Effect of 1995 pill scare on rates of venous thromboembolism among women taking combined oral contraceptives: analysis of general practice research database.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the incidence of venous thromboembolism among women taking combined oral contraceptives before and after the October 1995 pill scare.


METHODS
Analysis of General Practice Research Database.


METHODS
United Kingdom, January 1993 to December 1998.


METHODS
Women aged 15-49 taking combined oral contraceptives.


METHODS
Incidence of venous thromboembolism.


RESULTS
Use of so called "third generation" combined oral contraceptives fell from 53% during January 1993 to October 1995 to 14% during November 1995 to December 1998. There was no significant change in the incidence of venous thromboembolism between the two periods after age was adjusted for (incidence ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.39).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings are not compatible with the assertion that third generation oral contraceptives are associated with a twofold increase in risk of venous thromboembolism compared with older progestogens.
Farmer
R D
RD
Pharmacoepidemiology and Public Health, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7DJ. rfarmer@surrey.ac.uk
Williams
T J
TJ
Simpson
E L
EL
Nightingale
A L
AL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined