The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has banned the use of Depo (Depo-Provera)—a contraceptive injection intended for humans—on dogs, cats, and other animals in Sri Lanka. The decision follows a coordinated campaign by animal welfare organizations and veterinary professionals who highlighted the misuse of the drug as both harmful and inappropriate for veterinary care.

The campaign, launched earlier this year, was led by the State Veterinary Surgeons’ Association (SVSA) with strong support from the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) and the Sri Lanka Veterinary Council (SLVC). Advocates from the Kandy Association for Community Protection through Animal Welfare (KACPAW) met with the Director General of Health and the NMRA, urging immediate regulatory intervention.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was also informed of the misuse, highlighting the issue’s global importance. The advocates emphasized that a drug designed for human contraception should not be used in veterinary practice.

With the ban now in place, the NMRA has called on the public to stay alert and report any instances of the injection being used on animals. Complaints should be directed to local police or the NMRA to ensure adherence to the new regulations. Pet owners are also being encouraged to inform others about this change to protect the health and safety of animals.

KACPAW hailed the decision as a significant win for animal welfare in Sri Lanka, marking a crucial step towards ensuring that veterinary practices prioritize animal health and adhere to proper standards.

CEO of the NMRA has issued the following notice to the pharmacy owners and pharmacists: “It has been brought to the notice of the NMRA by several NGOO and Veterinary Professionals that ‘Depo-Provera’ (Medroxyprogesterone acetate) is being used on cats & dogs as a measure of birth control of animals. As a result, animals are exposed to various pathetic and life-threatening conditions like Odema in ovaries (Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia), Infection in ovaries (Pyometra). Diabetes, Mammary Tumors, Obesity etc.

KACPAW has said in a media statement: “Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone acetate) has been registered with the NMRA as a schedule 11B medicine (Prescription only Medicine-POM) intended solely for the use on humans by qualified physicians.

“As such, the Pharmacy Owners/Pharmacists are severely warned.

i. To issue “Depo-Provera” (Medroxyprogesterone acetate) only on a valid prescription issued by a qualified medical practitioner.

ii. Every issuance of “Depo-Provera” (Medroxyprogesterone acetate) should be entered in the prescription book.

iii. Should advise that this medicine should never be used on animals under any circumstances.

“The progress of issuance of this medicine will be supervised by Authorized officers in your region.”