Pfizer's Depo gets black box warning for bone loss

Bone loss could be permanent, contraceptive maker warns [Globe and Mail]

Sunday, Nov 21, 2004

Women using the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera can lose significant bone mineral density, damage that may be irreversible and puts them at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, the drug's maker is warning.

In a letter being sent to health professionals who prescribe the drug, Dr. Bernard Prigent, medical director of Pfizer Canada Inc., said "bone loss is greater with increasing duration and may not be completely reversible."

He said the company is conducting further research on the drug's effect, particularly on adolescents, and is negotiating with regulators on how to improve labelling and warnings about the health risks.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Depo-Provera will now feature a "black box" warning, its strongest. The warning says women should use the contraceptive only over the short term and consider long-term use only if other birth-control methods are inadequate. [...]

I'm surprised this story hasn't received more attention in the US media. Google reveals that the Associated Press ran a bone loss black box story last week, but everyone seems to have been too preoccupied with Vioxx, Crestor, and the general decrepitude of the FDA to notice.

Comments

[Mark Zimmerman]

As a veterinarian, I consider depo-provera too risky for cats and dogs, let alone humans.

[ron gardner bvm&s.mrcvs. Veterinary Surgeon]

Perlutex-- depo-provera--- tablets or injection..I used perlutex on cats, and relatively young cats, for their whole lives, 12mths to 10-11 years, I then neutered them and still have several of the neuters happy and solid and content.
Perlutex stopped a couple of years ago and on the drug companies advice use depo provera tabs,,,, Results as good as ever .. cats are controlled , use 2.5 mgm mon and thursday .. stop and allow one season before mating and see results on ,www.exoticshorthairsonthelea.com ..all females over 9-10 lbs [ 4-5 kilo] and happy and healthy, as they have been since 1980ish!! The uterine hornes removed have been examined with care on every occasion .. PROBLEMS --- NIL

I still prescribe them with the cascade advice and warning on humane drug use - but compared to ovarid there is no contest..
I would support this method of season control 100%