Now this drug is still prescribed as a viable contraceptive, and whilst it works brilliantly in preventing pregnancy, and in my case also controlling my hormone levels (eostrogen) which were increasing the number of severe migraines I was getting a month (about 8 a month), this injection, carried out quarterly, does in fact have a black box warning........NOT something I was aware of when i was prescribed it by my doctor 3 years ago!
...the black box warning states (ref wikipaedia)
Black box warning
While it has long been known that Depo-Provera causes bone loss, it has recently been discovered that the osteoporotic effects of the injection grow worse the longer Depo-Provera is administered, may remain long after the injections are stopped, and may be irreversible. For these reasons, on November 17, 2004 the United States Food and Drug Administration and Pfizer agreed to put a black box warning on Depo-Provera's label.[34] However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises that the use of Depo-Provera should not be restricted.[35][36]
It is unclear whether the bone density loss associated with Depo-Provera use is reversible, and if so, how completely. Three studies have suggested that bone loss is reversible after the discontinuation of Depo-Provera.[37][38][39] Other studies have suggested that the effect of Depo-Provera use on post-menopausal bone density is minimal,[40] perhaps because Depo users experience less bone loss at menopause.[41] Use after peak bone mass is associated with increased bone turnover but no decrease in bone mineral density.[42] However, as of 2006, no study has directly examined fracture risk in post-menopausal women who have used Depo-Provera; therefore, the risk is unknown.
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