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Low-dose birth control pills containing desogestrel can greatly increase the risk of potentially fatal blood clots, according to the research of a consumer advocacy group.
While all contraceptive pills are associated with an increase in risk of blood clots, the ones containing desogestrel come with a risk twice as high. This is a side effect of the hormones, progestin and estrogen found in the pills. The blood clots can migrate to the lungs and cause death.
The consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration to get these new “third-generation” pills off the shelf because they cause blood clots in about 30 people out of every 100,000 who take them. This is twice as many as the 15 out of every 100,000 who get blood clots from the older pills, which are just as effective, Public Citizen said.
Not a New Issue
Labels on containers of birth control pills that contain desogestrel already warn of the increased risk of blood clots and other side effects in small print.
In 1995, drug regulators in Britain also issued warnings about the same progestin, which was available there for years before it came to the United States.
After many years of research, and no proven benefit of the new drugs over the older ones, Public Citizen contends it is time to switch back. The older drugs were safer and just as effective.
“FDA will carefully review the petition,” said Susan Cruzan, agency spokeswoman.
Harmed by a Dangerous Drug?
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or death as a result of taking a dangerous drug, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Please contact us today for a free case-evaluation by an experienced defective drug lawyer who will answer your questions and help you determine the best course of action.