A formulation of DMPA has been developed specifically for injection into the tissue just under the skin (subcutaneously). This new formulation must be delivered by subcutaneous injection. It will not be completely effective if injected in other ways. (Likewise, DMPA for injection into the muscle must not be injected subcutaneously.)

The hormonal dose of the new subcutaneous formulation (DMPA-SC) is 30% less than for DMPA formulated for injection into the muscle—104 mg instead of 150 mg. Thus, it may cause fewer side effects, such as weight gain. Contraceptive effectiveness is similar. Like users of intramuscular DMPA, users of DMPA-SC have an injection every 3 months.

DMPA-SC will be available in prefilled syringes, including the single-use Uniject system. These prefilled syringes will have special short needles meant for subcutaneous injection. With these syringes, women could inject DMPA themselves. DMPA-SC was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in December 2004 under the name "depo-subQ provera 104." It has since also been approved in the United Kingdom.