Women Who Take This Contraceptive Pill Should Consult a Neurologist

Which contraceptive pill to choose?

This is a big choice, since there are so many different types on the contraceptive pill market, some of which are controversial. After the huge scandal surrounding the Diane-35 pill a few years ago, now another pill is causing concern.

In June, a drug safety agency published a warning concerning two types of pills, as well as their generic brands – luteran and lutenyl – which could have an impact on the risk of contracting a meningioma, a brain tumour.

20 Minutes took a close look at the issue by interviewing Isabelle Yoldjian, head of the gynaecology department of the ANSM.

A patient who takes these treatments for more than six months "is approximately 3.3 times more likely to develop this disease than a woman who does not take it." This is cause for alarm.

Developing a meningioma, a benign brain tumour, is not systematic. However, it is important to be aware of this risk in order to limit it. Women who have been taking this treatment for many years should check that they do not have neurological symptoms.

Explains the expert, before reminding that some patients should consult a neurologist:

If this is the case, or if they are over 35 years of age and have been taking these drugs for more than five years, health care professionals should offer to perform brain imaging.

Other drugs causing concern?

These so-called ‘progestin-only’ pills pose a problem, but will the scientific community detect other high-risk drugs? Isabelle Yoldjian explains:

ANSM continues to be vigilant with progestin pills, because there are others, as well as progestin-based IUDs. As soon as we are interested in a product, we investigate the whole family…

To be continued... In the meantime, if you are taking these disputed treatments, consult your gynaecologist or GP.