§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence has been submitted to the Committee on Safety of Medicines on the safety aspects of Depo Provera in the past year; and whether this casts doubt on its usage.
§ Dr. VaughanI understand that the Committee on Safety of Medicines received four yellow card reports of adverse reactions associated with Depo Provera in the 12 months ended 4 February 1981—the latest date for which figures are readily available. These reports do not suggest any significant hazard to patients treated with Depo Provera in accordance with the indications for use for which the product is currently licensed.
I cannot comment on data submitted to the licensing authority in support of an application for a licence for long-term contraceptive use of the product since this information is treated as confidential.