Health agencies warn of brain tumor risk from certain contraceptives

Health authorities, including the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia (ALIMS), have issued a warning regarding a slightly increased risk of developing meningiomas—a type of brain tumor—in women using certain hormonal contraceptives for longer than one year.

The warning specifically concerns medications containing desogestrel or etonogestrel. In Serbia, Novynette is identified as the only registered medication containing desogestrel. The estimated risk is approximately one additional case of meningioma for every 67,300 women using desogestrel. The risk is noted to be higher for women who have previously used other progestogens known to be linked to meningiomas, such as cyproterone or medroxyprogesterone.

Medical professionals are advised that the use of these drugs is contraindicated for women with a history of meningioma. If a meningioma is diagnosed, the use of desogestrel or etonogestrel must be discontinued immediately. Patients are encouraged to monitor for symptoms such as frequent headaches, vision changes, hearing issues, or memory difficulties.