Risk linked to contraceptive pills

Women using contraceptive pills containing desogestrel received a letter from the National Agency for Medicines Safety (ANSM) indicating a rare risk of developing a meningioma, a type of tumor in the membranes surrounding the brain.

Study highlights increased risk

The ANSM referenced the EPI-PHARE study of 2025, which found a very slight increase in the risk of meningioma among women using oral contraceptives containing desogestrel. The risk was stated as 0.0015%, compared to a 0.35% risk of being involved in a road accident in 2025.

Meningiomas and their characteristics

The study noted a statistical link between prolonged use of desogestrel and the development of meningiomas, which are tumors of the membranes surrounding the brain. In most cases, these tumors are not cancerous and grow very slowly.

Incidence and symptoms

In France, approximately 150 people are diagnosed with meningiomas each year, often discovered incidentally during imaging. Symptoms may include headaches, personality changes, balance issues, or seizures, requiring an MRI in such cases.

Treatment and risk factors

Surgery is the only way to eliminate a meningioma, though simple monitoring may be sufficient in some instances. The presence of progesterone receptors in the meninges may explain the association between certain progestative treatments and meningioma development.

Risk based on duration and age

The risk is particularly low for prolonged use (more than five years, multiplied by 1.7; more than seven years, multiplied by 2) and is more common in women over 45 or those with a history of high-risk progestative treatments.

Medical considerations for prescription

The ANSM emphasized the importance of a detailed medical history, the duration of contraceptive use, and any prior history of meningiomas during prescription. The article also highlighted that the primary risk for women without effective contraception remains the risk of unintended pregnancy, which can have significant social, psychological, and medical consequences.

Benefits of desogestrel-containing pills

The article noted that desogestrel remains a viable option for women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives due to benefits such as the elimination of risks like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke, particularly in smokers, migraine sufferers with aura, or those with cardiovascular risk factors.

Recommendations for users

The article urged women using desogestrel-containing pills who tolerate them well not to stop abruptly without a valid alternative. Instead, it recommended reevaluating contraception with a healthcare provider during the next appointment.