The French medicines agency, known as the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM), has sent a letter to about 1.6 million women who have used a type of contraceptive pill containing a hormone called desogestrel. This hormone is found in several brands, including Antigone, Cerazette, Elfasette, and Optimizette. The letter warns of a rare but documented risk of developing a meningioma, which is a type of tumor that forms in the meninges—the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord. The agency emphasized that the risk is low, but it is important for women to be aware of it. According to a 2024 study by the Epi-Phare scientific group, the risk of developing a meningioma linked to desogestrel is one in 67,000 women after one year of use, and one in 17,000 after five years. This risk doubles after seven years of continuous use but drops significantly after stopping the contraceptive for a year. The risk is higher for women over 45 and those who have previously taken a different progestative (a type of hormone) considered high risk for more than one year. The letter advises women to see a doctor if they experience symptoms such as persistent headaches, vision problems, muscle weakness, balance or speech issues, memory loss, or new or worsened epilepsy. In such cases, a brain imaging scan may be recommended. The risk of meningioma associated with desogestrel is much lower compared to other progestatives such as Androcur, Lutényl, Lutéran, Colprone, and Depo Provera, for which regular brain scans are already recommended. The ANSM emphasized that women should not stop using their contraception without consulting a healthcare professional, as this could lead to unintended pregnancies. They are advised to discuss the issue with their doctor, gynecologist, or midwife during their next routine checkup. In addition to the women who have used desogestrel-based contraceptives, 90,000 doctors who prescribed these pills will also receive a letter. The risk of meningioma will now be included in the product leaflets of these contraceptives, as decided by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) this summer. The ANSM has also created an online FAQ at ansm.sante.fr to provide more information. Women are reminded to review their contraception choices annually with their healthcare provider, based on their current health and personal needs.