Title: Newer OCs and blood clot risks.

POPLINE Document Number: 308233

Source citation:

Network, 1996 Winter;16(2):28-29.

Abstract:

Recent news reports in Europe and elsewhere have mentioned a possible link between the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) containing the newest formulations of progestins and the development of blood clots. Family Health International recently provided background materials to scientist and health providers worldwide to help clarify this relationship. The following is from a "Question and Answer Sheet circulated by FHI. Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been studied for years. Why have concerns about cardiovascular risks been raised now? A large epidemiological study, designed to gain more information on contraceptive use and cardiovascular disease, has been conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO). While study results are preliminary, some results were published in British newspapers. According to a news release from WHO, these preliminary study results suggest that users of combined oral contraceptives containing estrogen and the newest synthetic progestins, desogestrel and gestodene, appearedto have twice the risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots) than users of pills containing the older progestins, levonorgestrel and norethindrone. (excerpt)

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Recommendations
Clinical Research
Women in Development
Thrombosis
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Safety
Cardiovascular Effects
Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
USAID
Risk Factors
Tobacco Use and Abuse
Research Methodology
Economic Development
Economic Factors
Thromboembolism
Embolism
Vascular Diseases
Diseases
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Safety
Public Health
Health
Physiology
Biology
Government Agencies
Organizations
Political Factors
Sociocultural Factors
Behavior