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  • Title: Injectable contraceptives: safe and effective.
    Journal: IPPF Med Bull; 1982 Feb; 16(1):3-4. PubMed ID: 12264296.
    Abstract:
    The Second Asian Regional Workshop on Injectable Contraceptives held in Thailand in November 1981 discussed many scientific aspects of the use of injectable contraceptives, including depot medroxyprogesterone acetate--Depo-Provera (DMPA), norethisterone oenanthate--Norigest (Net-Oen), and newer techniques such as microcapsules and subdermal implants. Injectable contraceptives are applicable for use in both developed and developing countries because they are highly effective, safe, and can be made readily available especially in areas where couples may not have access to other similarly effective methods. Injectables act primarily by temporary inhibition of ovulation. Menstrual disturbances may occur but do not pose health hazards. Delay in return of regular menstrual periods and fertility following discontinuation of DMPA averages about 6 months; the delay is somewhat less for Net-Oen. Side effects are minor and there are no observed clinically significant hormonal or metabolic disturbances. Lactation is not affected and inadvertent administration in pregnant women does not cause congenital abnormalities in the offspring. The long duration of action frees women from the responsibility of pill taking. There has never been any mortality or serious morbidity associated with DMPA and Net-Oen, and there are very few contraindications to their use. The carcinogenic potential in humans have never been established. On the contrary, DMPA may even have a protective effect against endometrial cancer, as it is used to treat this disease. DMPA is currently being used in more than 80 developed and developing countries, but not in the U.S. The ban in the U.S. has caused undue concern among women and health care professionals in developing countries, and has resulted in international criticism that the U.S. practices a "double standard" and that drugs are being "dumped" in unsuspecting Third World countries. The Workshop recommends that continued research and surveillance be carried out to monitor the long-term safety of these drugs. The Workshop members endorse injectable contraceptives as safe and effective and recommend that they be made available to all women.
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