Health authorities are reinforcing the warnings and contraindications of this essential treatment for many women.
European health authorities issued an alert on July 15 about a drug associated with an increased risk of meningioma. Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). “In general, they are not cancerous and grow slowly, but, depending on their size or location, they can cause serious problems” specify the experts. The risk of tumor increases with the duration of use of the treatment, especially beyond one year.
What is the medicine in question? Desogestrel, a hormone from the progestogen family present in certain contraceptive pills such as Cerazette, Optimizette, Antigone, Elfasette and their generics. The French EPI-PHARE study which served as the basis for this alert indicates that around 1.3 million women use desogestrel in France. Etonogestrel (a hormone from the same family) is also affected by the alert on the risk of meningioma. It is used in contraceptive implants like Nexplanon and some vaginal rings. The chance of developing a meningioma when taking one of these medications is one in 67,300 women. “very weak” according to the authorities.
The symptoms should alert
Women taking one of these contraceptives should be alert for certain symptoms that may suggest a meningioma. These include vision problems, decreased hearing or ringing in the ears, loss of sense of smell, worsening headaches, memory problems, seizures or weakness in an arm or leg. If these signs appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Women who have already taken certain progestins known to promote the appearance of meningiomas, such as cyproterone, nomegestrol, medroxyprogesterone or chlormadinone are even more at risk.
In light of new data, health authorities are strengthening precautions for use. Contraceptives containing desogestrel or etonogestrel are now contraindicated in women who have a meningioma or who have already been treated for this tumor. If a meningioma is diagnosed in a woman receiving desogestrel or etonogestrel, use of the drug should be discontinued.
