French Medical Agency Warns of Low Meningioma Risk in Contraceptives

The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety has issued an alert regarding desogestrel-based contraceptive pills. These progestin-only pills, along with combined estrogen-progestin options, each account for nearly half of the contraceptives used in France.

A recent study confirmed a low additional risk of meningioma in women taking desogestrel for prolonged periods. The risk is notably higher after age 45 and among those who previously used risky progestins like Androcur, Lutényl, or Lutéran.

“In no case is this contraception called into question.”

Medical Director Isabelle Yoldjian stated that the agency is writing to approximately 1.6 million women to inform them of the findings. However, she emphasized that this contraception method is not being called into question.

Health professionals stress that the overall benefit-risk balance remains extremely favorable. Beyond preventing unwanted pregnancies, these pills help relieve endometriosis pain and offer protection against certain cancers.

Isabelle Derrendinger, president of the National Council of the Order of Midwives, noted that the alert highlights a historical deficiency in scientific data concerning women's health.