A hormone shot that protects against pregnancy for up to three months has been recently approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use as a contraceptive. The hormonal drug Depo-Provera has already been available in the United States for two decades as a treatment for kidney and endometrial cancer.
Medical experts say that Depo-Provera has been used by women for contraception for many years, particularly women who for one reason or another could not use the Pill. Until now, the drug has not been an approved substance for contraception, but with the FDA approval, it can now be marketed actively as a contraceptive.
Depo-Provera, like other oral contraceptives, has certain side effects. Studies indicate that 55 percent of Depo-Provera users have no menstrual periods for three months or longer the first year they use the drug. There’s also the likelihood of a slight weight gain, moodiness, depression, and headaches.
The drug is a synthetic version of the natural hormone progesterone. It works by delivering progestin to the bloodstream to stop ovulation. The shots are given four times a year and are effective 96 to 99 percent of the time, according to medical experts. The shots cost about $25 each.
*176\27\8*
