Depo-provera
See also Birth Control
- More on Depo-Provera and Bone density - WHU November 2005
- Depo-provera, bone density & young women - WHU July 2005
- Depo Provera strips bone density - WHU Octobr 2004
- WHIS fact sheet: Depo-provera (for health workers)
- WHIS fact sheet: Depo-provera (abridged)
More on Depo-Provera and Bone density
November 2005 Women's Health Update
A contribution from Dr Christine Roke, the National Medical Advisor from the Family Planning Association. The Family Planning Association has been aware of the link between Depo Provera and lowered bone density for more than a decade since some of our clients were involved in research on the issue at Auckland Medical School. Unfortunately not enough teenagers wished to participate in the observational study at the time so we were left with no clear answers for this age group. However the Auckland work and overseas studies indicated that bone loss plateaus after a few years on Depo Provera and that bone loss was reversible on stopping Depo Provera use. Read More (pdf)
Depo-provera, bone density & young women
July 2005 Women's Health Update
Back in November 2004 the FDA issued its strongest possible warning about the substantial loss of bone mineral density that research shows follows long term use (two or more years) of the drug. As a result of a new study published in September 2002 the drug manufacturer Pfizer wrote to health professionals advising that the contraceptive injection should be used for no longer than two years and only when other birth control methods are inadequate. Read More (pdf)
Depo Provera strips bone density
WHU October 2004
The USA Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a 'Black Box' warning about long-term use of the long-acting, injectable contraceptive drug, Depo-Provera - stating recent research suggests prolonged use of the drug may result in the loss of bone density. The warning goes on to state that the loss of bone density is greater the longer the drug is administered, and it may not be completely reversible after discontinuation of the drug. Therefore women should only use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection as a long-term birth control method (ie longer than two years) if other birth control methods are inadequate.. Read More
Resources:
WHIS fact sheet: Depo-provera (for health workers)
WHIS fact sheet: Depo-provera (abridged)