§ Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department gives any guidance to health authorities about what information on possible side effects should be provided to those patients who are given injectable contraceptives.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeDetails of possible adverse effects of injectable contraceptives are set out in product data sheets supplied to all doctors. Depo-Provera is the294W only injectable preparation currently licensed for long-term use as a contraceptive. Before Depo-Provera is marketed for long-term use, the manufacturers will include in the product literature a reminder to doctors of the importance of patient counselling whenever the product is being considered for long-term use in contraception. They will also produce an information leaflet, to include information on possible side effects, which doctors will be asked to give to patients whenever they prescribe Depo-Provera for long-term use.