I have had bone density scans, blood tests, and x-rays over the past few months, and have found out that due to the length of time I have been taking Depo - I have lost AN INCH in height - making my hips and knees mis-align, and very prone to fractures in both my hands and foot.

I have just been to Podiatry Department at the hospital, where I was seen by Biometrics, and have to wear plastic insoles for the next 6 weeks until my rheumatology appointment, to help me re-balance myself, due to my bone shrinkage.

At the time of my 1st injection, I was not made aware of ANY side effects linked to taking Depo and bone loss, nor have I been made aware of them since, other than about 2 months ago when I moved house and changed GP surgeries, to a Walk-In Centre! I have since however read various articles on the net and discovered that the manufacturer of the Depo has recommended Black Box Warning be put on packets of Depo, warning of the side effects linked with taking Depo - this was back in 2004!! However, we do not have access to the Depo - only the GP themselves who administer it. It was also mentioned that Depo be used as a temporary contraceptive to be used for only 2 years, and then reviewed.

I feel really cheated by my GP, as had I been made aware of those side effects earlier, I would have taken other contraceptive methods, which there is no medical reason why I couldn't.

I have since come off the Depo injection, and I am currently back on the Pill. I have been told that the calcium can return to the bones over time, but not guaranteed, and the effects could be irreversible.

I just want to know if anyone is accountable for this lack of information, and misleading patients into believing that this method is 'safe', and just exactly how many young women are suffering like me?

Thank you

I am considering my legal position regarding the Depo Injection.  I am 43 years old and have no family history of OP, I was not and am not anorexic, I eat a healthy diet, my BMI puts me as needing to loose a bit of weight but has never been low and during my life I have taken regular exercise (perhaps in bouts).  I was diagnosed in August 2010 with OP -3 in lower lumbar (spine) and -2.5 in my hips.  I was given little advice from my GP other than to take Alendronic Acid and Calcichew D3 for, well, forever.  Have been told it is probably due to the Depo Injection.  I had Depo for about 7 years however inbetween that time I had five years off (probably four years on, five off and then three on).  My first Depo jab would have been when I was about 30 years old.  Im sure at times I might have been told of the risks but when reeled off with the list of other side effects it never seemed serious, when you're young it is only the short term implications you think about and OP from Depo doesnt just occur overnight it occurs over the longterm.  I was never given the leaflet that comes inside the box.  To read now (I think since 2004) that there has to be a "black box" warning on the side of the packs and a special Dr's leaflet is too late for me, and I was never offered a Dexa scan after two years, which apparently you should be offered.  I was the one that asked about OP risks and was given a blood test which showed low Est levels, then sent for a scan as "a good idea".  I now have to pay for the medication until further notice, doubt that life insurance policies will cover me on OP etc etc and I am supposed to just get on with it.  I believe someone is to blame whether it is the manufacturer or the Dr's.  Just as recent as yesterday was told by the GP that AAcid is bascially the dishwasher limsecale remover!  I have constant lower back pain, my job in the City is sitting at a computer and my joints ache when I move from the chair (like Im an old lady) and the Dr says it is muscle degeneration - how can that be when I am a mobile young 43 year old? 

Im ranting I know, but my point is someone is to blame.  I believe I would not have OP if it were not for the Depo. I was not given the correct advice on Depo and OP and for my care whilst on Depo.  Is it the manufacturer or the Dr?  Does any else feel this way?  What was the result in the US case?  I don't just want a case for better warnings on packets and Dr's but some recognition of the expense this has and will continue to my life and my bank balance.

Angry MBurne01!

Just been reading about young people with osteoporosis & thought I'd share some of the information:

For pre-menopausal women, its a good idea to check that treatment is appropriate for your age group as some drugs are only tested on post-menopausal women. Bisphosphonates can stay in the body for up to 10 years so should be used with caution in young women.  "Bisphosphonates may cross the placenta and the concern is that they could cause abnormalities in the skeleton of a baby should the woman become pregnant"

If you are young with osteoporosis its doubtful whether osteoporotic drug treatment is appropriate,   as the risk of breaking a bone is low, and as bisphosphonates cant be taken indefinitely, to take them now would limit choices of drug treatment later.  Instead you should forus on nutritional & exercise recommendations & have bones regularly monitored.  .

However, if you are young & already suffered low-trauma fracture bisphosphonates could be useful in preventing another fracture - but you would need to avoid pregnancy while taking them.

If you already have osteoporosis the best medication around seems to be strontium ranelate.  It carries few side effects & seems to be producing better-quality bone - which makes it one up on the drugs (bisphosphonates) that merely stop bone loss.

All this is directly from the book "Osteoporosis" by Dr. Marilyn Glenville - its very good.

I'm really sorry to hear all you developing osteoporosis seemly after taking Depo P. at such young ages.

i'm also 29 and have just been diagnosed (T score in back of -2.4 following DEXA scan).  I was on the depo for 8 years and feel so frustrated as I was never told of the risks.  I always shared that my nan had osteoporosis, but they always said that was probably due to her age.  Anyway, my mum found out she had osteopenia 5 years ago that has now developed into osteporosis within 5 years - she is only 56 years old..

Have you seen a consultant, or been given any advice?  I've got calcium and vit d suppliments from the doctor and said i should be re-scanned in 2 years. I've pushed to see a consultant so i'll let you know how I get on.

Take care,

Louise