Media Centre

Media Advisories

Misleading Depo-Provera Warnings Could Result in Unwanted Pregnancies

Ottawa, Ontario – January 6, 2005 – The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) would like to assure Canadian women that Depo-Provera remains a safe and effective contraception option.

“We are very concerned about the misleading statements on the safety of Depo-Provera that appeared in newspapers across the country in late December 2004. Women should be given accurate and concise medical information. Misinformation can lead to greater risks," says Dr. Gerald Stanimir, President, SOGC.

Reports of adverse reactions to any medication must be interpreted with caution unless the rates of these events are demonstrated to be higher than the rates in women who are not on the medication.

In the case of the Health Canada adverse reaction records on Depo-Provera - the number of instances of bone-loss appears to be small in comparison to the number of Depo-Provera users and indeed small in comparison to the rate of bone loss in women not using Depo-Provera.

"The SOGC reiterates its position that it would like to collaborate with Health Canada to develop a better reporting system on adverse events with contraception medication. Together we can properly keep Canadian women accurately informed on some major health issues," says Dr. Gerald Stanimir.

The recent addition of a "black box" warning on product labelling in the USA stating the possibility of a small amount of bone loss in Depo-Provera users is based on unpublished research data that is impossible to critically evaluate.

"The proper approach is to have the ability to make informed choices on contraception that are based on the best individualized risk/benefit assessment. Misleading information may lead to unplanned pregnancies and social and health risks," explains Dr. Dorothy Shaw, Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia. Canadian women are encouraged to visit www.sexualityandu.ca for a complete guide to the latest in contraception options and to speak with their physician before making any decisions regarding contraception.

About the SOGC

Founded in 1944, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada is comprised of over 2,700 professional members, including gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. A leading authority on reproductive health care, the SOGC produces national guidelines for both public and medical education on important women's health issues. The Society's mission is to promote optimal women's health through leadership, collaboration, education, research and advocacy in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Last Updated April 19, 2007