Depro-Provera Increases Osteoporosis Risk

Depro-Provera increases Osteoporosis Risk according to a Health Canada release of July, 2005. The release states further that the longer this drug is used, the greater the risk.

Depo-Provera ® is best known as a birth control drug but it is also used in the treatment of endometriosis and in the treatment of certain types of cancer: endometrial, kidney and some types of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Up until now it has not been listed among the Osteoporosis risk drugs.

Health Canada's public advisory states, "The data indicate that women who use Depo-Provera may lose significant bone mineral density. The longer Depo-Provera is used, the more bone mineral density may be lost. Bone mineral density may not return completely once use of Depo-Provera has been discontinued."

This is important information for all women - especially young women considering birth control alternatives and by women who areconsidering alternative treatments for endometriosis.

What you can do about this Osteoporosis risk.

If, after due consideration, you and your health care provider decide to use Depo-Provera, Health Canada states that "Patients should talk to their doctor about how to reduce the risk of low bone mineral density, and about calcium and vitamin D intake. Patients should be aware that monitoring of bone mineral density with a bone test may be recommended for some users of Depo-Provera."

Source: Depro-Provera users face increased Osteoporosis risk: Health Canada. Written by: ALYSSA SCHWARTZ. See: Depro-Provera Osteoporosis Risk