Osteoporosis caused by steroids and prolonged use of Depo-Provera
Our client was prescribed the contraceptive, Depo-Provera, by her Family Planning Clinic for over 10 years without a sufficiently detailed history being taken; in particular, in relation to her existing risk factors for osteoporosis. Depo-Provera is known to reduce bone mineral density.
In addition, she developed Crohn’s disease and was prescribed corticosteroid treatment by her gastroenterologist, without concurrent bone protection medication which further increased her bone loss. In both scenarios, there was a failure by the health providers to properly assess, advise and monitor the risk of bone density loss.
As a result the failures, our client developed osteoporosis, suffered fractures to her ribs and had a significant future risk of fracture. The case settled without proceedings and damages of £70,000 were received by our client.