Depo-Provera is a powerful contraceptive or birth-control medication that is administered by injection four times a year versus the more common daily oral birth control pill.
This birth control shot has remained popular among women because of its higher pregnancy prevention rate and its convenience. Depo-Provera contains a powerful variant of the hormone progestosterone which is released through a hypodermic shot every few months. This hormone has been shown to increase the loss of bone density in women of all ages, including teen and young adult women who are in critical stages of natural bone growth.
Since its launch there have been more than a dozen studies conducted on Depo-Provera, its side effects and effectiveness. A study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine documents bone loss or Osteoporosis in women while they were taking Depo-Provera. Other back-up studies claim that the bone loss may be reversible in younger women while some studies contradict this by confirming that the bone loss is permanent. Osteoporosis and the loss of bone density typically effect women later in life making them susceptible to fractures throughout the skeletal system.
Other Depo-Provera side effects include excessive weight gain, hair loss, headaches, muscle stiffness, and severe joint pain. The long-term effects on bone density and women's bodies are still unknown.
Depo-Provera Warning Label
On November 17th 2004, the FDA issued an order whereby all Depo-Provera packaging and promotional materials must contain a "black box" warning which states, "Use of Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection may cause you to lose calcium stored in your bones. The longer you use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection the more calcium you are likely to lose. The calcium may not return completely once you stop using Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection."
Due to the studies on Depo-Provera and the FDA warnings, many health care providers advise patients not to use the Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection for more than 2 years.
Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera continues to actively promote this birth control method to women of all ages. Depo has been used for over 13 years in the United States and over two decades in Europe and continues to be very popular among younger women and millions of doses are prescribed every year despite the FDA warnings and reports of bone loss.
If you are currently taking Depo-Provera, it might be advisable to discuss a bone density test with your physician or medical advisors.
Depo-Provera in the News
The FDA warns women of the risk of Osteoporosis based on Depo Provera studies. (Feb-08-05) [
SEATTLE PI]
A women's health care organization warns women of the risks of Depo Provera and its association with Osteoporosis. (Jul-12-05) [
FEMINIST WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTER]
If you live in
Canada and have been diagnosed with osteoporosis while taking Depo Provera, please go to this page: [
Depo Provera Canada]
FDA Depo-Provera Warning
Register your Depo-Provera Case
If you are taking or have taken Depo-Provera birth control and subsequently suffered a loss of bone density, been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, or suffered a bone fracture, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible class action lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your complaint and we will have a lawyer review your Depo-Provera complaint.
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