Effect of 1995 pill scare on rates of venous thromboembolism among women taking combined oral contraceptives: analysis of General Practice Research Database. Issue 7259 (19th August 2000)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farmer, R D T; Williams, T J; Simpson, E L; Nightingale, A L
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 321:Issue 7259(2000)
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 479
• Publication Date: 2000-08-19
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.321.7259.477
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To compare the incidence of venous thromboembolism among women taking combined oral contraceptives before and after the October 1995 pill scare. Design: Analysis of General Practice Research Database. Setting: United Kingdom, January 1993 to December 1998. Subjects: Women aged 15–49 taking combined oral contraceptives. Main outcome measures: Incidence of venous thromboembolism. Results: Use of so called "third generation" combined oral contraceptives fell from 53% during January 1993 to October 1995 to 14% during November 1995 to December 1998. There was no significant change in the incidence of venous thromboembolism between the two periods after age was adjusted for (incidence ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.39). Conclusions: The findings are not compatible with the assertion that third generation oral contraceptives are associated with a twofold increase in risk of venous thromboembolism compared with older progestogens.