Abstract
Context
Depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (Depo Provera��) is a long-acting contraceptive
popular in the United Kingdom, particularly among young women. In the United States,
use of DMPA has been instrumental in reducing teenage pregnancy rates. Evidence for
a detrimental effect of DMPA on bone mineral density led to advice from drug regulatory
authorities in the United Kingdom and the United States, recommending caution in prescribing
DMPA, particularly for young people.
Objective
The study was conducted to explore changes in practice in response to prescribing
advice about DMPA among primary care doctors and nurses working in the UK.
Methods
A self-completed questionnaire sent to 420 primary care health professionals.
Results
In response to the advice, 16% of practitioners would deter all women, and one third
would deter young women, from using DMPA.One in five practitioners would limit use
of DMPA to 2 years. Fewer than one in 10 would suggest contraceptive implants as an
alternative contraceptive.
Conclusions
The response of primary care professionals in their prescribing advice about DMPA
risks increasing rates of unintended pregnancy in the UK, particularly among teenagers.
The findings demonstrate an urgent need for a clear, balanced approach to advising
health professionals on how to respond to new findings about adverse effects of contraceptives.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 26, 2007
Accepted:
March 29,
2007
Received in revised form:
March 29,
2007
Received:
March 9,
2007
Footnotes
���This study was funded by the Nuffield Foundation.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
