French health authorities issued a warning on Thursday to 1.6 million women about possible serious side effects linked to certain contraceptive pills. Specifically, these pills may slightly increase the risk of meningiomas, a type of tumour affecting the membrane covering the brain. Luxembourg's Health Ministry stated that it continues to consider the benefits of these medications greater than the potential risks.
The warning concerns contraceptive pills containing desogestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone found in so-called mini-pills that do not contain oestrogen, unlike combined pills. In France, both affected women and doctors who prescribe these pills have been notified by the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) that there is a higher risk of developing a brain membrane tumour while taking desogestrel-based contraception.
Although this risk remains low, French authorities advise anyone experiencing persistent headaches, vision problems, muscle weakness, difficulties with balance or speech, memory loss, or new or worsening epileptic seizures to consult their doctor, who may then recommend an MRI scan.
Current estimates suggest that one in 67,000 women taking desogestrel-based contraceptives may be affected by this side effect. After five years of use, the risk increases to one in 17,000.
However, one year after discontinuing the medication, the risk returns to baseline levels. The risk is higher for women over 45 and for those who have previously used other forms of progestogen-based contraception, where the overall risk is even greater than with desogestrel.
In its written response to RTL, the Luxembourg Health Ministry explained that the Pharmacovigilance Department of the Division of Pharmacy and Medicines had already evaluated, validated, and communicated relevant information from pharmaceutical companies to healthcare professionals in July and August of this year.
The Ministry added that further analysis is currently underway at the European Medicines Agency, and no additional measures have been decided at this stage. Luxembourg's authorities will continue to follow European recommendations.
The Ministry also stressed that the risk remains low and that meningioma is a rare disease. It advises against discontinuing hormonal contraception without medical supervision, and recommends discussing any concerns directly with a doctor or pharmacist.
When used as intended, the Ministry concludes, the benefits of desogestrel-based contraceptives outweigh the risks.
