Good afternoon to all. I work as an interpreter for healthcare clinics all across the U.S. via phone. The misinformation and lack of information that is being given to women is absolutely appalling. Next time you need a good come back for a doctor, clinic, neighbor, etc., ask them why the U.S. FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has issued a warning for the use of Depo-Provera. Ask them if they would like to read the letter that Pfizer (the manufacturer) has sent to physicians?
Here are some excerpts. This information can be verified by going to the public websites listed...www.fda.gov & www.pfizer.com (although the Depo information is hidden on Pfizer's site. You have to do a search. I guess they don't want you reading that first thing. In my opinion, an honest caring company would want to protect the public and make sure that everyone gets the information that's needed by putting it on the first page, or at minimum, give a link to the information -- but that wouldn't help their bottom line now would it?).
On November 17, 2004, The FDA stated ... "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announed today that a 'black box' warning, highlighting prolonged use may result in the loss of bone density, will be added to the labeling of Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection (DPCI)..."
"...This bone density loss may not be completely reversible after discontinuation of the drug... Black box warnings are designed to highlight special problems, particularly those that are serious, and to give health care professionals a clear understanding of a potential medical complication associated with a drug...The addition of the black box warning came as a result of the drug manufacturer's and FDA's analysis of data that clarified the drug's long-term effects on bone density."
The Pfizer letter, dated November 18, 2004 says, "Dear Healthcare Professional, Pfirzer Inc would like to inform you of important updated safety informatin for Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection... We now have new clinical data regarding the use of (said injection) and its associated effect on bone mineral density 'BMD'. The data suggest that women who use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection may lose significant BMD."
The Pfizer letter goes on to explain what happens and why this is of utmost concern for younger women.
So ... there you have it. Preliminary studies say "hey guys, there's a major problem with this DRUG." Meanwhile, practitioners keep prescribing it and often do not explain these studies. Shame on them!
So, get the word out to all women even thinking about this drug. Tell them NOT to rely on what they are told, but rather to research the facts for themselves! The information is out there!
Sincerely, Isa
