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Depo Provera associated with doubled bone loss in women starting ARVs

Use of the injectable hormonal contraceptive Depo Provera was associated with a doubling of bone loss in young women starting antiretroviral treatment containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), according to a study presented this week at the 23rd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2020: Virtual).

Previous research has shown that people living with HIV experience accelerated loss of bone density and are at greater risk for osteopenia (low bone mineral density) and osteoporosis (more severe loss of bone density that can lead to fractures).

TDF, the older formulation of tenofovir, is highly effective and considered generally safe, but it can cause loss of bone density in susceptible individuals. Young people whose bones are still developing, as well as older individuals who naturally lose bone density with age, may be at particularly high risk. Other medications can also worsen bone loss.

Dr Flavia Matovu of the Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration in Kampala, Uganda, and colleagues aimed to determine the combined effect on bone mineral density among young women who used both TDF and the widely used injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), also known as Depo Provera.

 

[link url="https://www.aidsmap.com/news/jul-2020/depo-provera-may-worsen-tenofovir-related-bone-loss-young-women"]Full Aidsmap report[/link]

 

[link url="https://iascslide.ctimeetingtech.com/aids2020/attendee/person/419"]Abstract on demand[/link]

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