[Decrease in the number of prescriptions for 3rd-generation oral contraceptive pills].
There is still a lot of discussion about the elevated risk of venous thromboembolism from third-generation oral contraceptives compared with the second-generation pills. The guideline for Dutch general practitioners (NHG-standard) has made a choice in favour of second-generation pills. Doubts about the outcomes of this guideline were expressed. In several publications it was stated that this guideline had no impact whatsoever. On the basis of data obtained from a pharmaceutical delivery database, we conclude that these statements are false. Between 1995 and 1999, there was a decline of almost 50% in the number of prescriptions of third-generation oral contraceptives given to young women.
Geijer
R M
RM
Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap, Utrecht.
Rikken
S A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined