Post-Depo-Provera Side Effects: Hives, Wheezing, and Abdominal Pain
I’m a 22-year-old female experiencing some unusual symptoms three days following my Depo-Provera injection. Despite mostly feeling well, I've noticed a persistent high-pitched wheeze while inhaling, and a similar sound occurs every time I exhale. Additionally, I’ve developed more hives throughout the day, particularly on my hands, which is puzzling since I haven’t encountered any insects. I’ve also been feeling some discomfort in my upper abdomen, although this isn't entirely out of the ordinary for me. With work approaching in about 18 hours, I’m contemplating whether an urgent care visit is necessary if my symptoms continue. Would it be wiser to see my primary care physician if I can secure an appointment before my shift? Furthermore, should I be concerned about my condition escalating to an emergency situation? I plan to take Benadryl—are there any other remedies I should consider? P.S. I apologize for frequently posting in this subreddit. Your advice has genuinely helped me in the past during critical moments and has also saved time for both myself and healthcare providers when my concerns turned out to be inconsequential.
Answers (1)

4/23/2025, 3:20:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms of wheezing, hives, and abdominal discomfort following your Depo-Provera injection are concerning and should be addressed promptly. These symptoms could indicate an allergic reaction or other side effects from the medication, which warrants careful attention.
Explanation: Depo-Provera can cause various side effects, including allergic reactions, which may lead to hives and respiratory issues like wheezing. Abdominal pain can also occur but may differ in origin. Given that your wheezing is persistent and accompanied by hives, it is important to take these symptoms seriously.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Monitoring: Pay close attention to your breathing and the appearance of your hives. If you experience increased difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or severe abdominal pain, seek emergency medical care right away.
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Medication Use: Taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can help reduce the hives and is often effective for mild allergic reactions. Follow the recommended dosage on the package, but do not exceed it. Note that Benadryl can cause drowsiness, so be cautious if you need to be alert.
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Consider Urgent Care: If your wheezing persists or worsens within the next few hours, or if new symptoms develop, visiting an urgent care center can be a good choice, especially if your primary care physician is unavailable before your shift. It's better to err on the side of caution.
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Schedule Follow-up: If your symptoms improve with Benadryl, it can be beneficial to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your reaction to the Depo-Provera and explore alternative options, especially if you feel that anything unusual continues.
Remember, your well-being is paramount. Keeping track of how your symptoms change will help health providers better understand your situation if you need to seek further assistance. Let me know if you have more questions or need additional guidance.
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