Product News and Recalls

Blood Clot Risk Assessment Lists Birth Control as Risk Factor

The Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis provides a “DVT Risk Assessor” on the organization’s Website to help people gauge their susceptibility to developing these blood clots, which occur when blood clots form in the body’s deeper veins (usually in the legs).

The Risk Assessor asks about factors that have been known to play a role in the formation of blood clots, such as recent surgery, birth control pills, or a family history of blood-clotting disorders.

According to the tool, if a woman takes birth control and has just one or two other risk factors out of about two dozen, then she is a “high risk”, and should talk to a doctor.

While most contraceptives increase the risk of blood clots, a number of studies show that birth control pills with the compound drospirenone, such as Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Ocella, have a considerably higher risk than others on the market. The Assessor tool, however, does not make this distinction, and encourages you to talk to a doctor to receive an individualized assessment. Only a doctor can take into account whether you are taking, for example, Beyaz. The site states: “Remember, only a healthcare professional can decide if you or a loved one is at risk for DVT blood clots. This is a partial list of risk factors. Ask your healthcare professional about other risk factors or conditions that may predispose you to DVT blood clots.”

The Risk Assessor tool is available here: https://www.preventdvt.org/assessment/dvt-risk-assessment.aspx