Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate for Sickle Cell Pain

This study is looking at whether an injectable birth control called Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA), also known as Depo-Provera, can help reduce pain for women with sickle cell disease (SCD). We are enrolling women aged 18 to 50 who have SCD and experience at least one painful episode (vaso-occlusive episode) per month. Participants will first have a 3-month period without hormonal birth control, followed by a 3-month period after receiving a 150mg injection of DMPA. The main goal is to see if the frequency of painful episodes changes after 6 months. This study aims to enroll 65 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study involving adult women with sickle cell disease. It includes a baseline period followed by a period after receiving the intervention.
What's involved
You would have 6 to 7 in-person visits for urine pregnancy tests, blood draws, and surveys. You would also complete weekly remote surveys and monthly home pregnancy tests over a 6-month period.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcome, frequency of acute vaso-occlusive episodes, is measured at 6 months.

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NCT06665997

Clinical and Biomarker Effects of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Females With Sickle Cell Disease

Recruiting
PHASE4Ages 18–50InterventionalTreatment
University of Pennsylvania
~65 participants
Updated 2026-05-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Frequency of acute vaso-occlusive episodes
Measured over 6 months
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
Vaso-Occlusive Pain Episode in Sickle Cell Disease
2 sites across 2 states
Georgia1
Pennsylvania1
  • Andrea Roe, MD MPH · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pennsylvania

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  • Frequency of acute vaso-occlusive episodes6 months

    The primary outcome is frequency of VOEs during each phase (baseline and intervention). A VOE is self-reported by the participant. Discrete pain episodes will be separated by at least 2 weeks from one other. During both the baseline and intervention study phases, participants will provide weekly reports via electronic survey of vaso-occlusive pain. VOE will be defined as self-reported typical SCD pain that interferes with usual daily activities or requires emergency care or hospitalization, with distinct episodes separated by at least 2 weeks without pain.