Third Generation Contraceptive Pills Up Blood Clot Chance Twice: UK Drug Watchdog

Some popular combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) in England should be used cautiously, only after understanding its underlying risks as they create chance of developing fatal blood clots. GPs should explain the reasons behind the warning to their patients that the most popular birth-control tablets such as Yasmin, Femodene and Marvelon pose double the chance of forming blood clots, said the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), UK.

“Careful consideration” to individuals’ risk factors should be kept in mind before recommending the contraceptives, the MHRA, Britain's drug watchdog, told doctors in UK. A person with a history of deep vein thrombosis or very high blood pressure should not use these contraceptives.

It has come to light that these pills lead to 14 deaths a year in France alone.

However, according to a statement by MHRA, “There is no need for anyone who has been using a combined hormonal contraceptive without any problems to stop taking it on the basis of this review.” The statement also added, “Combined hormonal contraceptives are highly effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. They offer substantial benefits and these far outweigh the small risk of serious side effects.”

According to Dr Sarah Branch, deputy director of the MHRA's vigilance and risk management of medicines division, these pills are highly effective and there were more benefits than the risk of formation of blood clots.

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The new contraceptive pills form the third generation and women prefer these as few side effects such as weight gain, headaches are associated with them.

Keeping the warning in mind, Bayer, which manufactures Yasmin and Femodene, said it would now make the warning regarding blood clot more prominent on its packets.

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Source-Medindia