POPLINE Document Number: 120198
Author(s):
Griffin JP
Source citation:
ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AND TOXICOLOGICAL REVIEWS, 1996 Mar;15(1):5-7.
Abstract:
In October 1995, all physicians in the UK were notified by the Chairman of the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) of the substantially increased risk of venous thromboembolism associated with use of third-generation oral contraceptives (OCs) containing desogestrel or gestodene. At the time the CSM contacted physicians, none of the studies substantiating this risk was published; moreover, the CSM advice was reported in the mass media before physicians received their letters, creating considerable anger in the medical profession. Once the studies on which the CSM action was based were available, the British Medical Association concurred with the recommendation. Of concern, however, is the contrast between the UK Medicines Control Agency's regulatory action on grounds of safety against these third-generation OCs and the Department of Health's inertia regarding the even more hazardous risk posed by young women's smoking.
Keywords:
EnglandIndex page
Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
Desogestrel
Gestodene
Thrombosis
Government Agencies
Contraceptive Methods
Side Effects
United Kingdom
Europe, Western
Europe
Developed Countries
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health
Contraceptive Agents, Progestin
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents
Contraception
Family Planning
Thromboembolism
Embolism
Vascular Diseases
Diseases
Organizations
Treatment