Contraceptives May Increase Meningioma Risk

A European Medicines Agency safety committee has identified a small, increased risk of meningioma associated with commonly used contraceptives containing desogestrel and etonogestrel. These tumors usually develop in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The committee advises that women with a current or previous history of meningioma should not use these hormonal contraceptives. Contraceptives with desogestrel are available as oral tablets, while etonogestrel is found in implants and vaginal rings. The risk of developing meningioma appears to increase with longer duration of use. This finding is based on a significant French epidemiological study, and the overall likelihood of developing the tumor remains very low, with an estimated additional case for approximately every 67,300 women using the medications. Product labels will be updated to list meningioma as a side effect of unknown frequency and will include new warnings and contraindications. Healthcare providers are also required to monitor patients taking these medications for symptoms such as vision changes, hearing loss, worsening headaches, and seizures.