Depo-Provera IM

[sweetieann]

A ton of sites on the web say this should be given in deltoid or buttock. Can you give in the lateral thigh? Would this be contraindicated for any reason?

I get confused sometimes when they recommend say, the detoid and butt but don't mention the vastus lateralis or vice versa....unless we're refering to injection volume, an IM injection can be given in any of those sites, right?

[CHATSDALE]

i m injections usually given in gluteal b/c it is the largest..if patient getting frequent injections or if you are giving yourself an injection lateral thigh will work just fine

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I looked at the package insert and it does specifically say either in buttock or deltoid. My guess is that it has something to do w/ absorption. I don't think it has anything to do w/ volume.

http://www.rxlist.com/depo-provera-drug.htm

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

For most I have given the injection to it has been buttock but I did have 1 patient who refused to have in except in her thigh and had no problems but was cleared with dr first

[justme1972]

They are teaching us in school, and our textbooks say, that the buttocks should be avoided at all costs unless the med instructions specifically call for this area or if there is not enough fat/muscle to inject somewhere else.

For infants as well as adults.

Has to do something with possible nerve damage to that area. I can't remember exactly which nerve, but I just remembered we were taught not to use that site.

[lpnflorida, LPN]

They are teaching us in school, and our textbooks say, that the buttocks should be avoided at all costs unless the med instructions specifically call for this area or if there is not enough fat/muscle to inject somewhere else.

For infants as well as adults.

Has to do something with possible nerve damage to that area. I can't remember exactly which nerve, but I just remembered we were taught not to use that site.

I guess times have changed. Long ago and far away they taught us how to mark our site to avoid the nerve in the gluteal area. Yes, they also gave this as the site most often to be used for IM injections. Things do change and I always learn something new.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I don't particularly care for using the dorsogluteal muscle, because of what Hopefull mentioned - don't want to hit that sciatic nerve. I have seen it happen and it is not pretty. I do, however LOVE the ventrogluteus muscle. No major nerves or blood vessels there, and for most adults, relatively similar amts of subq fat (not always, but generally).

I have given about a thousand Depo shots - I used to work in a community health center and now work on mother/baby. I have always given it ventrogluteus or deltoid.

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

I used to give these all of the time, but it's been several years. I clearly remember that the package insert did not allow for thigh injection. Why I don't know, but it definitely wasn't listed. Why does your patient refuse the deltoid or buttock? Perhaps if she can't take the injection as it is meant to be given in the deltoid or buttock, she isn't a good candidate to use it. I also remember that some of the other nurses were adament that it shouldn't be given in the deltoid, even though the insert stated it was fine. Sorry but I forget their reasoning. Maybe someone else will know.

[misslo]

When I was getting Depo shots, they were giving them to me in my abdomen. They alternated sides.

[DorothyAnn0403]

I get the Depo shot as well. In reference to the above poster, I think you're getting the SubQ type of Depo. That one goes in the abdomen. The IM type of Depo I personally get it in the deltoid. I dunno, i'd rather not be stabbed in the butt with a needle. I know most dont like to give it in the deltoid because of the soreness that results. I know my arm is very sore for at least 2 days after i get it. But i dont complain, i asked for it in my arm. The thickness of the liquid is probably what turns people away from the deltiod. But i'm not 100% positive, just my