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Desogestrel contraceptive brain tumor risk

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What changed

2026-08-08 12:53 UTC → 2026-08-28 17:13 UTC · added removed

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has and various national health authorities have issued safety warnings for regarding a rare association between meningioma—a type of brain tumor—and the long-term use of hormonal contraceptives containing desogestrel or etonogestrel, recommending updated product information regarding a rare association with meningioma. etonogestrel. The EMA estimates approximately one additional case per 67,300 long-term users, emphasizing that users. In Serbia, the benefits of contraception generally outweigh Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (ALIMS) has issued its own warning, identifying Novynette as the potential harm. A large observational study of over 92,000 women supported these concerns, finding a modest increase only registered medication in surgically treated meningeal brain tumors among long-term desogestrel users (five years or more). While a direct causal link was not established, French drug-safety the country containing desogestrel. Serbian authorities advised noted that the risk may be higher for women on prolonged who have previously used other progestogens linked to meningiomas, such as cyproterone or medroxyprogesterone. Consequently, these drugs are contraindicated for women with a history of meningioma, and use must be discontinued immediately upon diagnosis. Medical professionals are advised to undergo regular medical monitoring. Further data encourage patients to monitor for symptoms including frequent headaches, vision changes, hearing issues, or memory difficulties. Research indicates that while the risk increases with the duration of use, particularly use—particularly after seven years, but the years—the elevated risk does not appear to persist one year after discontinuing desogestrel. In Croatia, the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (HALMED) has also issued warnings, noting continues to note that desogestrel-containing medications like Novynette are currently remain approved. Separately, concerns remain persist regarding the presence environmental accumulation of the synthetic estrogen ethinyl estradiol in surface waters. The substance is persistent and bio-accumulative, leading to waters, which poses ecological risks such as the feminization of male fish and potential endocrine effects in humans. Although the use of ethinyl estradiol-containing pills is limited in Croatia, the environmental accumulation presents ongoing ecological and health concerns. fish.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-28 17:13 UTC Desogestrel contraceptive brain tumor risk
  2. 2026-08-08 12:53 UTC Desogestrel contraceptive brain tumor risk

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