November 17, 2004: FDA Order "Black Box" Warning for Depo-Provera
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the addition of a "black box" warning to the labeling of Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection. The label warns Depo-Provera users that prolonged use may result in the loss of bone density, and that this loss may be greater the longer the drug is administered. This bone density loss may not be completely reversible after discontinuation of Depo-Provera use. The warning goes on to state that a woman should only use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection as a long-term birth control method (e.g., longer than two years) if other birth control methods prove inadequate. More information: 11/17/04 FDA Alert.

August 23, 2004: Depo-Provera Increases Risk of Sexually-Transmitted Infections
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Depo-Provera increases a woman's risk of acquiring the sexually transmitted infections chlamydia and gonorrhea. The risk is approximately three times greater for Depo-Provera users, compared with women who do not use a hormonal contraceptive. Although the study was unable to determine why Depo-Provera use causes this increased risk, it is recommended that sexually active women who are not in mutually monogamous relationships undergo proper counseling when using this contraceptive. Click here to read more from the NIH.