DEPO

Hey ladies, i have been doing a lot of research on this shot because i am considering getting it and i just thought i should let you all know what i found on the pfizer website. It looks like the "pamphlet" that everyone has been talking about in pdf form. It specifically says "Unusually heavy or continuous bleeding is not a usual effect of DEPO-PROVERA Contraceptive Injection and if this happens you should see your health care provider right away." In addition, it says that if you have sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, fainting or any problems with eyesight or speech or severe tenderness beneath the abdominal area you should see your doctor. It seems to me that because these are listed as VERY irregular symptoms, anyone who experiences them should probably stop having the shot. Also, someone mentioned that the normal weight gain on the shot is 10 lbs a year. This is not true; it is actually about 2-4 depending on how long you stay on it. Someone also asked whether it matterred that her first shot was not administered in the first five days of her period. According to this site, that is only done to ensure that the shot is not given while you are pregnant. So I suppose it depends...
I am so sorry that so many of you have had such horrible experiences with the drug, and will definitely take all of that into consideration when I make my choice between birth control methods.
However, I also believe that some people misunderstand the purpose of bulletins such as this one. While it is important as a support group, it is also important to respect everyone`s opinions.
Anyways, thanks so much for everyone`s contributions and I am honestly so sorry that it has put you all through so much.
If anyone would like to see the online "pamphlet" here is the site: http://www.pfizer.com/pfizer/download/ppi_depo_provera_contraceptive.pdf
-chels