Reuters reports that French health regulators intend to stop reimbursement for newer types of birth control pills, over concerns that they cause blood clots.
France’s health ministry said it will stop reimbursing prescription costs of “third-generation” pills such as Bayer’s Yasmin line starting March 31.
According to the report, the health officials took that step after an 18-year-old woman sued Bayer and a French official over a stroke she suffered in 2006 following use of a third-generation contraceptive pill.
Though all birth control pills are associated with a risk of blood clots, the report says a number of studies suggest more recent brands carry a higher risk than older varieties.
And studies have indicated that Bayer’s Yasmin line of oral contraceptives, which contains the compound drospirenone, puts users at up to three times the risk of blood clots compared to other birth control pills on the market. Pills with drospirenone include Yasmin, Yaz, Beyaz and Ocella.
In October, Reuters reports, Bayer announced that it set aside $263 million in the third quarter for Beyaz-related litigation, after agreeing to pay $750 million to settle 3,490 legal claims. Another 3,800 related cases are pending.
In April, U.S. health officials added warnings about increased blood clot risk to the labels on newer birth-control pills.
Patients should consult their doctors before making any changes in their medication. A consultation with a Beyaz lawyer is also important if there are significant injuries while on Beyaz or similar birth control pills.
See the story here:
https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/03/france-contraception-idUSL5E9C31XG20130103
