Plagued by Distressing Symptoms Following Depo-Provera Shots
Most women experience irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting temporarily (for the first 3 to 6 months). Many women stop having periods altogether after about 12 months. Product information from website 2jan01
Question: I am a 23-year-old female who was prescribed the drug Depo-Provera (Pharmacia & Upjohn) for birth control. Altogether I received three shots, and I regret every one of them.
I didn't notice any side effects until after the second shot. My libido began to decrease, but I continued because I loved not having a period. After the third shot, I noticed an extreme decline in libido (I was disgusted at the thought of sex).
I began sweating more, and my armpits stank. I would stay in the shower for half an hour every day just scrubbing, but I couldn't get rid of the smell.
I was nauseated and having trouble with my skin (acne, dryness, rashes). In the third month of the third shot I started spotting. Now, two months later, I have frequent headaches and am always nauseated and tired with a nonstop period. I have mood swings, and that smell has come back.
I have spoken with many women my age about this drug, and all have had similar problems or worse. Have you heard anything regarding this?Answer: The official package label that comes with Depo-Provera mentions that sometimes heavy or continuous bleeding can occur with this form of contraception. Other side effects listed include headache, decreased libido, nausea, depression, fatigue, dry skin, excessive sweating and body odor. It may take awhile longer for the medicine to work its way out of your body. Women need to know about the risks as well as the benefits before undertaking long-lasting contraception.
Product Information
DEPO-PROVERA is an injection that uses a synthetic version of the hormone, progesterone (like the birth control pill), to prevent pregnancy. However, DEPO-PROVERA does not contain estrogen. You receive the injection from your health care provider. It is given in the buttocks or upper arm.
Like other hormonal birth control methods including the pill, DEPO-PROVERA causes a resting state in your ovaries. Since your ovaries do not release an egg each month, you cannot get pregnant.
What are the most common side effects of DEPO-PROVERA?
Most women experience irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting temporarily (for the first 3 to 6 months). Many women stop having periods altogether after about 12 months. Having your periods stop is not a medical problem. The reason they stop is because DEPO-PROVERA causes a resting state in your ovaries. When your ovaries do not release an egg monthly, the regular monthly growth of the lining of the uterus does not occur, so the menstrual bleeding does not occur. Periods usually return within 6-18 months after you stop taking the injections. You may want your health care provider to explain this in more detail. As with other hormonal contraceptives, some patients on DEPO-PROVERA may experience weight gain. You can help control weight gain with a healthy diet and regular exercise.Are there any other side effects?
Just like with the pill, some women have also reported nervousness, dizziness, stomach discomfort, headache, and fatigue. The use of DEPO-PROVERA may also be associated with a slight decrease in the amount of calcium stored in your bones, which may be considered among the risk factors for the development of osteoporosis.
Ask your doctor.
You should not use DEPO-PROVERA if you think you might be pregnant, if you have had unexplained periods, or if you have breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease or a history of stroke. DEPO-PROVERA doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Before you consider any birth control method, you should discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor or health care provider.
source of product information: http://www.depoprovera.com 22jan01
Pharmacia Earnings Growth - Earning per Share 1990 - 1999
Year Ended: 12/31/95 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98 12/31/99 Revenues n.a. 12,038.00 12,644.00 13,995.00 16,399.00 Net Income n.a. 821.00 407.00 500.00 1,293.00 Figures in millions except earnings per share. U.S. dollars except shares outstanding.
source: Wall Street Journal 22jan01
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