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Depo Provera Information

Saturday, September 26, 2009
Related Tags: depo | density | ovulation | bone | infertility
 

Instructions

History

  • Step 1:
    Clinical trials for Depo began in 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia. Due to side effects and increased chances of cancer, the drug was not approved by the FDA until 1992.

Side Effects: Weight Gain

  • Step 1:
    About 70 percent of women on Depo gain weight. Average weight gain is 12 to 16 pounds over four to five years of use.

Side Effects: Bone Density Loss

  • Step 1:
    In 2004, the FDA required Pfizer to label the box to warn users of loss of bone density. The loss of bone density does not self-correct after stopping Depo treatment.

Side Effects: Infertility

  • Step 1:
    Some patients report not having their periods for as long as two years after stopping treatment. No period means no ovulation and no ovulation means infertility.

Efficacy

  • Step 1:
    Depo is 97 to 99.7 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Unlike oral contraceptives, antibiotics don't hinder efficacy and the patient isn't required to remember a pill each day.

Considerations

  • Step 1:
    Depo lasts 3 months. There is no antidote and it cannot be expunged from the system until it runs its course. Patients should be aware of this and make a well-informed decision.

Depo Provera Information Provided by eHow.com
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