Depo-Provera: asking the FDA to investigate

Top 389. Apr 30, 2006 11:29 AM

» KLutz461 - Caesing the poison

Ceasing the Poison
Depo Provera, approved as a birth control method in the U.S. in 1992, is a synthetic hormone progestin injection lasting three months and is used as a form of contraception and as a form of chemical castration for sex offenders. It is 97-99.7% effective and it works by preventing the ovary from releasing the egg, thickening the cervical mucus so sperm cannot travel up into the Fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot implant. (American Pregnancy Association) Given that the progesterone hormone used in Depo is chemically different than the natural progesterone in our bodies, it sometimes causes side effects different than those that our bodies would normally produce. (Frederick R. Jelovsek MD) “On Depo Provera I became depressed, fat, irritable, and uninterested in sex.” (Sarah Littlecrow-Russell) I can personally attest to this having taken the shot as means of birth control and I have experienced many of the side-effects that were not presented to me beforehand. Many women around the world are speaking out due to the complications this shot has produced in their lives. This is a risk that most would not be willing to take after experiencing the horrors it has the potential to bring. Depo is negatively impacting the lives of so many American women and teenagers and this should be taken into consideration before making the decision to use it. The best decision would be to simply revert to another method of birth control and ultimately women and the people they are close to will have a happier and healthier life. Due to the negative side effects both physical and psychological that can result from the Depo, I recommend that other alternatives for birth control be used.

The bottom line is that women should seek other alternative means of birth control that that are safer in implementing their purpose. The side effects from Depo could turn into a serious matter due to the alarming number of reports pertaining to the possible complications. Contraception methods should be safe and women should feel the need to take care of themselves, and using this shot would not constitute that. It is imperative that those who have used Depo and experienced its negative outcomes should speak out to prevent further use of this shot, and those who haven’t to find an alternative method of birth control. Most women are choosing to utilize the Hormone Progestin shot for contraception because of lack of proper knowledge of the possible side effects and complications it has been known to produce. Also, failure to obtain personal testimonies is common as well, which is important, especially seeing that this shot is so new on the market. In turn, there are no studies for Depo’s long term side effects. This drug not only affects the women, who choose to use it, but also affects those that are close to us due to the psychological and in many cases physical side affects it generates. In addition to there being a petition against Depo Provera, there is also a separate petition for the husbands, boyfriends and fathers of the women who are suffering as a direct result of Depo Provera. “I have watched my beautiful fiancée turn into a miserable person. She was once fun loving and willing to try anything once. That has all changed all because she didn’t want to get pregnant. I watch her sit in front of the mirror and cry because her hair is falling out, the acne has become a permanent fixture on her face, and she has gained 60 lbs. I do not let her see the anger I have as it is all she can do to get up and go to work everyday. This birth control is affecting everyone, not just the women taking it. It affects every single person they come in contact with and it is not justified.” (Robert Williams) Robert is one of thousands of men unfairly dealing with the same issues as many others. Depo in itself is a major problem and its existence alone is the ultimate issue, but due to its premature nature and lack of sufficient testing, for now it is here to stay in the contraception choices available to sexually mature women.

Along with Depo, obviously, comes an array of side effects, most being negative. One effect that would concern most women is that fact that 70% of women gain weight on Depo and a great portion of that percentage gain more than 10 pounds. (Feminist Women’s Health Center) Some women report gaining more than 50 pounds. However, the weight gain is not usually due to the hormonal imbalance, but to unsatisfiable hunger. (Susan Yudt-Planned Parenthood) An excruciatingly common side effect also includes depression and irritability. Weight gain would be enough to trigger this alone. If you have previously dealt with or are still dealing with depression, Depo will significantly increase it. (McKinley Health Center) Depo completely depletes your body of estrogen, a primary female hormone which blocks one of the enzymes (monoamine oxidase - MAO) that degrades serotonin and results in elevated mood. “Progestogens, probably more so than natural progesterone (progesterone is even more unnatural-which further increases depression), increase MAO concentration thus producing depression and irritability.” (Frederick R. Jelovsek MD) “Essentially it forces you through an intense premature menopause.” (Lisa Bogarth MD) Especially for young women this can and has lead to substance abuse, social withdrawal, loss of friends, poor performance in school, and suicidal attempts, thoughts, and feelings. (Littlecrow-Russell) Another very common side effect is irregular menstrual bleeding. Sadly, the reason many women choose to get the shot is the attraction to no longer having to deal with periods. Yes, the shot is supposed to produce that effect, but shouldn’t that put up a red flag in itself? Something unnatural to the point that it takes away what we are supposed to embrace as women should already be an indicator that something is wrong. Unfortunately, it rarely even provides this “luxury”. Many women report spotting, irregular bleeding, and bleeding for extended periods of time. In fact, it is listed under common side effects. Shelly Borsits, a 2 time Depo user (two shots) reported bleeding for nine months straight. However, after a year of taking the shot 57% of women are no longer menstruating. One study found that especially in women under 35, Depo caused an increased risk in breast cancer. Pregnancy like symptoms is also common among many women such as sore breasts, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. These symptoms may continue to occur after the first four injections but may subside. Some experience a spotty darkening of the face which could possibly remain permanent. (Brown University) “Other side effects may include acne, boils, cysts, backache, decreased sex drive, lack of lubrication, fluid retention, hair loss, hot flashes, inability to sleep, inability to have an orgasm, joint pain, lack of hair growth, leg cramps, and vaginitis (recurring yeast infections, red swelling, and irritation). Some of the more rare side effects include Allergic reactions (sometimes severe), anemia, asthma, bleeding from the rectum or nipples, blood clots, blood clots in the lungs, blood disorders, breast cancer, breast lumps, cancer in the neck of the uterus, changes in appetite, change in breast size, chest pain, chills, convulsions, difficult or labored breathing, drowsiness, dry skin, excessive growth of hair, excessive or unusual flow of milk, excessive sweating and body odor, excessive thirst, facial paralysis, fainting, feeling of being pregnant, fever, hoarseness, increased sex drive, infections of the reproductive and urinary tracts, lack of return to fertility, overgrowth of the uterus, pain at the injection site, pain during sexual intercourse, painful menstruation, paralysis, prevention of the flow of milk, rapid heartbeat, skin discoloration, stomach and intestinal problems, swelling in the armpit, tingling or ``pins and needles'', toughening or hardening of the skin, unexpected pregnancy, vaginal cysts, varicose veins, and yellow eyes and skin.” (HealthSquare) Unfortunately this is not the last, or worst of it. There is one last side effect that happens to be one of the most crucial. On November 17, 2004 the United States Food and Drug Administration and Pfizer agreed to put a “black box” warning on its label. A black box warning is a warning placed on prescription drugs that produce serious or even life threatening side effects. (Wikipedia) Prolonged use (more than two years) of the shot is discouraged by most Doctors as well as the FDA due to a significant loss of bone density. This could result in weak or porous bones and can cause osteoporosis. Losses become more severe as you use the drug for a longer period of time and the loss may not recover completely after discontinuance. (MSNBC) According to the FDA women should only use Depo Provera if all other methods prove inadequate. This drug is very new to the market and there is no evidence to show what the long term side effects could be. Logically speaking, the pharmaceutical manufacturers probably are unsure of what we know so far. This furthermore proves that this drug can be potentially dangerous due to no long term studies/side effects history.

There are, nonetheless, advantages to Depo. Some women like the convenience of having a highly effective form of birth control for 12 weeks. Given what we already know, it probably isn’t worth it. Most women, who choose Depo, choose it for the convenience and worry-free responsibility. Lunelle, an alternative, is the once a month birth control shot that contains both progesterone and estrogen and produces less negative side effects. The extra two trips to the doctor would probably be the more logical choice. It is also understood that Depo is less likely to cause menstrual cramps due to decreased periods. Interestingly enough, many women report more severe cramps than before they were placed on the shot. (HealthSquare) Depo Provera also appears to provide protection against ovarian, endometrial cancer, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. On the contrary, it also has been proven to increase your risk of breast cancer. Depo is not the only form of birth control that shows evidence of possibly protecting against ovarian and endometrial cancer. Lunelle, the birth control pill, and patch have also been proven to possibly protect against these cancers as well. In addition, the ring reduces chances of ovarian cysts and tubal pregnancy. As previously mentioned, another attractive benefit is the possibility of no longer having a period. However, the lack of estrogen in the body that causes the ceased periods is also the same factor that produces so many of the terrible side effects. Another benefit is that women who use Depo also do not have to interrupt sexual activity in order to utilize a barrier method of contraception. This is not necessarily true. Depo does not protect against HIV/AIDS or any other sexually transmitted diseases. Many women make this mistake and this could be potentially dangerous. However, if you are in a comfortable monogamist relationship this holds true, but all other forms of hormonal contraception, along with many others provide this same benefit. On the other hand, there are women that Depo could possibly work for. Some women must avoid estrogen seeing as they have certain medical conditions. (University of Chicago) This would be a case where other methods of birth control would prove to be inadequate. Then again there are also variations of the pill that only contain progesterone. The final, and controversial, positive aspect of Depo would be the use of it for chemical castration. Depo is commonly used to chemically castrate sex offenders; “it acts on the brain to inhibit hormones that stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone” and in most cases ultimately results in permanent infertility. (Wikipedia) This makes sense, especially since it so greatly reduces the female libido.

In contrast, there is good news alongside all of the negativity concerning the Depo contraceptive method. There are many alternatives for birth control with significantly less side effects, risks, and which are more cost efficient. There are hormonal methods, barrier methods, withdrawal and sterilization, and of course, abstinence. (APA- American Pregnancy Association)
Abstinence, which is of course the only 100% positive method of birth control, is complete refrain from sexual intercourse. This method tends to be the most difficult for sexually active women; therefore there are a number of other effective options.

There are Hormonal methods such as Birth Control pills, Lunelle, the Nuva Ring, and the Ortho Evra Patch. “Hormonal methods work by preventing a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg each month, causing the cervical mucus to thicken making it harder for sperm to reach and penetrate the egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus which reduces the likelihood that a fertilized egg will implant in the uterus wall.” (American Pregnancy Association) The pill is most highly recommended by health care providers and is probably the number one form of birth control. It has over 40 variations, so there is one most guaranteed to suit you, and it is also the most safe because research for over 40 years has proven its’ long term safety. If used properly the pill is 99% effective. Its cost per year is between $60 and $360. Lunelle is the once a month injection that helps regulate a woman’s fertility cycle similar to the way natural hormones do, and unlike Depo it contains both estrogen and progesterone. It has a failure rate of less than one percent. To obtain you initial injection it could be anywhere from $50 to $200. For one year of Lunelle it would cost about the same as the pill. The Nuva Ring, or vaginal ring, is a flexible ring placed in the vagina for three weeks, removed for one week, and then a new ring is inserted. It has a failure rate of less than two percent and roughly cost the same as Lunelle. Finally, the Ortho Evra patch is birth control in the form of, well, a patch. It is placed directly on the skin and releases hormones for one week. After one week you dispose of the old one and place a new one in different area. This is repeated three times and there is a one week menstruation cycle. Ortho evra has the potential to produce the same side effects as the others (they are all about the same) with the exception of the chance of skin irritation. Ortho Evra costs about the same as the Nuva Ring. (APA)

The Barrier methods of birth control include male and female condoms, Spermicides, diaphragms, cervical caps, Intrauterine Devices (IUD), and the contraceptive sponge. The male condom is the most common barrier method and should be used in most situations regardless, seeing that it is one of the few forms that protect against contraction and spreading of Sexually Transmitted diseases. They are on average about 85 to 86 % effective and cost about 50 cents to one dollar each. Female condoms are the same except they are inserted into the woman’s vagina and range from about $2.50 to $5 each. Spermicides are usually used with condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps, and are inserted into the vagina before intercourse. They come in the form of creams, jellies, foams, and spermicidal condoms and are designed to kill the sperm before it reaches the uterus. The success rate is between 90 and 97 % and cost about 25 cents per use. In some cases allergic reactions have been reported such as itching and burning. The diaphragm is a soft, rubber, dome like object that covers the cervix. After prolonged use the failure rate increases and it should therefore be used in combination with Spermicides. The cost for the prescription can be anywhere from 50 to 200 dollars and the diaphragm itself costs between 15 and 50 dollars. The cervical cap is quite similar to the diaphragm by means of price and use, except the failure rate is approximately 2% higher and it is recommended less frequently by health care providers. It should also be used in combination with Spermicides. There are several things you should check (such as if you have a certain history-abnormal pap smears etc.) before you make the decision to utilize this method. An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a “T” shaped piece of plastic placed in the vagina and cervix that contains copper or synthetic progesterone hormone. It creates changes in the cervical mucus that kills sperm or makes them immobile, and changes the lining of the uterus, preventing conception if fertilization should occur. If there are no complications, a return to the Doctor will not be necessary until 5 to 10 years from placement. The failure rate is less than 1 percent and once the device is removed your ability to reproduce returns almost immediately. The total cost could range from $175- $400. A contraceptive Sponge is a soft, round, spongy like object placed over the cervix before intercourse. It has a 9% failure rate and removal after a few hours is imperative due to there having been a few reported cases of toxic shock syndrome, which is rare. A single sponge costs between $1.25 and $1.50. (APA)

Lastly, withdrawal and sterilization are always options as well. Withdrawal is the removal of the penis prior to ejaculation and has an 18-19% failure rate. This obviously does not involve a price, other than perhaps preventing pregnancy. Male and female sterilization are both 100% effective if performed properly. Female Sterilization, commonly known as “having the tubes tied” involves the surgical closing of the Fallopian tubes and can only be reversed if there is no significant scarring. Male Sterilization, otherwise known as a Vasectomy, is the surgical sealing of the tubes that carry the sperm. The fluid will remain the same; it just does not contain the sperm. This procedure can often times be successfully reversed. The total cost will include Doctor’s fees, medical tests, counseling, hospital or clinic fees, medication, anesthesia, and a follow-up check up. (APA) Insurance company coverage depends on individual policies. You would need to contact your insurance company to see if they would provide partial or full coverage (military, Medicaid, medical insurance, etc.)

In comparison to all of these, Depo Provera costs between $50 and $200 for the initial prescription, $120 for the initial shot, and $60 for each afterwards. Depo Provera in some cases is more expensive and in some cases is cheaper; it depends on the type of insurance you have and where you go. Overall, regardless of cost, no one should have to go through, let alone pay for the horror that this shot has been known to cause. The medical expenses of detox or treatments for the side effects in the long run will far outweigh the price of the shot itself. So technically speaking it could be far more expensive.

Go to your gynecologist to further discuss what will work the best for you. If you have already had the misfortune of experiencing Depo there are plenty of online forums and petitions waiting to be signed. If you want action to be taken they must hear your voice! Break your Silence!

There is obviously an array of sufficient alternatives to Depo Provera. I would hope you agree that the cons certainly outweigh the pros of using this shot. No one should have to deal with what so many women, families, and friends have already had to. The use of Depo Provera for contraception must stop. You can start today by visiting your gynecologist and requesting information regarding all other options. I guarantee that Depo will not be at the top of the list. If you feel it is right for you given what you know now that is your choice. It may be effective for some women but that is a chance you must be willing to take. Doctors should strictly limit its’ use for chemical castration on sex offenders. If you have had experience with Depo, or even if you haven’t I also urge you to do some research- get out and let yourselves be heard!

Works Cited

American Pregnancy Association, "Types of Birth Control." American Pregnancy Association. 2004. 16 April 2006 .

Jelovsek MD, Fredrick R. "Progesterone-Its Uses and Effects." Women's Diagnostic Cyber. 2000. 20 April 2006 .

Littlecrow-Russell, Sarah. "Time to Take a Critical Look at Depo Provera."Population and
Development Program at Hampshire College. 2000.

Keck-Borsits, Shelly. "Men Against Depo Provera." Petition Online. 2005. 24 April 2006 . Quote by Robert Williams.

Feminist Women's Health Care, "The Shot- Depo Provera." Feminist Women's Health Care. 06 April 2006. Cedar River Clinics. 10 April 2006 .

McKinley Health Center, "Depo-Provera (DMPA)." McKinley Health Center. 22 July 2005. University of Illinois. 10 April 2006 .

Yudt, Susan. "Questions and Answers about Depo Provera." Planned Parenthood. 23 November 2004. Planned Parenthood. 3 April 2006 .

Bogarth MD, Lisa. Personal interview. 15 March 2006.

Brown University, "Depo Provera." Brown University Health Education. 14 February 2006. 16 April 2006 .

University of Chicago, "Depo-Provera." University of Chicago Student Care Center. 2006. University of Chicago.

HealthSqaure, "Depo-Provera." HealthSqaure. 2006. Health on the Net. 23 April 2006 .

MSNBC, "Depo-Provera Adds Warning About Bone Loss." MSNBC. 17 November 2004. The Associated Press. 27 April 2006 .

"Depo Provera." Wikipedia. 2006. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 17 April 2006.

-- posted by KLutz461

Top 390. May 28, 2006 12:42 PM

» scoobysue - Depo Provera and Meningiomas

In response to Depo Provera and Meningiomas posted by rileysirishmom:

Hi there,
I got a depot provera injection one time, April 1995. I had a optic nerve glioma develop within a year after that. It is only recently that I wondered if there could be a connection. It is a benign tumor usually seen in children, and I wonder if it was just lying there dormant and the effects of the injection triggered its growth. I went through 8 months of guinea pig treatment with Blood Brain Barrier Disruption Chemotherapy with some success, but quit due to the dangers of the side effects. It grew again and was too close to my optic chiasm to operate. I then had 6 weeks of radiation therapy, which seemed to stop the tumor growth. That was 6+ years ago. I would also like to know if there are any other people out there who have suffered from brain tumors after receiving this injection. I have lost a significant amount of vision from my left eye, and am now having to monitor the latent effects of the radiation. It has been a very expensive process, and a trial for me and my family. SLS

-- posted by scoobysue

Top 391. Jun 5, 2006 1:29 AM

» Zoot1971 - Depo Provera and Meningiomas

In response to Depo Provera and Meningiomas posted by scoobysue:

Hi, you'll have to forgive me, as i'm new here, however, I have been on Depo Provera now for about 9 years. My reasons for using it are quite simple, my periods were so heavy and very painful, that I was having to use tampons and tampax at the same time and I still leaked out on the furniture. My Doctor at the time tried me on everything that she could think of and DP was the last hope. The good part for me, was that I didn't have any more periods and even better (from my Husbands point of view) I stopped wanting to kill him just prior to a period, PMS was severe and turned me into a monster once a month. I did gain a bit of weight, but to me, that was a small price to pay and now my weight gain is mostly due to disability caused by FMS, CMP & CFS. This type of immobility I feel causes my depression, as I was really quite happy go lucky prior to the car accident which seems to have triggered the FMS. The weird thing is, that about 3 years or more ago, I had this light coloured lump (bit like a mole) on my left arm, just above the elbow and there were veins or something running through it. Well, sometimes it would be itchy and others, even if it wasn't bumped, would be very sore. The specialist at the hospital checked it over and decided to remove it, however, when the surgeon began cutting around it, he remarked how fibrous the surrounding tissue was and that he was going to send it for tests. This whole ordeal was done under a local anaesthetic only and he had to cut real deep, but the end result, was that it had been removed completely, so there was nothing to worry about. This could be completely irrelevant, if it is, I apologise, however, here in the UK, the doctors don't tell you anything if they can help it.

-- posted by Zoot1971

Top 392. Jun 5, 2006 10:53 PM

» Sherriebug54 - depo provera or manic depression

I started on ortho tricyclin when I was 18 years old. At age 19 I decided to go on depo. I continued taking the shot until I was 22 and got back on the pill. Everything was pretty normal the first time returning to the pill. Seven months later I got back on the shot. I am now considering having a baby with my husband and am coming off the injections again after year of receiving the depo shot. I am supposed to start the pill again in 2 weeks to regulate my body more quickly.
I have been in the most horrible mood for the past 2 weeks and figured it was just the lack of hormones since the next injection time is coming up (which I have already said I won't be taking). I actually was curious to see if anyone else had experienced anything like this. I keep telling my husband I need to bleed this evil out. LOL. I haven't had a period since Feb. and it is now June. Since reading everyone's messages I have actually started wondering about some of my psychological conditions. I noticed about 6 months ago the incredible amount of hair I was losing when I took a shower. I attributed it to the medicine that I am taking for my manic depression. The crazy thing is that my bipolar disorder was never really out of control until I was about 19 (when I first began taking the depo injections). After reading these articles I am wondering if my condition wasn't aggrivated by the depo shot. Is there anyone who might be able to comment on this who has a similar disorder. My psychiatrist knows what type of BC I am/was on and had never mentioned any adverse effects to me that it might have with my condition. I am going in to see him in another week and plan to ask him but any information or comments from anyone who might be able to shed some light on this subject are welcome and appreciated. Please email me at Sherriebug54@yahoo.com. Just coin the subject DEPO.

Thanks...
Sherrie

-- posted by Sherriebug54

Top 393. Jun 7, 2006 9:39 PM

» veronykah - Re: cramps

In response to Re: cramps posted by ljohnson247:

I have to add my experience on Depo, since everything I have read here has been negative. I am 27 years old and have been on Depo since I was 17. No period for 10 years! I can say I love it.
I also was told about the black box warning and went to have a bone density test. I got the big time, hip bone scan in the hospital and it came back absolutely NORMAL. Apparently not everyone deals with bone thinning from this drug.
I am not saying to not be cautious, but any time you are dealing with a medication there are side affects, however, they don't affect everyone the same.
If you are on depo, get a bone scan and if you are fine DRINK YOUR MILK and enjoy not having your period!

-- posted by veronykah

Top 394. Jun 27, 2006 2:21 AM

» marymo - Depo-Provera and Teen Depression

In response to Depo-Provera and Teen Depression posted by KLutz461:

Kirsten, I am reading your message and am really concerned about how depo is being used, for starters it was only supposed to be liscensed for use on people who were mentally retarded and drug addicts. Check out this link I found it when I looked up depo and dogs, as I was trying to find out how I was prescribed something that they stopped using on dogs in 1973 because of the high incidence of cancer.
http://www.lifeissues.net/writers/kah/ka...
Never mind trying to get Depo off the market we should all be asking how it got out of the lab in the first place???

With regard your mood swings and I don't mean to scare you. I was 17 when they put me on it, and I started to have mood swings, but I stayed on the medicine because I thought that I had to ( long story). After I went off depo I went on a progestin only pill. After I came off the pill, I developed bipolar disorder, that is severe mood swings, I didn't know what was going on, the doctors told me that it was not because of the depo but I did some research. It is well known that depo causes mood swings, it is on the packet, check out this page and the part on neurosteroids: : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progesterone
Take care of yourself,
MD

-- posted by marymo

Top 395. Jun 27, 2006 3:36 AM

» marymo - my story

In response to my story posted by kenisha985:

I can not believe that you were a minor, what doctor prescribed that drug to you and why? Are you in the USA, If I were you I would go to the department of social services and tell them what happened. You are still a minor somebody should act in your interest. It was not in your interest to administer a drug to you that they stopped giving to dogs in 1973. Especially with all of the side effects that there are with depo. there is no antidote to depo. Why did they say they were administering the drug to you in the first place? Were your parents involved?

-- posted by marymo

Top 396. Jun 27, 2006 3:45 AM

» marymo - depovera

In response to depovera posted by zkitten:

You feel less spazzy and manic because the depo is a progestin which is a neurosteroid, it works in much the same way as lithium or valporic acid, on the GSK 3 Beta pathways in the brain, it acts as an inhibitor.
You try being a person who is not manic depressive being on a drug that does this to you, think of what it must be like to all of a sudden feel like a manic depressive because of the mood swings and agression???
Tell me what was your manic depression like when you came off the Depo???
MD

-- posted by marymo

Top 397. Jun 27, 2006 3:53 AM

» marymo - Re: Double Vision Depo!

In response to Re: Double Vision Depo! posted by k_c_diva:

There is no antidote to Depo Provera, Once it is in the blood stream there is no way back. It can take 4months - 30 months for the progestins to be completely out of your blood stream. Dizzyness and blurred vision is listed as one of the side effects, but I bet you were one of the ones just like me who was not informed of any side effects until after it was administered.

-- posted by marymo