Despite thrombosis risk anti-baby pill is often prescribed

Majority of young women took pills at increased risk of thrombosis
Much of the young women who use birth control pills use 3rd or 4th generation pills. As the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) reports, a recent analysis showed that two out of three of the TK-insured pills users between the ages of 11 and 19 in 2014 took one of the newer drugs. In addition to reliable contraception, these promise a number of other positive effects such as lower menstrual pain and an improved skin appearance. But there may also be unpleasant side effects, because the modern preparations have apparently a much greater risk of thrombosis than previous pills.
Modern anti-baby pill carries comparatively higher risk of thrombosis
Less pain during the period, constant weight and no more pimples: The new 3rd and 4th generation anti-baby pills are no longer just contraceptives, but promise a number of positive additional effects. This seems to convince many young women who want to prevent the pill. As reported by the TK, 62 per cent of the pill users insured at the cash register between the ages of 11 and 19 used one of the newer funds last year. One in six users (6.4 percent) at that age used a combination of the drug drospirenone.

Despite warnings: Especially young women are taking the pill. Picture: animaflora - fotolia

But the new drugs can apparently cause unpleasant side effects. As shown by the "pill report" of the TK, there is a significantly higher risk of thrombosis by taking the preparations than with second-generation pills. According to the report, created by the health insurance company together with the University of Bremen, older preparations containing the synthetic progestin levonorgestrel are just as reliable in preventing them - yet the more modern pills would be regarded as supposedly better and prescribed much more frequently, reports the TK. For today, the preparations would be optimized to this effect, e.g. also to relieve period pains and skin problems. "Now we are seeing that it is being specifically developed to become closer to certain ideals of beauty and to become a lifestyle product," says Professor Petra Thürmann, director of the Philipp Klee Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, according to a statement from the health insurance fund.

Nine to twelve users per 10,000 women affected
Among other things, TK evaluated information from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) as well as various articles for the "Pill Report". The BfArM had already announced in March 2014 that the specialist information on the higher risk of thrombosis of some new pills should be pointed out and manufacturers asked to have products with unclear risk continues to investigate. Previously, a study by the BfArM and other European authorities on the risks of so-called combined oral contraceptives (KOK) had shown that the new generation of drospirenone-containing drugs was associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. According to this, nine to twelve users per person were in these funds
10,000 women, whereas in the case of older preparations only five to seven patients.

Advice especially for younger first-time users important
Accordingly, doctors should pay particular attention to a careful education, if it is young patients due to impure skin, acne or similar. have looked after very specific preparations. "The pill is a reliable and safe medicine for contraception. With different risks and side effects, we want our insured to talk to their doctor and make a conscious decision as to which pills they are taking. Jens Baas, CEO of TK.

Thus, the pharmaceutical industry must also behave according to their responsibilities and adapt their marketing in such a way that not only the advantages of the newer means are emphasized. "Also on the higher risk of thrombosis compared to other pills should be noted. It must be clear that the pill is not a beauty cream for swallowing, but a prescription drug, "Dr. Baas continues.

However, women who are already taking such products should not panic, given the current results. Although thromboses can have life-threatening consequences, they are relatively rare. "However, nobody has to be afraid or rush the pill," explains Professor Dr. med. Gerd Glaeske from the University of Bremen. Women who have just started taking it should go to the gynecologist and discuss everything they need with them. "Anyone who takes a preparation for several years and tolerates well, can address the issue at the next routine appointment," the expert continues.

Pill on the market for more than 50 years
In 1961, Schering launched "Anovlar", the first contraceptive pills preparation on the European market containing 21 coated dragons containing the estrogen ethinylestradiol and progestogen norethisterone. After a short time, the first controversial discussions concerning the new contraceptive pill were triggered, as cases of thrombosis, myocardial infarction and stroke became known after taking the high-dose contraceptives. More than half a century later, the "pill" has become the most widely used contraceptive in the interim, with constant evolution over time. The latest birth control pills contain artificial progestogens, such as gestodene or desogestrel (3rd generation) and drospirenone (4th generation), which promise the popular additional effects. (No)