded that in the non breast-feeding, post partum patient, ovulation may occur as early as week 4.
Switching from other Methods of Contraception: When switching from other contraception methods, SAYANA PRESS should be given in a manner that ensures continuous contraceptive coverage based upon the mechanism of action of both methods, (e.g. patients switching from oral contraceptives should have their first injection of SAYANA PRESS within 7 days after their last active pill).
Hepatic impairment: The effect of hepatic disease on the pharmacokinetics of SAYANA PRESS is unknown. As SAYANA PRESS largely undergoes hepatic elimination it may be poorly metabolised in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (see section 4.3).
Renal impairment: The effect of renal disease on the pharmacokinetics of SAYANA PRESS is unknown. No dosage adjustment should be necessary in women with renal insufficiency, since SAYANA PRESS is almost exclusively eliminated by hepatic metabolism.
Paediatric population
SAYANA PRESS is not indicated before menarche (see section 4.1). Data in adolescent females (12-18 years) is available for IM administration of MPA (see sections 4.4 and 5.1). Other than concerns about loss of BMD, the safety and effectiveness of SAYANA PRESS is expected to be the same for adolescents after menarche and adult females.
• SAYANA PRESS is contra-indicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to MPA or any of its excipients listed in section 6.1.
• SAYANA PRESS is contra-indicated if pregnancy is known or suspected.
• SAYANA PRESS is contra-indicated in women with known or suspected malignancy of the breast or genital organs.
• SAYANA PRESS is contra-indicated in patients with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
• SAYANA PRESS is contra-indicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
• SAYANA PRESS is contra-indicated in patients with metabolic bone disease.
• SAYANA PRESS is contra-indicated in patients with active thromboembolic disease and in patients with current or past history of cerebrovascular disease.
• SAYANA PRESS is contra-indicated in patients with meningioma or history of meningioma.
Warnings:
Loss of Bone Mineral Density:
Use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate subcutaneous (DMPA-SC) reduces serum estrogen levels and is associated with significant loss of BMD due to the known effect of estrogen deficiency on the bone remodelling system. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use, however BMD appears to increase after DMPA-SC is discontinued and ovarian estrogen production increases.
This loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion. It is unknown if use of DMPA-SC by younger women will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for fracture in later life i.e. after menopause.
A study to assess the BMD effects of DMPA-IM (Depo-Provera) in adolescent females showed that its use was associated with a statistically significant decline in BMD from baseline. After discontinuing DMPA-IM in adolescents, return of mean BMD to baseline values required 1.2 years at the lumbar spine, 4.6 years at the total hip and 4.6 years at the femoral neck (see section 5.1). However in some participants, BMD did not fully return to baseline during follow-up and the long-term outcome is not known in this group. In adolescents, SAYANA PRESS may be used, but only after other methods of contraception have been discussed with the patients and considered to be unsuitable or unacceptable.
A large observational study of predominantly adult female contraceptive users showed that use of DMPA-IM did not increase risk for bone fractures. Importantly, this study could not determine whether use of DMPA has an effect on fracture rate later in life (see section 5.1 – Relationship of fracture incidence to use of DMPA-IM by women of reproductive age).
In women of all ages, careful re-evaluation of the risks and benefits of treatment should be carried out in those who wish to continue use for more than 2 years. In particular, in women with significant lifestyle and/or medical risk factors for osteoporosis, other methods of contraception should be considered prior to use of SAYANA PRESS.
Significant risk factors for osteoporosis include:
• Alcohol abuse and/or tobacco use
• Chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass, e.g., anticonvulsants or corticosteroids
• Low body mass index or eating disorder, e.g., anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• Previous low trauma fracture
• Family history of osteoporosis
For further information on BMD changes in both adult and adolescent females, refer to section 5.1. Adequate intake of calcium and Vitamin D, whether from the diet or from supplements, is important for bone health in women of all ages.
Menstrual Irregularities:
Most women using DMPA subcutaneous injection experienced alteration of menstrual bleeding patterns. Patients should be appropriately counselled concerning the likelihood of menstrual disturbance and the potential delay in return to ovulation. As women continued using DMPA subcutaneous injection, fewer experienced irregular bleeding and more experienced amenorrhea. After receiving the fourth dose, 39% of women experienced amenorrhea during month 6. During month twelve, 56.5% of women experienced amenorrhea. The changes in menstrual patterns from the three contraception trials are presented in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows the increase in the percentage of women experiencing amenorrhea over the 12 month study. Figure 2 presents the percentage of women experiencing spotting only, bleeding only, and bleeding and spotting over the same time period. In addition to amenorrhea, altered bleeding patterns included intermenstrual bleeding, menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. If abnormal bleeding associated with DMPA subcutaneous injection persists or is severe, appropriate investigation and treatment should be instituted.
Figure 1. Percent of DMPA subcutaneous injection -Treated Women with Amenorrhea per 30-Day Month Contraception Studies (ITT Population, N=2053)
Figure 2. Percent of DMPA subcutaneous injection -Treated Women with Bleeding and/or Spotting per 30-Day Month Contraception Studies (ITT Population, N=2053)
Cancer Risks:
Long-term case-controlled surveillance of DMPA-IM 150 mg users found no overall increased risk of ovarian, liver, or cervical cancer and a prolonged, protective effect of reducing the risk of endometrial cancer in the population of users.
Breast cancer is rare among women under 40 years of age whether or not they use hormonal contraceptives.
Results from some epidemiological studies suggest a small difference in the risk of having the disease in current and recent users compared with never-users. Any excess risk in current and recent DMPA users is small in relation to the overall risk of breast cancer, particularly in young women (see below), and is not apparent after 10 years since last use. Duration of use does not seem to be important.
Possible number of additional cases of breast cancer diagnosed up to 10 years after stopping injectable progestogens*
Age at last use of DMPA
No of cases per 10,000 women who are never-users
Possible additional cases per 10,000 DMPA users
20
Less than 1
Much less than 1
30
44
2-3
40
160
10
*based on use for 5 years”
Meningioma
Cases of meningioma (single and multiple) have been reported in patients treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate for a prolonged time (several years). If a patient is diagnosed with meningioma, medroxyprogesterone acetate must be stopped, as a precautionary measure.
In some cases, shrinkage of meningioma was observed after treatment discontinuation of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Although MPA has not been causally associated with the induction of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders, any patient who develops such an event, e.g. pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular disease or retinal thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis, while undergoing therapy with SAYANA PRESS should not be readministered the drug. Women with a prior history of thromboembolic disorders have not been studied in clinical trials and no information is available that would support the safety of SAYANA PRESS use in this population.
Anaphylaxis and Anaphylactoid Reaction
If an anaphylactic reaction occurs appropriate therapy should be instituted. Serious anaphylactic reactions require emergency medical treatment.
Ocular Disorders
Medication should not be re-administered pending examination if there is a sudden partial or complete loss of vision or if there is a sudden onset of proptosis, diplopia, or migraine. If examination reveals papilledema or retinal vascular lesions, medication should not be re-administered.
Precautions
Weight Changes
Weight changes are common but unpredictable. In the phase 3 studies body weight was followed over 12 months. Half (50%) of women remained within 2.2 kg of their initial body weight. 12% of women lost more than 2.2 kg, and 38% of women gained more than 2.3 kg.
Fluid Retention
There is evidence that progestogens may cause some degree of fluid retention, and as a result, caution should be exercised in treating any patient with a pre-existing medical condition that might be adversely affected by fluid retention.
Return of Ovulation
Following a single dose of DMPA subcutaneous injection, the cumulative rate of return to ovulation as measured by plasma progesterone was 97.4% (38/39 patients) by one year after administration. After the 14-week therapeutic window, the earliest return to ovulation was one week, and the median time to ovulation was 30 weeks. Women should be counselled that there is a potential for delay in return to ovulation following use of the method, regardless of the duration of use. It is recognised, however, that amenorrhoea and/or irregular menstruation upon discontinuation of hormonal contraception may be due to an underlying disorder associated with menstrual irregularity especially polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Psychiatric Disorders
Depressed mood and depression are well-known undesirable effects of hormonal contraceptive use (see section 4.8). Depression can be serious and is a well-known risk factor for suicidal behaviour and suicide. Women should be advised to contact their physician in case of mood changes and depressive symptoms, including shortly after initiating the treatment.
Protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections
Women should be counselled that SAYANA PRESS does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV infection (AIDS) but equally, DMPA is a sterile injection and, used as directed, will not expose them to STIs. Safer sex practices including correct and consistent use of condoms reduce the transmission of STIs through sexual contact, including HIV.
The benefits of contraceptive options and their risks must be evaluated individually for each woman.
Carbohydrate/Metabolism
Some patients receiving progestogens may exhibit a decrease in glucose tolerance. Diabetic patients should be carefully observed while receiving such therapy.
Liver Function
If jaundice develops in any woman receiving SAYANA PRESS, consideration should be given to not re-administer the medication (see section 4.3).
Hypertension and Lipid disorders
Limited evidence suggests that there is a small increased risk of cardiovascular events among women with hypertension or with lipid disorders who used progestogen-only injectables. If hypertension occurs under SAYANA PRESS treatment and/or the increase in hypertension cannot adequately be controlled by antihypertensive medication, treatment with SAYANA PRESS should be stopped. Additional risk factors for arterial thrombotic disorders include: Hypertension, smoking, age, lipid disorders, migraine, obesity, positive family history, cardiac valve disorders, atrial fibrillation.
SAYANA PRESS should be used cautiously in patients with one or more of these risk factors.
Other conditions
The following conditions have been reported both during pregnancy and during sex steroid use, but an association with the use of progestagens has not been established: jaundice and/or pruritus related to cholestasis; gallstone formation; porphyria; systemic lupus erythematosus; hemolytic uraemic syndrome; Sydenham's chorea; herpes gestationis; otosclerosis-related hearing loss.
If any of the conditions/risk factors mentioned is present, the benefits of SAYANA PRESS use should be weighed against the possible risks for each individual woman and discussed with the woman before she decides to start using it. In the event of aggravation, exacerbation or first appearance of any of these conditions or risk factors, the woman should contact her physician. The physician should then decide on whether SAYANA PRESS use should be discontinued.
Laboratory Tests
The pathologist should be advised of progestogen therapy when relevant specimens are submitted. The physician should be informed that certain endocrine and liver function tests, and blood components might be affected by progestogen therapy:
a) Plasma/urinary steroids are decreased (e.g. progesterone, estradiol, pregnanediol, testosterone, cortisol)
b) Plasma and urinary gonadotropin levels are decreased (e.g., LH, FSH).
c) Sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) concentrations are decreased.
Excipients
As this product contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate, it may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed), and exceptionally, bronchospasm. This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 104 mg/0.65 ml, i.e. essentially 'sodium-free'.
SAYANA PRESS contains polysorbate 80 (see section 2). Polysorbate 80 may cause hypersensitivity reactions.
No interaction studies have been performed with SAYANA PRESS.
Interactions with other medical treatments (including oral anticoagulants) have rarely been reported, but causality has not been determined. The possibility of interactions should be borne in mind in patients receiving concurrent treatment with other drugs.
MPA is metabolized in-vitro primarily by hydroxylation via the CYP3A4. Specific drug-drug interaction studies evaluating the clinical effects with CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors on MPA have not been conducted and therefore the clinical effects of CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors are unknown.
Fertility
SAYANA PRESS is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy.
Women may experience a delay in return to fertility (conception) following discontinuation of SAYANA PRESS (see section 4.4).
Pregnancy
SAYANA PRESS is contraindicated in women who are pregnant. Some reports suggest an association between intrauterine exposure to progestational drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy and genital abnormalities in male and female fetuses. If SAYANA PRESS is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while using this drug, the patient should be warned of the potential hazard to the fetus.
One study found that infants from unintentional pregnancies that occurred 1 to 2 months after injection of DMPA-IM (150 mg) were at an increased risk of low birth weight; this, in turn, has been associated with an increased risk of neonatal death. However, the overall risk of this is very low because pregnancies while on DMPA-IM (150 mg) are uncommon.
Children exposed to MPA in utero and followed to adolescence showed no evidence of any adverse effects on their health including their physical, intellectual, sexual or social development.
Lactation
Low detectable amounts of drug have been identified in the milk of mothers receiving MPA. In nursing mothers treated with DMPA-IM (150 mg), milk composition, quality, and amount are not adversely affected. Neonates and infants exposed to MPA from breast milk have been studied for developmental and behavioral effects through puberty. No adverse effects have been noted. However, due to limitations of the data regarding the effects of MPA in breastfed infants less than six weeks old, SAYANA PRESS should be given no sooner than six weeks post partum when the infant's enzyme system is more developed.
SAYANA PRESS has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Events from clinical trials:
The table below provides a listing of adverse drug reactions with frequency based on all-causality data from clinical studies that enrolled 2053 women who received DMPA-SC for contraception. The most frequently (>5%) reported adverse drug reactions were headache (8.9%), metrorrhagia (7.1%), weight increased (6.9%), amenorrhoea (6.3%) and injection site reactions (any type, 6.1%).
Adverse reactions are listed according to the following categories. These are as follows:
Very Common
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Frequency not known
(≥1/10)
(≥1/100 to <1/10)
(≥1/1,000 to <1/100)
(≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
(cannot be estimated from the available data)
Events from post-marketing surveillance:
In addition, adverse events of medical significance obtained from post-marketing data with the use of injectable DMPA (IM or SC) are also included in the list below:
System organ class
Very Common
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Not known
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)
Breast cancer (see section 4.4)
Meningioma
Immune system disorders
Drug hypersensitivity (see section 4.4)
Anaphylactic reaction, Anaphylactoid reaction, Angioedema (see section 4.4)
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Fluid retention (see section 4.4), Increased appetite, Decreased appetite
Psychiatric disorders
Depression, Insomnia, Anxiety, Affective disorder, Irritability, Libido decreased
Nervousness, Emotional disorder, Anorgasmia
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness, Headache
Migraine, Somnolence
Seizure
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Vertigo
Cardiac disorders
Tachycardia
Vascular disorders
Hypertension (see section 4.4), Varicose vein, Hot flush
Pulmonary embolism, Embolism and thrombosis, (see section 4.4),
Thrombophlebitis
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain, Nausea
Abdominal distension
Hepatobiliary disorders
Jaundice, Hepatic function abnormal (see section 4.4)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Acne
Alopecia, Hirsutism, Dermatitis, Ecchymosis, Chloasma,
Rash,
Pruritus,
Urticaria
Lipodystrophy acquired
Skin striae
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain, Pain in extremity
Arthralgia, Muscle spasms
Osteoporosis, Osteoporotic fractures
Reproductive system & breast disorders
Menometrorrhagia, Metrorrhagia, Menorrhagia (see section 4.4), Dysmenorrhoea, Amenorrhoea, Vaginitis, Breast pain
Ovarian cyst, Uterine haemorrhage (irregular, increase, decrease), Vaginal discharge, Dyspareunia, Galactorrhoea, Vulvovaginal dryness, Premenstrual syndrome, Breast tenderness, Breast enlargement
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue, Injection site reaction, Injection site persistent atrophy/Indentation/dimpling, Injection site nodule/lump, Injection site pain/ tenderness
Pyrexia
Asthenia, Injection site discolouration
Investigations
Weight increased (see section 4.4), Smear cervix abnormal
Bone density decreased (see section 4.4), Glucose tolerance decreased (see section 4.4), Hepatic enzyme abnormal
Weight decreased (see section 4.4)
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
No positive action is required other than cessation of therapy.
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about SAYANA PRESS 104 mg/0.65 ml suspension for injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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