FDA Reviews Birth Control Blood Clot Risk

The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the risk of birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin after multiple studies found that women taking the pills are more likely to develop venous thromboembolism.

Venous thromboembolism refers to blood clots that develop in the deep veins of the legs. According to studies published in BMJ, women aged 15-44 who take pills containing drospirenone—like Bayer-manufactured Yaz and Yasmin—were two to three times more likely to have blood clots than women who take older pills containing the progestin levonorgestrel. Brand names of products containing drospirenone also include Beyaz and Safyral.

European regulators plan to revise prescription information to reflect the new findings. The FDA is currently evaluating the studies to assess the risk of drospirenone-containing birth control pills. In 2009, Yaz was criticized for an advertising campaign that exaggerated the drug’s ability to control premenstrual symptoms and prevent acne. Bayer was required to launch a new campaign that provided correct information about the medication.

The FDA is currently recommending that women who are currently taking a birth control pill containing drospirenone should not stop without first consulting a doctor. Women are advised to be aware of possible symptoms of blood clots, including severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or persistent leg pain.

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