Birth control, especially the decision of the kind of birth control one uses, is an important consideration in a woman’s life. Many women prefer the pill contraceptive, but like all prescriptions, there is the risk of side effects.
One of the primary risks with oral birth control is the development of blood clots. While it has been known for some time that oral birth control medication can cause blood clots, the risk is thought to be low.
A recent study indicates that a woman on oral contraceptives is about three times more likely to develop blood clots compared to women who did not take birth control pills.
The risk seemed to be higher for women who were taking newer versions the hormone progestogen. Included in the heightened risk are birth control pills that contain drospirenone, gestodene, and cyproterone. Older versions of the hormone, such as levonorgestrel and norethisterone performed better.
How do you know if your birth control contains the ingredients that might be more harmful? Drospirenone and desogestrel are both approved for use in the United States. They can also be used in conjunction with other ingredients.
Gestodene and cyproterone are currently not approved for use in the United States.
The oral contraceptives that contain Drospirenone include: Angeliq, Loryna, Yaela,Yasmin, and Yaz. Other pills also contain this ingredient.
The pills that contain Desogestrel include: Cyclessa, Emoquette, Ortho-Cept, and Viorele. Other pills also contain this ingredient.
If you have questions or concerns about your birth control medication, contact your doctor or gynecologist.
If you have suffered an adverse health event or injury that you believe is related to taking oral contraceptives, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the “Strong Arm” attorneys at the law offices of John Foy & Associates for a consultation. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.