While the mistrust around pills 3e generation led to a drop in pharmacy sales, some contraceptive patches will they meet the same fate? The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) warns of a risk of thrombosis associated with the EVRA patch 2 times greater than that of a combined contraceptive of 2e generation.
EVRA is a patch indicated for the contraception of women between 18 and 45 years old. It is a combined contraceptive, that is to say that combines an estrogen and a progestogen, recalls the ANSM. This patch is replaced every 7 days for 21 days out of 28.
The risk of venous thrombosis was observed after an analysis carried out by the European Medicines Agency. Even if venous thrombosis with EVRA remains rare, the national health agency relies on the precautionary principle. It recommends that healthcare professionals give preference to the prescription of 1st and 2nd generation combined oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel instead of the EVRA patch, “when combined hormonal contraception has been chosen”.
The ANSM also asks doctors to “look for the risk factors [tabagisme, hypertension artérielle, cholestérol], in particular of thrombosis, during any prescription of a combined contraception to a new user “.
Health professionals are also required to inform women of the risk of thrombosis and alert them to any suggestive signs that should prompt them to seek medical attention quickly.
