Depo Provera Fractures - Unexplained Fractures while on Depo Provera

We have been contacted by many women who have suffered fractures that could not be explained. The common thread — they were all taking Dep Provera.

As a result, we have done a lot of research on this topic, searching the web for information to determine what could be the cause. Here are some interesting things we have found.

• The Journal of Family Planning and Reproduction Health Care. in its July 31, 2005 issue reports of a spinal fracture in a young woman using Depo Provera.

• According to the National Women?s Health Network, Bone Density measurements at the femoral neck persisted to a greater degree in users of Depo Provera. Since the femoral neck is a vulnerable site for hip fracture, continued low BMD at that site might be cause for concern. Some women may have experienced bone loss with no reversal after they stopped using Depo.

• It is unknown if use of Depo Provera during adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion, will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporotic fracture in later life. But it is clear from Pfizer's patents that "in humans, the maximum bone mass occurs between the age of 15 and 40 and is referred to as "peak bone mass." After such peak bone mass age, bone mass begins declining gradually and the mechanical strength of the bone is accordingly reduced. Consequently, when mechanical strength declines to a certain level, the individual is at greater risk of bone fracture. This natural occurrence is called osteoporosis if severe enough to be pathogenic."

• Even Pfizer concedes that "Osteoporosis in the elderly woman is determined by the amount of peak bone mass gained in adolescence leading to adulthood, the premenopausal maintenance of such peak bone mass, and the rate of postmenopausal bone mass loss. Determinants of peak bone mass include genetic, nutritional, weight loading (exercise), and environmental factors. Enhancement of peak bone mass in adolescence is therefore desirable in order to maximize the skeletal mass in order to prevent the development of osteoporosis later in life. Likewise, enhancement of peak bone mass in adolescence for males is also desirable."
  

These may explain the fractures women are having while on Depo Provera. If you want to discuss your fracture case with us, to see if you have a lawsuit, please contact us by filling out our online form or calling 866-761-1385. The inquiry is free.