MeReC Extra 50
The National Prescribing Centre has published MeReC Extra 50 (PDF) which discusses the results of some observational studies of Yasmin® and important advice changes relating to drug interactions with hormonal contraception.
The first section discusses the results of two recent observational studies that identified an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women taking Yasmin®. The relative risk is increased two or three fold but is still lower than the risk of VTE associated with pregnancy. The Drug Safety Update in June also reviewed these findings.
The second section reviews some key changes in the advice from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. They advise that women taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs) no longer require additional contraceptive precautions during or after a course of antibacterials for three weeks or less (except rifabutin and rifampicin). These changes have been covered previously.
Action: Clinicians who prescribe contraceptive pills or who see women prescribed contraceptives will find this information useful and informative.
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