We've had discussions about Depo-Provera here before, and it seems that many women do experience weight gain and difficulty losing while on it. But there are also many others who have no problems at all.
I've posted this info. previously, but I'll put it here again for new readers:
Note: these adverse effects may be experienced by
some but not all women.
- Spotting and breakthrough bleeding
- Weight gain - Weight gain often exceeds 3 pounds
Weight gain may be persistent and excessive
Depo Provera may not be best option for obese patient
- Future fertility concerns - Fertility returns 7-12 months after last Depo Provera. Infertility beyond 12 months should be evaluated
- Adverse Lipid Effects - Lowers HDL (the "good" cholstrl) - Raises LDL (the "bad" cholstrl) and total cholesterol. No change in triglycerides. Avoid use in Coronary artery disease. Avoid use in Hyperlipidemia
- Bone density - Decreased bone density with over 5 years Depo Provera. Bone changes may not be reversible. Careful with use in adolescents. Maximize daily calcium intake to 1500 mg
- Headache
- Libido change
- Depressed mood
- Alopecia (hair loss)
You might want to check out this
Warnings and Precautions page at Rxlist.
Apparently there is also some screw-up with glucose tolerance, and advise for caution with diabetes and blood sugar management.
Here's the official Depo-Provera webpage -
http://www.depo-provera.com/ - check out the "prescribing information", it's in PDF format, so you need Adobe Reader to view it.
Here's an article from
Women'sHealthClinic.org about Depo being approved by the FDA; especially check out this interesting section, titled
The Next Steps.
As for going off depo, according to the prescribing information from the official webpage, the drug level stays at a fairly constant peak in your system for about 3 weeks after the last injection then begins to drop off -- the half-life is 50 days. But it can take anywhere from 120 to 200 days for it to be completely cleared from your body.
Again .. not all women will have negative side effects, but it seems that many do experience at least one or two. Definitely talk to your dr. if you have any questions.
hth,
Doreen