Allergic to the pills, how about the Depo shot?

Question

Okay. Here's the history. I'm allergic to ALL forms of oral birth control. The nuva-ring and I didn't get along well, and I've been bleeding from it for the past 3 months. I would have stopped using it, but I liked the protection it gives me against pregnancy, even though my partner and I are avid condom users. Anyway, I'm down to almost nothing in the way of contraceptives.
I don't have a positive view on the depo shot, but it seems that's where I'm headed. I'm willing to try it for one month, and if it's terrible, than I just won't use it again.
But I'm worried about having an allergy to it, like it do to the pills. If I take the pills I develop Erythema Nodosum immediately and it takes forever to ago, let alone having a shot that doesn't expire for months, that would be BAD.

Anyway, any advice is nice to have. =)

ps. I'd talk to my doctor, but they're usually willing to only say good thing about medications, and never the bad. I'd rather get advice from PEOPLE. =)

I meant to say I'm willing to try it "once," not for one month. I am aware that it lasts 3 months. =)

Ariel H., what are your reactions to oral contraceptives? I'd message you and ask, but, well, it seems I can't.

I read the list of possible allergic reactions to the shot and erythema nodosum is not listed as it is on the websites for the pill and such...

* http://www.pfizer.com/pfizer/download/uspi_depo_provera_contraceptive.pdf

under adverse reactions it doesn't list the problems I've had, so I'm not sure whether or not I'd react. I guess I'm just going to get a whole bunch of "talk to your doctor" answers, but they'll only say the good stuff and that it's "worth a try"

Answer 1

The shot is horrible. Most people (over 70%) experience significant weight gain. I gained over 40 lbs on it, no matter what I did. Depression, irregular menstrual cycle, hair loss, skin problems, and loss of sex drive are all common side effects. I had constant migranes while on this, too.

The most troubling of all is the effect on bone calcium levels: Depo depletes bone calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis. It is non-reversible, too. Once the damage is done, it can't be undone.

It is effective for 3 months, but it can take between 6-8 months to clear your system. If you have a bad reaction, you are stuck with it that whole time. Just so you know, allergic reactions are fairly common to this, too.

Answer 2

I'm allergic to all oral forms of birth control too. I was on the shot for awhile and I didn't have an allergic reaction. However, I did gain some weight and have episodes of depression. While I was on it, I had to be on an anti-depressant. The weight gain wasn't super horrible for me. The weight went straight to my boobs and brought me up from an A-cup to a C-cup.

However, I probably wouldn't recommend the shot. I would recommend the patch. I didn't have any negatives from using the patch. No reactions whatsoever. The only down side of the patch is that basically it looks like a band-aid. You have to put it on your rear end or your stomach so you have to watch what you wear to the beach or where it's positioned on your body. Generally, you don't want it to look like there's a band-aid on your butt.

Another good thing about the patch is that you put it on once a week for a month. Less often than the pill, but more often then the shot. You'd figure out in the first week, if you were allergic.

Answer 3

what about an IUD? (intra uterine device) Can be placed durring a doctor visit, and good for 7 years. Can be removed if you want to try for a baby. No medicine involved. Has your docor ever mentioned this option to you? Also, about the patch, that someone mentioned earlier. If you are allergic to pills, you probably will have the same reaction to the patch. There are hormones in the patch just like the pill. I know this through personal experience, as I have horrible reactions to the pill, and the patch. Found out the hard way, and it sucked.

Answer 4

seeing as you and your partner are avid condom users, is ther any real need for you to be putting synthetic and potentially harmful hormones into your body? i know there is the protection aspect but there is always the morning after pill if the condom breaks. other than that only 0.5% of children are born when condoms are used correctly so give your body a break and let it get back to normal before you tr anything else.

it could be that the other pills are suitable but that you havent recovered from the reaction from the previous and your body is trying to get used to a different one, yet again, so it causes yet another ad reaction. try the mini pill (POP) as it is normally oestrogen that causes the problems and this contains none of that horrible substance!

good luck!

Answer 5

don't get the shot. if you have bad reactions to all other birth control, the shot will most likely be the same, plus it lasts for 3 months i believe. 3 months with an allergic reaction would suck. ummm, i think you're stuck being ever so careful with condoms.

Answer 6

I wouldn't suggest this for you at all. These shots have similar hormones as oral contraceptives. If you have problems with them, imagine having a shot that will be in your system for months! With a pill, you can just stop taking it. Once you get this shot, thats its, and its in your body until it wears off. I wouldn't risk it especially since you don't get along well with hormanal birth control.

Answer 7

Have you tried ALL the brands of pills that are out?

I would realllllllllllllly not go with depo. Google "depo provera lawsuit" and check the reviews on http://www.rateitall.com and you'll see why. There are so many negative side affects that many many women have suffered while on this shot.

Frankly I'd rather just stick with condoms instead of going with depo provera.