There’s no question that women deserve to make the best, most informed decisions when it comes to their bodies. This is especially true when talking about the choice of birth control. However, due to Depo-Provera’s lack of transparency on their warning labels, women around the world are suffering from severe, life-altering side effects.
Depo-Provera is a widely used injectable contraceptive. Many women in the United States have been using it since its FDA approval in 1992. Women loved the convenience it brought to the table, given that users only need one shot every three months to maintain its effectiveness.
Unfortunately, the story of Depo-Provera does not come with a happy ending. The contraceptive was put in the hot seat following the publication of a study in the British Medical Journal. This paper reveals how prolonged use of Depo-Provera can possibly lead to the development of meningiomas. This was big news because Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, did not disclose such information on their warning labels.
Hearing about the adverse effects of Depo-Provera can be frightening, but it's necessary. Women should know about what Pfizer failed to put on their warning labels. Pharmaceutical companies should be held responsible and accountable for the harm they have caused. It's time for these companies to prioritize the safety of their products and the transparency of their safety warning labels.
Deciding to be on birth control is already a difficult choice. Let's not make choosing a brand or type of birth control even harder. Women are entitled to fully know about the pros and cons of their contraceptives. At the end of the day, no one should have to make a decision in the dark, especially when it comes to one's health.